Why wedding favors?

Wedding favours are a tradition that lets you show appreciation to the people who have travelled, dressed up and celebrated with you. They are not a legal requirement, and there is no rule about what they should be. The best favours feel personal, useful or edible, and they often become a talking point during the meal or at the evening reception.

Think about what your guests will actually enjoy. A favour that gets left on the table is a waste, so choose something that fits your day and your crowd. Edible favours are nearly always popular, especially if they are local or homemade. Non-edible favours work well if they are practical, like a small candle, a seed packet or a mini bottle of something.

You can also tie favours to your theme, your story or the season. A seaside wedding might have shells, a winter wedding might have mini baubles. The favour does not need to match everything, but it should feel like it belongs to you as a couple. Keep the packaging simple and add a handwritten tag with your names and the date if you like.

Remember that favours are optional. If your budget is tight, a heartfelt speech or a donation to a charity you both care about can mean just as much to your guests.