Whether you’re just engaged or getting closer to your wedding day, you have so many decisions to make. As you coordinate all the details, you may stumble across an important question: are wedding favors still a thing? The tradition of wedding favors is long-standing, yet some newlyweds choose not to partake in the practice. As you plan and finalize the details of your wedding, there are a few things to consider when it comes to deciding if wedding favors are necessary or not. Read on to learn more about this tradition and find 10 budget-friendly wedding favor ideas if you want to thank your guests in this traditional way!
What are Traditional Wedding Favors?
The tradition of wedding favors dates back to the 16th century, when newlyweds would send their guests home with a small knot made of ribbon and lace to represent their love. As the tradition progressed, candied almonds and bonbonnieres–small porcelain boxes filled with treats–became common gifts from couples to their wedding guests. In more recent history, wedding favors have consisted of candles, wine glasses, or scented soaps often engraved with the couples’ initials and their ceremony date. In 2022 however, they are becoming more creative, quirky, and unique to the couple. But are wedding favors necessary? That is entirely up to you!
Do You Have to Have Favors at a Wedding?
While wedding favors have been a well-known tradition over the years, they are definitely not required and likely not even expected by your guests. This allows you some freedom in choosing what you would like to do. Some couples decide not to have them for various reasons. For example, they can be time-consuming to DIY and costly to purchase, depending on the size of your guest list. On the other hand, some couples enjoy the idea of giving their guests memorabilia to remember their special day. With little to no expectations on the matter, it’s up to you to decide how you want to prioritize this age-old wedding tradition.
3 Ideas that are Even Better than Wedding Favors
As a wedding planner, I’ve attended hundreds of weddings. One thing I notice consistently is that small gifts like this typically get left behind, no matter how thoughtful, cute, or fun they are. But just because you don’t have wedding favors doesn’t mean you can’t do something special for your guests. Here are three unique ideas in place of favors:
- A Small Treat for the Trip Home–Everyone tends to get a little snack-ish at the end of a wedding, so why not send your guests home with a small treat to eat?
- A Donation Made in Your Guests’ Honor–Rather than purchasing wedding favors, use that money to donate to your favorite charity or non-profit organization. Let your guests know that you made the donation in their honor!
- Guest Room Bags–Rather than purchasing a small trinket for every guest, put together thoughtful guest room bags for out-of-town guests who traveled to your wedding. This is a great way to show your appreciation, and you can fill the bags with useful items for them to use during their trip!
Still Stuck on What to Do? Let Us Help!
If you’re ready to plan the wedding of your dreams, whether that includes wedding favors or not, we can help! At Park Avenue Events, we make planning your wedding as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. From helping you manage your budget to finding the perfect wedding favor alternative, we work with you to include all the essential elements desired for your big day. Reach out today to learn more about our wedding planning packages, and start planning your perfect wedding with Park Avenue Events.