Cheap and DIY Wedding Favour Ideas in the UK

You do not need to spend a lot on favours. Many guests appreciate something simple and useful. Think about items that reflect your wedding theme, your hobbies, or the season.

Good low-cost options include small pots of local honey, mini jars of jam or marmalade, packets of seeds, or a single homemade biscuit wrapped in cellophane. You can also buy plain favour boxes or bags in bulk and fill them with items from a pound shop or a supermarket own brand.

Another idea is to give a small bottle of hand sanitiser or a mini candle. These are practical and guests will actually use them. If you are having an outdoor wedding, a small sachet of insect repellent or a mini fan can be a thoughtful touch.

Making favours at home can be fun and personal. Choose something you can prepare weeks ahead so you are not rushing on the day.

Edible DIY favours include:

• Shortbread or cookies in a cellophane bag with a ribbon
• Fudge or truffles in a small box
• Homemade granola in a jar with a label
• Spiced nuts or popcorn in a cone
• A sachet of tea leaves or hot chocolate mix

Non-edible DIY favours include:

• Potted succulents or herbs with a handwritten tag
• A bookmark made from card and washi tape
• A small sachet of dried lavender or potpourri
• A personalised coaster made from cork or wood
• A keyring with a bead or initial charm

If you enjoy crafting, you can make soap, bath salts, or lip balm. These are lovely but take time, so test a small batch first. Always check for allergies if you are giving food, and label ingredients clearly.

If you want something different, think about favours that tell a story. For example, give a packet of seeds for a flower that grows well in the UK, such as poppies or cornflowers. Guests can plant them in memory of your wedding.

Another unusual idea is a mini bottle of locally brewed beer or cider, or a small jar of apple juice from a nearby orchard. You could also give a wooden heart or a small pebble with a word like “love” or “thank you” painted on it.

For a winter wedding, give a small sachet of mulled spice mix or a mini bauble with your names and date. For a summer wedding, give a paper fan with a thank-you note printed on it. For a wedding abroad, give a small item that is easy to pack, such as a luggage tag or a travel-sized candle.

Personalisation does not have to mean printing your names on everything. It can be as simple as a handwritten thank-you tag or a favour that reflects a shared hobby.

If you love reading, give a bookmark with a quote from your favourite book. If you love the seaside, give a small shell with a message. If you are both keen gardeners, give a seed packet with a label that says “Grow love”.

You can also personalise favours by guest. For example, give children a small colouring book and crayons, and give adults a mini bottle of hand cream. For teenagers, a phone stand or a packet of sweets might be more appreciated.

Remember that personalisation can be done at home with a printer, stamps, or a simple pen. You do not need to order expensive custom items.

Chocolate is a classic favour because most people enjoy it. You can buy plain chocolates and wrap them yourself, or make chocolate bark and break it into pieces. For a personal touch, add a sprinkle of sea salt or dried orange peel.

If you want to avoid chocolate, consider:

• Mini jars of honey or jam
• A small bag of coffee beans or ground coffee
• A sachet of loose-leaf tea
• A mini bottle of olive oil or balsamic vinegar
• A small bar of soap shaped like a sweet

For a summer wedding, give a small bottle of elderflower cordial. For a winter wedding, give a mini bottle of sloe gin or a sachet of hot chocolate. Always check for nut allergies and label everything clearly.

Instead of giving a physical favour, you can make a donation to a charity in your guests’ names. This is meaningful and reduces waste. Choose a charity that means something to you both, such as a local food bank, an animal rescue, or a medical research charity.

You can tell guests about the donation with a small card on each table, or include a note in the order of service. Some couples also give a small token, like a badge or a sticker, to remind guests of the cause.

If you prefer a hybrid approach, you can give a small edible favour and also make a donation. For example, give a packet of seeds and donate to a tree-planting charity. This way guests get something to keep and something good is done.

Kids often lose interest in traditional favours, so give them something they can use during the day. A small activity book, a bubble wand, or a packet of crayons will keep them happy. You can also give a mini puzzle or a sticker sheet.

For men, practical favours work well. Think of a bottle opener, a mini screwdriver, a packet of mints, or a small bottle of hot sauce. For teenagers, give a phone stand, a reusable straw, or a voucher for a milkshake at a local cafe.

If you have a mixed group, you can offer a choice. Set up a table with different favours and let guests pick one. This avoids giving something someone will not use. Label each option clearly so guests know what they are choosing.