A Token of Appreciation

It is very important to thank your guests for attending your wedding festivities. One of the most common ways that bridal couples thank guests for their attendance is by giving them a favor at the wedding. Like all aspects of a wedding, favors vary greatly depending on the couple’s style and budget, from something small and traditional like a small tulle wrapping of almonds to something as elaborate as a scarf or doll, sometimes from their native country.

Anyone you ask about favors will give you their opinion, and each of those opinions will be very different. Here is what I can tell you after attending more weddings than I can count, as a guest and as a planner:


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If they can’t eat it, your guests will probably forget it:
Those beautiful little votive holders, dolls and coasters set at each guest’s place at the table will catch their eye, and they will all talk about how great they are. However, after all of the dancing, and possibly a few celebratory cocktails, you will find most of those favors left behind.

I have found however, if you give your guests a little treat, you will not have as much leftover. Why is that? My best guess is that people either eat them during speeches, between courses, during dancing, or pick them up on their way out for a snack on the way home. Favors such as candy bars, truffles or cookies are great munchies and you will not find many are left behind.

If your heart is set on giving a special treat to your guests, assign a family member to hand them out as guests leave.

Honor Your Guests:
Some Brides and Grooms chose to honor their guests by making a donation to a charity close to their heart. This is a beautiful way to give back, and make your guests feel special. One couple I know made donations to several charities, and indicated which charity they selected for each guest on their place card. Another Bride made a donation to the cancer society in memory of her deceased mother. Just be sure to put a sign in a frame or on display so your guests know that you have thought of them. If you decide to donate to charity in lieu of favors, choose with your heart and connect with your purpose.


Photo Courtesy of theknot.com

Overall, don’t break the bank. A favor should be a token of appreciation to your guests, thanking them for taking time from their busy lives to celebrate your love and the beginning of your new life. You can consider adding a sweet table, or late night munchie station, for your guests to enjoy by moving your favor budget to accommodate the expense. If you come up with a great idea, and you think your guests will remember to take it home, go for it. After all it is YOUR big day.