Whenever someone asks me what type of wedding favors for guests is best, my mantra is simple: Something edible or drinkable is always a good choice.
Why? Because edible wedding favors are useful in the best possible way: they get eaten! (who can resist a tasty treat?) Instead of ending up in the back of a drawer, in the trash, or worse yet, left sitting on the tables at the end of the evening, a tasty favor has a much better chance of going home with your guests and actually being enjoyed.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune to find good wedding favors. Some of the most popular wedding favors are simple candies and treats that can be packaged beautifully and personalized to fit your wedding. The trick is choosing something your guests will enjoy and presenting it in a way that feels like part of your celebration.
8 Yummy Wedding Favors To Give Your Guests
1) M&Ms in your wedding colors are a popular wedding favors choice.
But why stop at M&Ms? Ok, I’ve got nothing against M&Ms. They’re a personal fav, (I always keep a jar of them at home, and a little container on my desk). But so many couples do the M&Ms in a little organza bag, why not do something different? You’ve got so many other fun (and inexpensive) options!
You can try:
2) Rock Dandy
3) Lollipops
4) Saltwater taffy
Does your wedding location or honeymoon destination bring to mind any type of candy or treat? Here in Ohio, Buckeyes are a popular choice. These peanut butter and chocolate candies are made to resemble the nut of the buckeye tree, Ohio’s official state tree.
Other candy types that are reminiscent of a specific locale are:
5) French Dragees (aka Jordan Almonds) – France
6) Cocoanut Drops or Ginger Candy – Caribbean
7) Maple Candy – Vermont
8) Leche Quemada (“Hard Milk Candy”) – Mexico
Think Beyond Traditional Candy
Candy is certainly not your only option when it comes to edible wedding favors. Depending on your wedding style, location, season, or the things you and your guests enjoy, you could also consider cookies, brownies, popcorn, locally made chocolates, mini jars of honey or jam, coffee or tea, hot cocoa mixes, or another favorite treat.
You can even use your wedding location as inspiration. A local specialty, a favorite regional food, or a treat connected to your honeymoon destination can make a simple favor feel much more personal.
The goal isn’t to find the most elaborate favor. It’s to choose something your guests will actually want to eat or drink.
Presentation of your wedding favors is important, too. Choose packaging that complements your wedding style, such as organza bags in your wedding colors, small favor boxes, or simple paper bags. You can place the favors in a basket near the exit with a small “Take One” sign, or put one at each place setting so guests can enjoy them during the reception.
Make them personal. Your favors are a small way to let your guests take a little piece of your wedding home with them. Add your names and wedding date, a meaningful saying, or another detail that reflects the two of you.
Choose a Wedding Favor Your Guests Will Actually Enjoy
Wedding favors don’t have to be complicated, expensive, or destined to become another item your guests have to figure out what to do with when they get home. A simple, edible favor can be thoughtful, fun, and memorable without blowing a hole in your wedding budget.
Whether you choose candy that reflects your wedding colors, a treat from your hometown, something connected to your honeymoon destination, or a favorite sweet you both enjoy, think about the people receiving it. Good wedding favors are favors guests actually want to take home and enjoy.
And remember, favors are an extra, not a requirement. If a favor doesn’t fit your budget or your wedding plans, you don’t have to have one. Your guests came to celebrate with you, not to collect a souvenir.
If you do decide to give favors, keep it simple: choose something enjoyable, package it attractively, and add a personal touch. That’s often all you need to make a small favor feel special.
Planning a wedding and not sure what deserves your time, attention, and money? My wedding planning resources are designed to help you sort through the decisions, skip the unnecessary stuff, and plan your wedding with a little less overwhelm.
Photo Credits:
M&Ms – Aka Hige (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Rock Candy – Marco Verch Professional Photographer [original Flickr link no longer available] (CC BY 2.0)
Lollipops – Aimee Plesa (CC BY 2.0)
Saltwater Taffy – Sean Freese (CC BY 2.0)
Buckeyes – Steven Depolo (CC BY 2.0)
Jordan Almonds – Beatrice Murch (CC BY 2.0)
Wedding Favor Boxes – brianna.lehman [original Flickr link no longer available] (CC BY 2.0)
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
