Essence of Events, LLC

We’ve all been to those weddings before with the favors that make you think “thoughtful, but what on earth am I going to do with this tomorrow?!” You know the ones I’m talking about. The couple, who give you things like, say, a framed photo of them. It’s beautiful, but unless you are their sister or close family member, why would you want to have a picture of someone kissing on a beach?

But now you’re about to get married and you need to choose some really amazing favors, so that when your guests leave your reception, they have something to look back on and remember what a fantastic time they had at your wedding.

Besides, no one should feel twinges of guilt the next month when they decide to throw out a useless favor. So make it indispensable, as opposed to just putting more trash out there into the world. And choose something so people can look back, and smile about your big day.

Essence of Events have compiled a list of 20 of the top gifts your guests would actually want to receive from you, and no, they aren’t going to blow the bank, or your budget, for that matter! A lot of them you can DIY yourself, and if you’re not that kind of bride, there are plenty of people out there willing to do it for you, like friends and family.

A s’mores kit if you have a bonfire, or just because they’re so yummy. And a jar of jam passes TSA regulations, which is perfect for out of town guests.

We can all use extra water bottles. Buy them at the dollar store and put the appliques on yourself.

Sunglasses for a summer wedding. Coffee beans, because, well, we do live in Seattle after all.

Succulents double as favors and place settings.

Journals or sketch pads. See if you can have your guests draw a picture or write a poem or note about your day for you to keep.

Local honey in cute containers, and cookie cutters.

Bottle openers are always fun, you can ones like these that have a vintage look, or ones that have a local feel if you get one in the shape of the Space Needle or other native icons.

Candles made from thrifted tea cups.

A cookie or candy buffet with takeaway containers.

Luggage tags (check out the hilarious inscriptions on these ones!) and tiny pies in a jar.

Charity donations made in your guests’ name, and pretty smelling soap.

Seed paper; its paper that you can plant! Just make sure if your wedding takes place in the park that there aren’t rules about handling seeds.

Tea diffusers.

Alcohol is always popular.

Candy in mugs.

For more favor ideas, plus help organizing and planning your wedding, make sure to contact Essence of Events to set up your free, one hour initial consultation. Our planners are happy to talk about all of your wedding and event related questions. Call 253.292.1482 or email info@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae