Are Wedding Favors Still a Thing?

Throughout wedding planning, you'll have to make many decisions, both big and small. One of the smaller, but still important decisions is if you need to give out wedding favors on the big day. Sure, giving out favors is a nice gesture but it also adds up in the budget department—according to The Knot's Real Wedding Study, the average couple spends about $450 on favors. And if you're hosting more wedding guests, you'll likely spend more on favors. According to the study, couples with 50 or fewer guests spent $299 on favors, and those who hosted over 100 guests spent $529.

So while wedding favors may seem like a great idea, you might be on the fence over whether or not your loved ones will actually care if you hand out trinkets or keepsakes at the end of the night. Let's explore the great favor debate.

Are Wedding Favors Necessary?

Technically, no—you are not required to give out favors at your wedding reception. Do we recommend giving out favors if at all possible? Absolutely. These favors do not have to be big or expensive (and technically, they don't have to be objects), but providing even something small goes a long way. There are lots of favor options out there, so you're sure to find something that fits your style and budget (hint, The Knot Shop has lots of options at an affordable price point). But then again, you may prefer to focus on the actual wedding experience as opposed to favors—and that's okay, too.

Why Do Couples Give Out Wedding Favors?

We know you're spending a lot of money on each and every guest who attends your wedding day. However, your guests are spending time and money on everything from travel and accommodations to attire to wedding gifts and more in order to be present for your special day . Therefore, we do recommend providing some sort of giveaway to your guests to show your appreciation for their attendance and support.

If you're hosting a destination wedding, you might considering providing welcome bags to your out-of-town guests to thank them for traveling to their wedding location. These welcome bags typically include snacks, beverages, keepsakes, a schedule of weekend events and more.

And don't forget that your wedding party members and parents typically receive thank-you gifts on the big day, as well. While these aren't technically favors, you'll need to factor these gifts into your wedding budget, too.

Is It Okay to DIY Wedding Favors?

While there are many retailers that sell wedding favors at an affordable price point (like under $1 each!), some couples opt to create their favors themselves. If you're asking yourself whether or not you should DIY your wedding favors, think about if you're able to put in the time and effort required. While it may look really easy (and cheap!) to create your own favors, that's not always the case, especially if you want to design something like that looks straight off a Pinterest board. Do you really want to spend the days before your wedding putting together 100 favor boxes? How much will materials and supplies cost to create the favors? And what if the favors don't turn out the way you anticipated? If the pros of taking on this DIY project outweigh the cons, go for it! But if creating your own favors will cause more stress, consider purchasing your wedding favors.

The Best Wedding Favor Ideas

With so many favor options to choose from, you might be stumped about where to begin. Here's our recommendation? Start with your wedding theme, style or season to help inspire some ideas. Here are some of our favorites:

Edible Wedding Favors

Looking for a universal crowd pleaser? Edible wedding favors are among the most popular, as they're both affordable and provide a take-home savory or sweet treat for guests. We also love bottled or jarred favors, such as infused olive oils or pickles, for an edible favor that will last longer than a baked good. Don't forget to think local, especially if you're hosting a destination wedding—guests will love receiving a taste of your wedding location's most beloved eats.

Unique Wedding Favors

From unusual bottle openers to cute mini cheese boards, these out-of-the box favors are sure to wow your guests.

Personalized Wedding Favors

Give your favors an extra-personal touch by adding your names and wedding date to a favor tag or the favor itself. Wine glasses, koozies, bottles of bubbly and many other items can be emblazoned with your name to create the ultimate personalized wedding favor.

Seasonal Wedding Favors

Still struggling to come up with a wedding favor idea? Seasonal wedding favors are always a good plan. If you're hosting a winter wedding, consider gifting blankets or hot cocoa sets. Planning a summer beach wedding? Sunglasses, beach towels or fans are all great options. Couples marrying in the fall can opt for apple-cider donuts, maple syrup or anything pumpkin-flavored.

Charitable Wedding Favors

If giving out favors is just not your thing, making a donation to your favorite non-profit organization in each guest's name is a great option. Just make sure you post a sign at your reception letting guests know that you're going the charitable favor route, and share why your chosen charity is meaningful to you and your new spouse.

Wedding Favor Display Ideas

Part of the fun of wedding favors is figuring out a creative way to present them to your guests. Many couples put favors on their guests' place settings, but you can also create display walls or specially-designed favor tables for a fun twist. Tap into your wedding planner's experience and know-how to create a special decor moment.