If you take a look around you’ll see plenty of lists - Best Favors Ideas, Most Popular Favor Ideas, Best and Worst Favors … you get the idea. All of these include beautiful displays, unfortunately, just because a favor looks good, it doesn’t mean it will be well received. Because every event is unique to the guest/guests of honor, and every budget is different, below you’ll find a few basic suggestions about how to provide favors that you’re guests will actually keep. These are guidelines based on having to remove all of the unwanted favors left on the table, and listening to guests as they are leaving. Even though some favors may take a lot of time to make or are somewhat costly, that doesn’t mean they will be a big hit. And try to remember that while favors are a nice gesture, not everyone will appreciate them.
Do…
Consider giving something to eat. Most things edible are usually very popular.
Give something specific to the guests - photo booth pictures, hire a caricature artist, provide a candy buffet.
Hot cocoa and mini marshmallows.
Donuts, cookies and macaroons - be sure to incorporate into the decor.
If your group loves to party, consider a mini cocktail kit.
If your group love to cook, infused olive oils or spices.
Don’t…
Give anything with your names and wedding date on it. Most people don’t keep items with other peoples’ name and wedding date, with the exception of parents and grandma.
Give anything with your photo on it. See above.
Give anything with your monograms on it. See above.
Give anything that is alive. Yes, I’m serious. I can’t tell you how many times people want to give goldfish because they think they can double as decor. Almost none of these poor creatures ever make it home. Please, just don’t.
Give anything that requires work on the guest’s part - think seeds to plant, plants to take care of, tree saplings …
Give decor for someone to put in their home. No one has the same taste, so the really cute longhorn candle holders that looked great at your country themed event might not work with other people’s decor. Neither will figurines, picture frames, candles…
Make donations to your charitable causes in your guest’s names. Most people don’t believe you’re going to do it, and those that do complain that those wouldn’t be charities they would give to.
