Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Keep

Let's be honest: nobody wants a shot glass with your names and wedding date on it. If you're going to spend money on wedding favors, buy something your guests will actually use or consume.

The Golden Rule: Make it Edible or Useful

The highest success rate for wedding favors always falls into one of two categories:

• Late-Night Snacks: A warm cookie, a bag of gourmet popcorn, or a mini pizza slice given as guests leave the dance floor.
• Local Treats: Honey from a local farm, artisanal olive oil, or a custom coffee blend from your favorite local roaster.
• Hangover Kits: A small bag with Advil, Liquid IV/electrolytes, a mint, and a bottle of water. They will thank you the next morning.
• Practical Items: High-quality matchboxes, custom playing cards (without huge monograms), or beautiful luggage tags for a destination wedding.

Is it okay to skip favors entirely?

Absolutely. Favors are a relatively modern invention. If your budget is tight, skip the favors and put that money towards a slightly better wine at dinner or a longer set from the band. Your guests will enjoy the experience much more than a trinket.

If you wouldn't buy it for your own house, don't buy it for your guests.