Do You Need Wedding Favors?
- jennalschlager
- Oct 20
- 3 min read
Wedding favors are a small but meaningful detail in the overall celebration. They serve as a thank-you gift to guests and, when chosen thoughtfully, can be a beautiful extension of a couple’s wedding style. But, with countless options out there, from edible treats to handmade keepsakes, it can be hard to know where to start.
The key? Aligning the favor with the overall aesthetic and tone of the day. Whether the wedding is formal and elegant or casual and playful, the right favor should feel intentional – not like an afterthought.
Here’s how couples can match their favors to their wedding style for a cohesive and memorable guest experience.
1. Identify the Core Style of the Wedding
Before shopping for favors, it’s important to define the wedding’s overarching style. This will help filter the options and narrow in on favors that make sense.
Some common wedding styles include:
Romantic: Soft florals, pastels, candlelight
Modern: Sleek lines, minimal design, monochrome palettes
Boho: Earthy tones, natural textures, whimsical details
Rustic: Wood accents, mason jars, cozy charm
Classic/Formal: Black tie, elegant tableware, timeless details
Playful/Colorful: Bold hues, statement decor, fun surprises
Even if the theme isn’t super defined, identifying a few style words (like “vintage,” “coastal,” or “garden party”) can help guide the direction.
2. Choose Favors That Reflect the Mood of the Event
The best wedding favors don’t just match the look of the event; they also fit the feeling. For example, a high-energy, music-filled wedding might call for something fun and unexpected, while a formal dinner reception might be better suited to something elegant and understated.
Examples:
A romantic garden wedding could feature pressed flower bookmarks or mini rosebud soaps.
A rustic barn reception might pair well with small jars of local honey or homemade jam.
A modern rooftop celebration could include custom cocktail kits or minimalist candle tins.
A beach wedding might offer shell-adorned bottle openers or personalized sunglasses.
A destination wedding might include favors that highlight the location, like olive oil from Italy or tea from Sri Lanka.
By keeping the favor in harmony with the overall tone of the day, couples create a more cohesive guest experience.
3. Incorporate Personal Touches Where It Makes Sense
Adding a personalized element, whether it’s custom packaging, a monogram, or a favorite quote, can make even the simplest favor feel special. But personalization should be meaningful, not just decorative.
For example, couples who love hosting brunch might gift mini jars of pancake mix or maple syrup. A pair who loves hiking could share trail mix in custom-labeled pouches. These details not only reflect the couple’s personality, but they also tell a story.
The goal isn’t to brand everything with a name and date, but to find subtle ways to connect the favor to who the couple is and what the day represents.
4. Don’t Forget Functionality and Guest Appeal
No matter how pretty or clever a favor is, if it’s not something guests will actually want, it’s likely to be left behind. Matching favors to the wedding style also means thinking practically: Will guests be traveling? Will they be drinking or dancing? Is it something they can carry home easily?
Crowd-pleasing ideas include:
Edible treats (cookies, candies, or regional snacks)
Small plants or succulents
Useful keepsakes like coasters or bottle stoppers
Wellness items like bath salts or lip balm
Late-night snacks or recovery kits for the next day
When in doubt, edible or consumable items are always a safe bet. They're easy to take, and there’s no risk of them collecting dust at home.
5. Tie the Packaging into the Decor
Favors are often displayed at the entrance, on guest tables, or near the exit, which means they become part of the overall visual experience. Coordinating the packaging with the wedding color palette or theme helps everything feel seamless.
Use materials that match other design elements such as kraft paper for rustic weddings, velvet ribbons for elegant receptions, or acrylic boxes for modern celebrations. Even simple tags or labels with consistent fonts and colors can make a big difference. Think of the favor display as an opportunity to enhance the decor, not distract from it.
Wedding favors may be small, but when thoughtfully chosen, they can make a big impact. Matching favors to the wedding style is about more than appearances; it’s about creating a consistent and meaningful experience for guests from the first toast to the final goodbye.
By considering the tone, setting, and personal story behind the celebration, couples can choose favors that not only look beautiful but also feel genuine and appreciated. After all, the best favors are the ones that remind guests not just of the wedding day but of the love, care, and personality behind it.
Check our some of our favorite vendors who make personalized wedding favors in our Directory!
