By Louise Baltruschat Hollis
Wedding favours can be a really fun wedding detail. Long gone are the days of traditional sugared almonds, the possibilities for wedding favour ideas are endless. All you need is a dose of creativity, a spark of an idea and a way to really show off your personality.
Photo: Bridgwood Wedding Photography
I have rounded up some of my favourite wedding favours featured on WWW from real weddings. From the edible favours to pretty treats. There are DIY favour options and children’s favour ideas too.
When selecting your wedding favours think about the things that you love and enjoy as a couple, and gift a little something you would love to receive.
Or if you don’t want to give wedding favours, then don’t worry about it, there really are no rules.
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How about a really unusual drink flavour for your guests to have a tipple? Either at the wedding or later on?
Image by Carrie Lavers Photography
Cordial is a simple DIY favour idea. Buy glass bottles and find a recipe to brew up a storm!
Image by Jessica Hayman Photography
Jars of honey for favours have been really popular. Sweet and sure to be eaten – it’s a favourite for guests.
Image by Janine Kirkwood Photography
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned mint? A sweet and refreshing treat that will leave your guests feeling refreshed.
Image by Emily + Katy Photography
Add some spice with some seasoning. Grab some spice bottles and decant your chosen seasoning inside.
Image by Mark Newton Weddings
Get some of your fave beer, perhaps from a local brewer, for a fun idea.
Image by Kat Antos-Lewis Photography
Fudge may just be the ideal favours for those with a sweet tooth. Yummy.
Image by Hayley Baxter Photography
Surely it doesn’t get much better than a hot chocolate favour?!
Image by Wild Tide Weddings
Who doesn’t love a macaron? Sweet, decadent and delicious, macarons make for lovely favours.
Image by Eleanor Jane Photography
For a little after-dinner treat, gift your guests a cupcake, yum!
Image by Laura Jane Photography
A good old cup of tea is a firm favourite, so how about tea leaves as a treat?
Image by Sasha Weddings
For a party vibe and a simple idea, shot favours may go down really well.
Image by Brook Rose Photography
Instead of a doughnut wall, bring the doughnuts to your tables. Delicious.
Image by Carn Patrick
Do you love to cook? Add in a nod to your cuisine with herb wedding favours.
Image by Twig and Vine Photography
How about a sweet message in a fortune cookie favour?
Image by Freya Raby
For a traditional sweet treat, how about a tea cake favour?
Image by LJM Photography
Gift a free drink at the bar with drink token favours.
Image by White Stag Wedding Photography
Perhaps you are having a Spring wedding? How about mini egg nest favours?
Image by HBA Photography
Jam has been a classic favour idea and it’s a great way to spread a little love.
Image by Katherine Ashdown
Have some fun with love potion wedding favours.
Image by Sally T Photography
Gin has become super popular for wedding favours and it’s easy to see why.
Image by Charlotte Hu Photography
Love hearts are the cutest wedding sweet idea, right?!
Image by Alexa Poppe Photography
Marshmallows are always fun and I have a s’mores favour tutorial. You’re welcome. They make a perfect autumn wedding favour idea.
Photo: Alexa Loy
A cute treat, loved by all are lollypops.
Image by Pierra G Photography
You just can’t go far wrong with a biscuit favour in my opinion.
Image by Eleanor Jane
Take inspiration from the seaside with sticks of rock.
Image by Jamie Bott Wedding Photography
Create a tower of choccies as a favour, great to look at, scrummy to eat.
Image by Kerry Ann Duffy
The perfect summery drink to DIY or buy yourself. Don’t forget the labels!
Image by Georgi Mabee
For a hunt of the movies, popcorn favours are ideal.
Image by Martha & George
A really sweet present idea is a sweetie cone, sure to be loved no matter the age of the recipient.
Image by Marianne Chua
Keep kids entertained with a cute activity mat or booklet favour. You can find free kids wedding colouring sheets here too!
Image by Wild Tide Weddings
An old-school classic, personalised gingerbread. Delish! A great favour idea for kids too.
Image by Binky Nixon
Temporary tattoos are not only a unique idea but fun for all your guests on the day too.
Image by My Beautiful Bride
A great alternative favour idea for Lego fans are customised mini figures. So cute!
Image by Casey Avenue Photography
Really cute, eco-friendly and fun for all are pinwheel favours.
Image by On Love and Photography
One for the kids, sweet toys cars as favours.
