There are many ways to put a personal touch on your big day. Often, the smallest gestures have the biggest impact. Wedding favors are a perfect example of this. Though a fairly modern tradition, the concept of giving out little gifts to guests has proven to be incredibly popular amongst couples. If you’re not sure what to give to your family and friends, there are many exciting options to explore. Review these tips and learn all you need to know about picking the perfect presents for your event. 

Review the Reason and the Costs

Favors are an entirely optional component related to your wedding. Couples tend to gravitate toward this idea when they are looking for a way to thank guests for their attendance. However, you may also wish to give out gifts simply because you’ve found items that perfectly match the theme or general aesthetic of your event. Regardless of the reason, you must pay attention to the costs. If you’re inviting a lot of people, you will have to spend more on favors. According to financial experts, the average couple spends roughly $500 on this expense.  

Put a Personal Touch on Things

Part of the fun of giving out gifts to guests is being able to customize the favors. For example, couples can personalize favors by adding vital details to the presents. If you give out custom mugs or handkerchiefs, you can add your initials or the wedding date to the design. Some couples will add unique phrases or inside jokes to their gifts, which can be perfect for more intimate gatherings. 

Learn About Common Wedding Favors in Advance

Commonplace favors include mugs or glasses, candles, plants, and small bottles of wine or champagne. However, you can go in whatever direction you’d like. Customized M&M’s are a great fit for couples who want to give guests something sweet to finish the night with. Personalized luggage tags can also be a great fit, especially if you are hosting a destination wedding. By matching the gift to the aesthetic of the event, you will have an easier time finding an appropriate present for your crowd. 

Opt for Welcome Bags Instead

Some couples hand their gifts out at the end of the event. However, you may want to shake things up and create a welcome bag instead. If you follow this path, you can include presents that will improve how your guests experience the wedding. Consider a “hangover kit,” which can include a bottle of water, aspirin, snacks, and anything else that can help your family and friends avoid a rough morning after. If you think it might rain during your reception, hand out umbrellas as gifts and keep everyone nice and dry. 

Welcome bags are perfect for destination weddings. Tying the knot on the beach? Include sunscreen and paper fans in your bag. Worried your crew won’t know what to do with downtime? Hand out bags packed with information on things to do and help keep guests entertained. 

Pursue Interesting Alternative Wedding Favors

If you find that giving out individual favors won’t fit into your budget, there are plenty of alternatives worth looking into. Since you likely already have an event photographer, arrange it so that individual pictures are taken of each guest during the celebration. Later, you can mail the photos to attendees along with your thank-you notes and remind them of all the fun they had. Another great alternative is making a charitable donation to a nonprofit in the name of your guests. Get creative, and you’re bound to find an ideal alternative.  

Though it is not considered a necessary component of most weddings, favors are still a wonderful idea for couples looking to show guests some extra thanks. Review as many options as you can to discover the perfect fit for your big day.