Wedding favors are a small thank-you to guests for celebrating with you. They are also one of the easiest places to spend money on something that gets left on the table at the end of the night. The good news is that favors are entirely optional, and the ones guests remember are usually simple: something to eat, something useful or something that says where you got married.
Do you need favors at all?
No. Many couples skip them and put the money toward food, drinks or entertainment, and few guests notice. You might skip favors if you are already giving welcome bags to out-of-town guests, if your photo booth prints take-home photos, or if you are serving a late-night snack. If you do want favors, keep them in your wedding budget from the start, since a small cost per guest adds up quickly.
How many to order
You can give one favor per guest or one per couple or household. One per household saves money and cuts down on leftovers. Wait until your RSVPs are mostly in before placing a final order, and plan for a few extras for vendors and last-minute guests.
Edible favors
Food and drink favors are the most likely to be enjoyed rather than forgotten:
- Cookies, macarons or mini pies from your bakery, often matched to your cake
- Small jars of local honey, jam or preserves
- Candy, chocolates or a candy bar where guests fill their own bags
- Coffee or tea in small packets from a local roaster
- A late-night snack or to-go treat handed out at the send-off
Check with your venue and caterer before planning edible favors, since some venues restrict outside food. Label anything containing common allergens, such as nuts, and keep chocolate and other heat-sensitive treats out of the sun at summer weddings.
Local North Carolina ideas
A favor from your area gives out-of-town guests a small taste of where you got married. Ideas include:
- Honey, jams or sauces from a local farm or market
- Small-batch coffee from a roaster in your town
- Peanuts, pecans or another snack from a regional producer
- Candles or soaps from a local maker
- Seed packets or tree seedlings for a garden or farm wedding
Shop farmers markets and local shops, or ask your planner for favorite makers in your area.
Useful and practical favors
- Hand fans or sunglasses for outdoor summer ceremonies
- Small blankets or hand warmers for fall and winter evenings
- Bottle openers, coasters or drink koozies
- Lip balm, mini hand sanitizer or bug spray for outdoor weddings
Practical favors can double as comfort items during the day. Our guides to summer weddings and winter weddings have more ideas for keeping guests comfortable.
Donation favors
Instead of a physical favor, some couples make a donation to a cause that matters to them and display a small sign or card telling guests. It costs the same as a favor, nothing gets left behind, and guests often appreciate it.
Personalizing and displaying favors
- Add a simple tag or sticker with your names and date. Your stationer can design tags that match your invitations.
- Avoid putting the date and names on items guests would otherwise use, like mugs or glasses, since many people would rather use plain versions.
- Place favors at each seat so they double as decor, or on a table near the exit with a small sign.
- Use favors as escort cards by attaching a table number tag, which saves on printing.
When to order
Order non-perishable favors about two to three months ahead to allow time for shipping and personalization. Book baked goods with your bakery a few weeks in advance and pick them up or have them delivered close to the wedding. Assign someone to set favors out on the day and to box up leftovers at the end of the night.
When you are ready to plan, you can browse bakeries, stationers and planners, or search the directory by city.