Unique Wedding Favor Ideas that Your Guests Will Actually Use
When you’re planning your wedding, there are TONS of details to think through.
Aside from the obvious, like where you’re going to tie the knot, the date of your big day, your guest list, food, and of course the outfits, there are also lots of tiny details that often become an afterthought.
It’s a true labor of love filled with countless decisions aimed at creating a day to remember – for both you as the couple AND your guests!
When it comes to expressing gratitude to your cherished guests for taking time out of their lives to celebrate with you, there's no better way to do it than with unique wedding favors that not only convey your appreciation, but also serve as keepsakes your loved ones will genuinely treasure.
In a world overflowing with generic trinkets and knick-knacks, finding wedding favors that strike the perfect balance between thoughtfulness and practicality can prove to be a challenge.
If you’re in search of new ideas that go against the grain and truly leave your guests appreciative, keep reading for a curated list of unique wedding favor ideas that your guests will actually use, adding a touch of charm and functionality to your special day!
4 Things To Think About When Choosing a Wedding Favor
Before we get into the actual ideas that you can implement, there’s three main things that I encourage people to think about when choosing a wedding favor.
Theme
First up, think about your theme! It’s important that you keep every detail of your wedding day consistent and on theme and that includes your favors.
Wedding favors that complement your wedding theme contribute to the overall visual appeal of your event. Consistency in color, design, and style helps create a harmonious and pleasing atmosphere for your guests.
For example, if you’re getting married in the desert, think about ways to incorporate favors that match the location, such as cactus shaped cookies or mini succulents.
Price
Next, keep the cost in mind! When you’re planning a wedding, your budget is likely already top of mind, but if you’re not careful it can be very easy to overspend in small areas like your wedding favors.
These are often the details that couples get really excited about and while I understand that you want to make every aspect of your wedding amazing, your favors are an area where you can spend less and still make a great impact!
Usability
Lastly, think about the usability of your favors. Before you decide on your wedding favors, ask yourself, “would I use this if I were to receive it at a wedding?”
Truly put yourself in the shoes of your guests and consider if the guests you’re inviting would actually value the gift you’re giving.
It’s best to choose something that they can use on the spot or very quickly when they get home versus something that will end up collecting dust in a junk drawer.
Travel
If you’re having a destination wedding or if you know that many of your guests are traveling from out of town, it’s wise to consider if your favor is travel friendly.
Many popular wedding favors may not be TSA approved or might get smooshed in a suitcase, so keep this in mind when choosing your favors!
10 Unique Wedding Favor Ideas That Your Guests Will Actually Use
Reusable Tote Bags 🛍
If you’re having a smaller wedding, it’s common to provide guests with welcome bags upon check in to their hotel or other accommodation for the wedding weekend.
One way to take those welcome bags to another level is to create custom reusable tote bags that your guests could later use for grocery shopping, trips to the farmers market, or carrying daily essentials.
You can personalize these totes at a local printer with your wedding details for a unique touch!
Idea Cred: Natty Writes
Baked Goods 🍪
Providing your guests with a tasty treat to take home is never a bad idea! Baked goods, such as cookies, donuts, and even oatmeal cream pies are becoming more and more popular when it comes to favors.
Treats like this are always a safe bet because oftentimes by the end of your wedding night, your guests are craving a snack and you can trust that they won’t go to waste.
Local or Themed Treats 🍯
If you want to do something different than the traditional baked goods idea, you can opt for a local or themed treat, such as mini jars of honey, maple syrup, jam, or even hot sauce.
For favors like this, I always encourage people to keep your theme and location in mind! If the area you’re getting married in is known for a special something, try to think of ways that you can incorporate that into your favors.
Custom Matchboxes 🔥
Custom matchboxes are a great way to provide your guests with a favor that helps them remember your big day, but also give them something that is actually useful!
You can typically find and personalize matchboxes on sites like Etsy or Zazzle.
Customized Playing Cards 🎴
Another fun personalized item that your guests will actually use are custom playing cards!
While it might seem random, playing cards are one of those items that almost everyone has somewhere in their house and they always come in handy when you need them.
Personalized playing cards featuring your names and wedding date can make for a fun and useful memento for your guests to enjoy card games with family and friends for years to come.
Mini Alcohol Bottles 🥂
Depending on the style of your wedding and the personality of your guests, something like mini alcohol bottles might make for the perfect favor!
This is one that is very specific to the crowd that you draw, but if you know that the majority of your guests would actually take and use these, it may be worth the money.
Gourmet Olive Oil or Spice Blends
Again, while this might seem random, food related favors always seem to do well and the more creative you can be, the better!
Small Scented Candles 🕯
Almost everyone is appreciative of a candle that they can light in their home to create a cozy atmosphere.
For your big day, you could choose a scent that matches your theme or location and personalize the labels to include your wedding date and names!
Idea Cred: Double Dare Creative
Photo Booth Prints 📸
If you want to keep things simple and cost effective, you can double your photo booth as a favor.
Since your guests will likely be taking photos already, photo booth prints give them something tangible to take home to remember your big day by!
Custom Plastic Drink Cups 🍻
If you want to put a unique twist on the infamous koozies, you can instead opt for custom plastic drink cups!
Much like koozies, favors like these have proven time and time again to be highly useful – during your event and beyond.
Photo Cred: Steph Powell Creative
Overall, in the world of weddings, it's the thoughtful details that often linger in the hearts and minds of your guests long after the last dance has ended and the couple has been sent off!
Selecting unique wedding favors that seamlessly blend with your theme and genuinely serve a purpose is a testament to your dedication in making your special day a memorable one for all who attend.
These meaningful tokens of appreciation not only convey your gratitude but also become cherished keepsakes that YOU and your loved ones will continue to enjoy and use.
But remember: your wedding day is special with or without the intricate details like wedding favors, so if you opt for something more traditional or nothing at all, trust that you and your guests will enjoy it just the same!