If you’re in need of a great wedding favor idea, you can go a few different routes: Think seasonal and local, go with edible treats or stick to something that’s foolproof year-round. But remember, when it comes to wedding favors, don’t overthink it. Your favors are a little extra something to show your guests how much you appreciate them. To make sure they actually take them home at the end of the night, keep your favors fun, easy, small and useful. Here are a few perennial favorites everyone will enjoy, no matter the season.
1. Donate to Charity in Their Names
Graham CrouchInstead of handing out physical favors, donate a certain amount of money to a foundation you care about in your guests’ names. Need philanthropy ideas? Donate to VOW, the charity campaign raising money for the Girls First Fund to end child marriage worldwide. Every year, 12 million girls are married before turning 18, cutting off their education and putting them at risk for violence and poverty. VOW funds local organizations all over the globe advocating girls’ rights and standing up against child marriage at the community level. (See how easy it is to link VOW to your retail registry though The Knot Gifts Back here.)
2. Custom Cookies
JEN FARIELLOWe don’t need to tell you a package of cookies hits the spot any day of the year.
From: An Elegant Southern Wedding at Blue Ridge Farm in Afton, Virginia
3. Soy Candles
Emilia Jane PhotographyWhether you choose a neutral scent or one that suits the season, candles never fail as a favor.
From: A Green, Gold and Ivory Wedding at The Peninsula Chicago in Chicago, Illinois
4. Monogrammed Matches
Kate Headley PhotographySince guests can never resist stocking up on cute matches, customize match boxes with your monogram and wedding date.
From: An Elegant Waterfront Wedding at a Private Estate in Easton, Maryland
5. Customized Tea Bags
we are diamond eyesTea, please! Go the extra mile to personalize the packaging of your favorite blend.
From: A Modern Wedding With a Southwestern Style at Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs, California
6. Picture Frames
Shannon Collins PhotographyA picture frame for every guest is the perfect blank canvas favor they can do with as they please. If you plan to stamp each frame with your wedding date, names or initials, we recommend doing it subtly on the bottom or the back.
From: A Colorful, Creative Wedding at the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
7. Colorful Candy
Campbell StudiosA build-your-own candy bar or prepackaged sweets are so easy to assemble and always please a crowd.
From: A Florida-Inspired, Orange and Green Wedding at Cypress Grove Estate House in Orlando, Florida
8. Personalized Koozies
Mon Petit StudiosHow great are these quippy beer koozies? A great favor for the chill couple.
From: A Rustic Backyard Wedding at a Private Residence in Hillsborough, New Hampshire
9. Morning Pick-Me-Up
PAM COOLEY PHOTOGRAPHYSpread your love of coffee around with preportioned packets of beans or grounds—because let’s be honest, coffee love is a year-round kind of love.
From: A Homey, Historical Wedding in Peoria, Illinois
10. Mini Bottles of Bubbles
LARISSA CLEVELAND PHOTOGRAPHYWinter, spring, summer or fall, it’s never a bad time to hand out petite champagne or prosecco splits.
From: A Timeless Interfaith Wedding at Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco, California
11. A Meaningful Book
Julia Newman PhotographyThink outside the typical shot glass or candle and send your guests home with a meaningful volume of poetry or another of your all-time favorite works. They’ll appreciate how much thought you put into this favor and love being able to take a piece of you home with them.