Image by John Wellings
Get some personalised rubiks cubes as favours and have a contest with prize.
Image by Chris Barber Photography
You could choose a cuddly teddy favour, just adorable.
Image by Steve Gerrard Photography
For a quirky kitsch idea, how about sweet dispensers?
Photo: Helen Russell Photography
Pack up some treats in cute goodie bags for a gorgeous experience for little ones.
Image by My Beautiful Bride
Do you and your guests like a laugh? Rubber duck favours may just be perfect.
Image by David J Perkins
A sweet nod to a travel theme, or a fun entertainment idea are paper aeroplanes.
Image by Devlin Photos
If you’re hoping for extra photos gift your guests’ cameras. Kids will love taking snaps during the reception. Do try to choose reusable options to be kinder to the planet though.
Image by Sophie Booth Photography
Love wildlife? Gift homemade bird boxes to encourage wildlife in your guests’ gardens.
Photo: Holly Rose Weddings via Kent Village Hall Wedding
You could make your own ceramic creations or buy a pottery favour as the perfect keepsake.
Image by Emma and Rich
Coasters are a fun, personal idea. Not only will they look great for years to come, but they can double up as place names.
Image by Charlotte Razzell Photography
Who doesn’t love a new mug? For a really special mug favour, get one printed with your wording of choice.
Image by Bridgwood Wedding Photography
Tea towel favours are pure genius. Does it take you back to your school days?
Image by Lily Bungay & Co
Tile favours are such a lovely idea, guests can use them as coasters or decor in their homes. Or even use them as a unique tile in their house!
Image by Everly Studios
A wonderfully eco-friendly and inexpensive favour idea that doubles up as wedding decor.
Image by Thyme Lane Photography
Keep your guests cosy and gift them a blanket. What a wonderful idea for winter weddings!
Image by Pear & Bear Photography
Alternatively, if you’re planning a wedding in the heat a personalised fan will go down a storm.
Image by Katherine Dalton Photography
Keep hands from getting the chill with cute drink insulator covers that’ll be reused time and time again.
Image by Anna Gomes Photo
Symbolic and sweet, a Welsh love spoon favour may be perfect for your celebration.
Image by Eva Photography
For a really special memento, you could opt for a luggage tag favour with personalisation.
Image by Kristen Joy Photography
For a little bit of luck, give out horseshoes.
Image by Kerry Ann Duffy
A classic, but a goodie. Let your guests relight the memory of your wedding with a candle favour.
Image by Laura Rhian Photography
Allow guests the chance to kick off their shoes and hit the dancefloor all night with flip flop favours.
Image by Georgi Mabee
A good tote bag will last for years, so they make for the ideal wedding favour.
Image by Sarah Beth Photo
I love this glass favour idea, a gift that’s useful on the wedding day and beyond.
Image by Emily & Steve Photography
If your day is set to be sunny, sunglasses favours will not only look cool but be a great keepsake for guests.
Image by Jen Marino
Put together a classic mixtape or CD with your fave tunes. Perfect for music lovers.
Image by Sue Slique Photography
Crack open a beer and gift some personalised bottle openers to your guests.
Image by French Connection Photography
Dry eyes with handkerchief favours. Perfect for emotional speeches (or sneezes post-wedding) a lovely and pretty keepsake.
Image by Alexandra Szigeti
Fridge magnets are a really lovely idea don’t you think?
Image by Marshal Gray
How about wooden hearts that double up as place names?
Image by Sam Bennett Photography and Film
Paper flowers not only look pretty on tables but are a lovely keepsake.
Image by Rebecca Douglas
If you are a literary fan, gift your favourite books as favours.
Image by Lina and Tom
Keep guests feet warm with sock favours, they’ll thank you for their snuggly treat when it turns cold.
Image by Sophie Oldhamstead Photography
Create your own custom badge favours for guests to rock during the reception.
Image by Katherine Ashdown
For a touch of retro, how about vinyl record favours?
Image by Lola Rose Photography
How about hand sanitiser wedding favours? A great takeaway item that’s sure to be useful.
Image by Danielle Leslie Photography
How about a DIY wooden placemat or activity mat favour?
Image by Cassie Craner Photography
Grow plants, pot them up and there you have pretty and eco-conscious favours!
Image by Hé! Capture
A useful favour idea are egg cups, sure to be used over and over again.
