Do you need wedding favors? Are wedding favors necessary? And do guests even notice? Let’s discuss it! But first, join the list for the latest to your inbox.
Ah, the wedding checklist: everything you need to do before the big day. You don’t want to forget anything, right?
You scroll down that list, nodding to yourself, making little pencil lines next to the things you’ve already tackled.
But one task on that list is up for debate, often by couples who ask us: are wedding favors necessary?
Sure, favors made it onto the checklist, but does that mean you really need wedding favors?
What if you don’t even want them, or have any idea where to start?
That’s where we come in!
While people generally include favors in their wedding day essentials because, well, that’s tradition! That’s just what you do. Is that really a good reason to do anything? (No.)
So, what’s the scoop: are wedding favors required?
And, really, what is the point of wedding favors?
As simply as possible, a wedding favor is a small gift or token of your appreciation, given to guests at your wedding.
It is often placed on the table and ties into the place settings or is set on a separate table (with a sign, like this) for guests to take one after the reception.
A favor is a classic tradition, one that seems to get even more creative and fun with time. Gone are the inexpensive plastic favors from years ago, replaced by handmade, or DIY, or even custom-made favors your guests will treasure.
We’ll answer these questions in greater depth below, but if you’re just looking for a quick list, here you go!
• Do you need wedding favors?
Wedding favors are not technically required, but there are nice to have.
• Will anyone really notice if you skip them altogether?
If you decide not to give favors and people notice, oh well! It’s your wedding — your budget, spent as you see best.
Furthermore, if you give favors and guests take notice, great: it means you chose an awesome favor that guests find useful or unique!
• How much do favors cost on average?
You can budget anywhere from $1 to $10 per favor. On average, wedding favors cost around $3 each.
• Are wedding favors still a thing?
Yes!
• How many wedding favors do you give?
If giving favors, give them PER PERSON, not per couple.
Now, let’s get a little more in-depth and explore the topic, outlined below. And you be the judge: are wedding favors necessary?
Is It Necessary to Give Wedding Favors?
Technically, there is no rule that states you absolutely must give wedding favors to guests. Of course, we are very particular when it comes to your wedding day: each detail you select should be up to you!
So, long story short, no, wedding favors are not required.
However, IF giving one as a nice gesture to thank guests for coming to the wedding, we think that is a perfect reason to do it. I think wedding favors are a nice touch and shouldn’t be overlooked IF — and only if! — it is something you are interested in doing.
Of course, if you go the route of including favors at your wedding, here are some tips to keep yourself sane. :) The favor game out there is pretty wild, and if you get ahead of yourself, it can take a chunk from your budget.
Keep It Simple
For our wedding, we decided to go simple on wedding favors. Simple is the name of the game for wedding favors.
If I could give you one piece of advice, it is this: don’t overthink it.
Keep it simple, sweetheart. No need to get wild and crazy here. Favors should be easy.
We wanted to include wedding favors in our budget, but we really didn’t want something that guests would have to hold on to forever, or something that would inevitably collect dust. It was important to us to give favors our guests would enjoy.
So, we gave… chocolate bars! People generally like chocolate. Right?
We purchased Hershey bars here in bulk, then tied a small ribbon bow to each one. It was easy, affordable, and, might I add, delicious.
Oh, and there were zero leftovers. :)
How Much Do Wedding Favors Cost on Average?
As a rule of thumb, wedding favors typically cost between $1 to $10 on average, with the typical cost of a wedding favor around $3 each.
You can get cheap wedding favors under $5 or luxury wedding favors like these.
How to Choose a Wedding Favor
You shouldn’t choose a wedding favor based solely on how cheap it is; likewise, don’t select one to show off how expensive it is.
Guests may not find much value in a cheap favor, and likely will look or feel cheap. So, sometimes spending not enough is more of a waste of money than spending just a bit more money on wedding favors.
On the other hand, a luxurious party favor may not be practical or may cost more than it is really worth — and that’s a poor way to spend the budget, too.
Go With Your Gut
Many times, a bridal shower favor or wedding trinket has good intentions, but may not be functional and ends up collecting dust on a shelf.
Ask yourself: what would YOU like to receive as a favor? Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut — and many times, that means something delicious as a take-home treat.
If you need help picking out favors that will make you — and your guests — happy, follow these rules.
Select Wedding Favors Based on These 3 Rules
To choose the best favors for your event, select either:
– something guests can use (make it functional),
– something that ties into your wedding theme (make it memorable), or
– something that is savory or sweet as a take-home gift (make it delicious)
Edible Wedding Favors = Best
We have planned and attended weddings with some of the most creative favors we’ve ever seen.
I swear, every year, these ideas get more and more outrageous, fun, and memorable.
Most of the time, edible favors are the ones that guests adore the most — and are the favors guests take, have zero leftovers, and are the most memorable.
I think these wedding favors tend to be such a huge hit because by the time guests get hungry again near the end of the night, your delightful favors are ready for them to enjoy.
Many guests decide to them on the ride back to the hotel or pack in their bag to enjoy when they are at home. Donuts really hit differently on the drive home!
Edible Favor Suggestions
What are some of the most memorable favors we’ve seen? It varies, but these are a few of the most popular ones. Feel free to click on any of the links below for tips on making your own or where to buy them.
– coffee
– popcorn
– donuts
Functional Favor Ideas
In line with the edible suggestions, functional wedding favors are necessary if giving them at all. You may as well have something that can be used, rather than just a small token or display item that guests likely won’t use.
Here are some examples of tried-and-true wedding favors that guests can use.
– Candles
– Soap
Pashminas and shawls or blankets for guests are extremely popular as favors.
Conclusion
So, you decide: are wedding favors necessary?
Are wedding favors worth it?
I vote YES! But the decision is up to you.
Your wedding, your way is an important thing to remember as you plan. Each detail should be selected to reflect you as a couple.
If you choose favors, remember those three rules: functional, memorable, or delicious.
TL;DR
Wedding favors are not required, but they are nice to have. When in doubt, choose something guests can eat or drink; or, opt for something they can take home that serves a function, like a wine glass or a bottle opener.
Hope it helps!
xo
Emma
