A successful wedding is not only about the venue, the music and the atmosphere: the little touches count too. When we think about gifts, we usually think of the ones the couple receive. But what about wedding favours for your guests?
The tradition goes back a long way: in Britain, five sugared almonds once stood for health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. Today, anything goes, from edible treats to personalised keepsakes. To make your choice easier, here are 27 wedding favour ideas, from the most original to the most affordable.
Our tip: budget roughly £1 to £5 per guest, and pick something useful or edible. The favours that end up left on the tables are the purely decorative ones.
Original wedding favours
An original favour leaves a lasting impression and stands out from the usual sugared almonds.
1 - Seed packets
Little packets of flower or herb seeds, in recycled kraft paper with a personalised label. An eco-friendly favour that keeps growing long after the wedding.
2 - Miniature spiced rum or liqueur
A small 10 cl bottle of infused rum, gin or local liqueur, with your names on the label. Guests can sip it at the party or take it home.
3 - Engraved corks
Who has never kept a cork as a souvenir of a happy day? Engraved with your initials and date, these bottle stoppers are perfect for a rustic or wine-themed wedding.
4 - Tuxedo and wedding dress keyrings
A small, chic and useful favour for him and her: your guests will think of you every time they pick up their keys.
5 - Miniature olive oil
A 5 cl bottle of good olive oil with a personalised label: a genuinely original favour, especially for a summer or Mediterranean-themed wedding.
6 - Personalised napkins
Printed with each guest's name, they double as place cards and favours, and they look stunning on the tables.
7 - Hangover recovery kit
A cotton pouch filled with paracetamol, herbal tea, plasters and mints: a favour full of humour that guests will use the very next morning.
8 - Mini bottles of wine
A miniature bottle to enjoy during the wedding or keep as a souvenir. Choose a fruity red or a sparkling wine and personalise the label.
9 - Wedding march music box
A small, symbolic and modern music box: your guests will think of you every time they hear the wedding march.
10 - Miniature perfumes
Designer perfume miniatures, wrapped and labelled with your names: an elegant favour for men and women alike.
11 - Mini fans
The ideal favour for a summer wedding, especially an outdoor ceremony. Chic or boho, they are both pretty and practical.
12 - "Partner in crime" hangers
Quality wooden hangers engraved with a fun phrase, names or initials. An unexpected favour that guests will use every day.
13 - Jars of honey
Honey from a local beekeeper, with a personalised label: perfect for a rustic, boho or nature-themed wedding. "Meant to bee" labels are a classic!
Personalised wedding favours
14 - Personalised tea bags
Hand-made muslin tea bags filled with fine tea, with a message of your choice. Very British, and always appreciated.
15 - Personalised biscuits
Printed or iced biscuits with your names, a photo or a short message: a delicious and memorable favour.
16 - Scented candles
Hand-poured candles, delicately scented and decorated, that you can personalise according to your budget.
17 - Personalised soaps
Soaps stamped with your initials, in the shape, colour and scent of your choice. Present them in little hessian pouches.
18 - Personalised sweets
Chocolate sweets printed with your names, your date or a message, in the colours of your theme. A guaranteed hit with guests of every age.
19 - Cosy blanket
A soft, warm personalised throw: the ultimate favour for a winter wedding, perfect for close family or the bridal party.
Cheap wedding favours
20 - Sweet boxes
A pretty decorated cube to fill with sweets, shortbread, macarons, sugared almonds or chocolate. Original, personalisable and inexpensive.
21 - Mini glass jars
Fill them with petals, seeds, jam or sweets: a delicate, low-cost favour that guests will keep.
22 - Personalised bubble tubes
Clear tubes printed with your names and date, with a heart-shaped cap. Guests can use them straight away for your exit: great for photos!
23 - Mini glass bottles
Perfect for DIY favours: fill them with homemade lemonade, limoncello or flavoured oil and design your own label.
24 - Personalised pencils
Practical and budget-friendly, they can carry a message, your names or your wedding date. Who has never needed a pencil in their bag?
25 - Key bottle openers
Vintage key-shaped bottle openers in a cotton pouch tied with raffia and a personalised tag: charming and very economical.
26 - Simple candles
No budget for scented candles? Unscented candles in jars with a cork lid, a personalised tag and string are just as charming.
27 - Sugared almond boxes
Little boxes shaped like a tuxedo and a wedding dress, to fill with sugared almonds or chocolates. The cheapest option of all: a hundred boxes cost just a few pounds.
We hope these ideas help you choose your wedding favours. Remember that a wedding planner can help you with the favours and everything else: precious support for such a special day.
To find your wedding planner, visit our directory.