Martha Stewart Weddings
Let’s start the year off with a post full of hot takes, shall we?! A question we are often asked by couples is: do we need to have favors for our guests?
The short answer
No. You can do whatever you want, it’s your wedding!
A quick litmus test: does the image to the right give you heart palpitations of the “I’m going to die” or “I’m in love” sort?
The longer answer
Our guiding advice for anything related to wedding planning is this: does it make sense for you as a couple (both to have favors at all, and more specifically the favors you are considering)?
Martha Stewart Weddings
So if you are considering favors, then what? To start, no one is going to be mad about an edible favor and traditionally that’s what they were before the internet convinced people to start doing more elaborate (and often monogrammed…) items that are just not necessary. Perhaps there is some item you both love, you think all your guests would enjoy having it and there’s room in the budget, then do it! Our advice though, keep it timeless by skipping the personalization with your wedding monogram/date.
Then as a way to circumvent deciding on a trinket to give, the idea of a ‘donation in lieu of a favor’ came about. This is a great idea, no one will be mad about it, but it’s also not really necessary - feel free to make the donation, but you don’t have to tell your guests about it. We promise no one will wander aimlessly all night wondering where their favor is!
Martha Stewart Weddings
One of the better options is the reinvention of the sweet treat in the form of a candy bar - interactive, edible and possibly more economical since you can buy things in bulk and not worry about individually wrapped favors. No harm, no foul, but again, if you didn’t fall in love at a Sweet Factory, this doesn’t have to be your thing.
The non-favor favor is the centerpiece, which serves a decorative purpose for the reception, then becomes a gift (i.e. favor) and means less clean-up after (this is what we would call a win-win-win). It’s not super common, but it’s a lovely gesture that some guests will enjoy.
Our favorite favor? The kind that makes sense. And by that we mean, if you really want a favor, think of what could say something about you as a couple (bonus points if it’s edible). Favorite snack? Tells a story about a favorite date spot? Where you’re from? Where you met? It could be something you (or a family member) make or consider picking a local small business you want to support! Cookies, chocolates, honey, jam, caramel sauce, spice rub, tea… to name a few. Heck, give out stamps and support the USPS at the same time if you love sending mail! (it is weirdly satisfying to brainstorm clever favor ideas, so hit us up if you want help with this) If you would be happy to keep the leftovers, that’s a great test of whether it’s a good idea.
And if you even think “do we need a favor?” here is your permission to skip it and move on.
Tell us about your favorite wedding favor or if you have any wedding planning hot takes!
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