Wedding favors! Okay, we hear you! Do you really need them? No, of course not.
Guest will not miss them and in all honesty, we think if you are not putting the money and effort into them to really wow your guests then they will get left so not worth doing.
Now if you do want to gift your guests a little thank you treat that is unique or quirky and they will absolutely love then we have you sorted! We have done the research and found the best unique nontraditional wedding favors.
What is a wedding favor?
Simply put a wedding favor is a thank you gift to your guests for attending your wedding celebrations. Traditionally this was a sugar cube, moving on to a sugar-coated almond.
Now there are so many options for favors but edible favors are still a popular choice.
Why do we give wedding favors?
Traditionally wedding favors, boutonnieres, were given to spread the good luck associated with weddings to the guests. They were also used by the rich to show their wealth.
Now a wedding favor is a way to thank your guests for sharing in your special day as well as adding a little quirky element. So they are no longer just sugar cubes!
They are a great way to show your personality, have fun and gift your guests a small part of your day to take away.
How should you choose your wedding favors?
We think that quirky, unique, and non-traditional favors are the best options. These will show your guests that you have put in the effort, time, and thought into this aspect of your wedding.
The best way to choose your favor is to work out your budget. Then think about things you love, that tell a little about you as a couple and how you can make them a favor in some way within your budget.
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The best alternative wedding favors for the nontraditional couple.
1. Charity donation
This is one of our favorite alternative wedding favors. You can print out cards to tell the guests or get pins or tokens from the charity. It is a great way to put possibly wasted money to good use.
2. Scratch card
A scratch card as a wedding favor is quirky, fun, and is very much the rage right now. It is a great way to add some excitement to the day and you never know there might be a big win!
3. Hangover cure bag
This is one for the party lovers! This quirky hangover cure bag will be great for all guests to wake up fresh and join you for breakfast.
4. Tattoo your guests
It is a unique and fun idea. It is perfect for showing your quirky side and a great way to entertain your guests on the day. Order personalized ones for guests to put on themselves or you can even hire a tattoo bar, yes you heard us right!
Edible favors
We all go to the wedding for the food right? Just us!?! Edible favors are a perfect wedding favor and usually, always get eaten or taken home so no waste!
5. Fortune cookies
These are a great nontraditional favor idea. You can even get them personalized with the name of your guests on them and have special personalized messages put inside.
6. Painted chocolate favors
Everybody loves chocolate so it is a win-win! These cool modern painted chocolates are fun and unique and your guests will be clearing the table to take these treats!
7. Lolly favors
Okay, hear us out. We know this may sound a little like kids treat but come on everyone loves a lollypop if they are honest! There are some modern, stylish options out there we are just in love with and we know your guests will be too.
8. Biscuits
Biscuits are more traditional wedding favors but if you get a cool wedding cake designer and let them get creative they can help you come up with something unusual.
Drinks wedding favors
Drinks are a great option and can be done in different ways to double up as place names or work into your drink budget.
9. Shot glass favors
If personalized they make great place names or an escort card display. Filled with a shot makes them great fun first drink to get the party started!
10. Homemade sloe gin
One for the creative couple, we have received this one at a wedding and is still one of our favorite wedding favor to date. Add a tag to double up as a place name. Do check with your venue though as some do not allow alcohol favors. Also, give yourself enough time as it takes months to make.
11. Coffee grounds
If you are a coffee lover like us then you will know this is a winner gift. DIY and make your own or bag up some of your favorite blend, either way, the coffee drinkers will be scooping up this favor.
12. Drink token
If you want to offer some free drinks but not have an open bar this is a great option. The token gets each guest one drink of choice or you can choose what they can have. They can be personalized and double up as place names or add a tag with name.
13. Couple’s cocktails
Having 2 signature cocktails for your guest is a great unique and personal favor idea. Hire an unusual pop-up bar to serve them, entertainment and favor in one.
Personalized favor ideas
Personalizing your favors means that they can double as a place name or escort cards also.
14. Acrylic place name
modern, stylish, and adds to the design. They are pretty cheap or get creative and make your own.
15. Resin Coasters
This one also fits into the practice range and with a name or initials added it is the perfect personalized wedding favor your guests will use for years. Pretty paper name Paying a little extra for your place names to make them that extra special your guests will want to keep is a great way to turn them into a wedding favor.
Eco-friendly ideas
Sustainability in weddings and events is a huge topic. Finding ways to make more eco-friendly choices with your wedding day can play a small part in lowering the footprint.
16. Seeded paper
Using seeded plantable paper for place names and menus with a note to your guests to take them home and watch them grow is a great eco-friendly choice that also makes your stationery a very unique wedding favor.
17. Seeds
Giving seeds as a favor is eco-friendly and a lovely way for your guest to always have a memory from your wedding around the house for years to come.
18. Plants
Everyone loves a plant right? Giving a mini plant, succulents work well, is thought for your guests and the environment. Win win!
Practical wedding favors
If you want your wedding favors to be taken home and used then making them practical is the best way to guarantee this.
19. Pens
The most practical gift ever, right? Everyone needs and loves a pretty practical pen.
20. Soap
Handmade soap is the perfect gift that is pretty, thoughtful, and practical. Your guests will be smelling fresh and clean for months after your day.
21. Candles
Last but never least. Candles are another favorite of ours. A scented candle is a perfect gift. Practical as it is a great home decor item and your guest can enjoy and reminisce your day over a romantic candle-lit night in.
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