Such a cute idea for a Christmas wedding or any wedding season, a super cute bell or bauble.
Image by Kerry Ann Duffy
Succulents have seen a surge in popularity for favours, it’s a really beautiful option.
Image by Chris Giles Photography
Collect vintage teacups to gift, tea bag optional!
Image by SLR Photography
Soap wedding favours are a really lovely way to treat your guests, you can even personalise the look and scent!
Image by Gradisca Portento
For the bookworms out there, a simple bookmark favour will be sure to remind your guests of your day every time they reach for their newest read. Hoorah!
Image by Will Patrick
If you love a soak in the tub, then why not thank your guests with bath salts? An indulgent and pampering token of thanks.
Image by Phosart Photography Cinematography
To inject some real personality pick up some test tubes and fill the contents with your DIY filling of choice.
Image by Bloom Weddings
This is a great DIY favour idea, get creative and design a notebook. Then print out to display and share some fun memories or messages.
Image by Shutter Go Click Photography
A little useful moment, a simple and sweet personalised matchbox favour.
Image by Jessica Hunt Photography
Seeds have been a really popular favour choice, full of hope and a great sustainable choice.
Image by Kristy Field
Collect lavender or wheat to make into lovely scented bundles.
Image by Rebecca Wedding Photography
Give your guests photo booth props for fun selfies on their table.
Image by Camilla Arnhold Photography
Get your craft on and decorate pebbles as favours, which double up as place names.
Image by Kate Gray Photography
Take sand from a special spot as a really sentimental favour idea. Be sure to seek permission from the landowner first though.
Image by Anna Hardy
Origami is a lovely way to thank your guests, paper crane favours always look amazing too.
Image by Kate Gray Photography
If you’re planning a boozy blowout, your guests will certainly thank you for a hangover kit favour.
Image by Heather Jackson Photography
If you’re hoping to raise some funds for a charity close to your heart, charity pins are a wonderful idea. Find them at:
Also, check your chosen charity to see if they have donation options.
Image by Florence Berry Photography
How about a gorgeous pyramid box favour? Perfect for stashing a special treat in style.
Image by Melissa Beattie Photography
Give your guests the chance to win a prize with lottery ticket favours.
Image by Jen Marino
Add some sparkle for your after-party with glitter make-up favours. Great entertainment for the evening too.
Image by Photography by Clare
Not just for Christmas a cracker favour will ensure plenty of fun at tables.
Image by Jennifer Jane Photography
If you and your guests are pet lovers, how about pet treat wedding favours?
Image by Tasmin May Photography
A cute wedding quiz or info booklet as a sweet keepsake.
Image by Clair Estelle Photography
Packaging is everything, so think about stylish box favours.
Image by Caterina Neri Fotografie
Get in the festival vibe with wristband favours for your guests.
Image by Alexa Poppe Photography
Or how about pom-poms as favours, a perfect craft too.
Image by Steve Gerrard Photography
Wedding favours are a lovely way to thank your guests for being present at your wedding. For being by your side as you reach this epic milestone in your life and relationship together. It’s a small, simple token, a gesture to say thank you.
Five sugared almonds are traditionally given, to represent luck and happiness. However, wedding favours now compromise of an assortment of personal ideas and options for modern couples.
Photo: Stephanie Butt
What you spend on your wedding favours is totally up to you. In fact, you could even skip wedding favours altogether if your budget is tight. Aiming for around £1 per favour is a good benchmark for a budget-friendly, personal token. For more personalised, extravagant favours the costs can really skyrocket, so it’s important to really think about what’s important to you.
No, you do not need wedding favours. It’s traditional to have wedding favours and can be seen as good etiquette. But, today there is no requirement to gift favours. You could think of other ways to thank your guests. For example, a card with a personal message costs pennies and may mean more to your guest than a sugared almond.
It’s really down to personal choice and what feels right for you and your wedding. You may feel putting your budget into entertainment for your guests for example is more important than a favour. Or you may feel favours are really important to you both.
Photo: Camilla Andrea Photography
Usually, wedding favours are placed on each place setting at your wedding tables. Alternatively, you could have a table set up, with a basket and sign inviting guests to take a favour.
There really is no set rule when it comes to which wedding favours to give. It’s really down to personal choice, budget and preference. But below is a list of 101, real wedding favour ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Photo: Thyme Lane Photography
I hope these lovely wedding favours have helped to inspire your favour choices. Happy favour hunting!
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