What is a wedding favour called?

Short answer

In the UK, a wedding favour is usually just called a favour. Some people say wedding gift, keepsake or bonbonniere, but favour is the everyday word. Guests take them home as a thank you for sharing your day.

The standard term across the UK is a wedding favour. You might also hear keepsake, token or small gift, but favour is what most stationers, venues and guests will recognise. In some families, especially with European roots, the word bonbonniere is used, but it is not common in everyday British speech.

A favour is a small gesture of thanks. It does not need to be expensive or elaborate. Traditionally, favours were sugared almonds wrapped in tulle, often five almonds to represent health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. These days couples choose anything from biscuits to seeds, so the word covers a wide range.

If you are planning a wedding, you will see favours listed on stationery and table plan boards. You might also hear them called table gifts or place gifts. Whatever you call them, the idea is the same: a little something for each guest to take home. If you are a guest, you do not need to bring a favour for the couple. The favour is their gift to you, not the other way round.