- Tracy Fink
5 Tips to Memorable Wedding Favors People Will Actually Use
Updated: May 26, 2021
Wedding favors are a great way to show your guests you appreciate their support and to give them something to remember the wedding day by, but often these tokens get left behind or tossed the morning after. To guarantee your gifts get noticed (and appreciated), follow these tips on picking out the perfect favors.

1. Think practically
Like any good gift, you'll want to put some thought into your selection. Before you dish out the cash take a moment to reflect—is this something you would want? You don't want your favor to collect dust or—worse yet—end up in the trash, so consider something that's practical or even edible. Edible favors are a fail-safe option guests can enjoy at the reception or on their way home. Among those in the "something useful" category are locally roasted coffee, luggage tags or acrylic frames for the photo booth pictures taken at your reception.

2. Skip the monogram
Resist the urge to put your initials and wedding date on everything. Personalizing the favors is a fast way to turn a useful gift into something guests will pass on. For example, guests who enjoy entertaining would find coasters handy, but no one (excluding your mother) will want to display coasters featuring your engagement photo. The one exception to skipping the monogram is packaging. It’s totally fine to put your personal touch on the boxes, bags, ribbons or labels. It'll make for a pretty presentation, but won't put off your guests.
3. Make it meaningful.
Choose favors that express your personalities, speak to the wedding's setting or share something you love with your guests. Are you both into wine? Mini wine bottles with personalized labels will go over big. Share a piece of your unique heritage by giving out tins of cookies or pastries with a family recipe attached. You could even make a donation to a cause close to your heart in lieu of traditional favors. Let guests know of the donation by placing a note at each place setting or table.
