Should you have Party Favors At your wedding?
- afrindesigns
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
Guest favors have long been a part of wedding tradition. But let’s be real: are they still worth it?
The short answer? It depends.
Some couples love the idea of gifting guests a little something for showing up and celebrating. Others find that favors collect dust, eat up the budget, or just don’t add enough value to the overall experience.
Let’s break it down.
The World of Party Favors: Yay or Nay?
Why Have Them:
They add texture or visual interest to your tablescape.
They’re a sweet gesture to thank your guests.
If done well, they can tie in your design theme in a subtle or playful way.
Why Skip Them:
Many guests forget them or toss them later.
They can take up time and budget that might be better spent elsewhere (like food or flowers!)
Most people don’t want something with your name and wedding date on it forever (unless it's edible or super, super cute).
If you do go for it… think about this: Do you want them to accent your design (neutral, low-profile, maybe adding texture)? Or do you want them to pop (add color, shine, or surprise)?
And most importantly: will it feel fun for you to give (or like just another box to check?).
Types of Favors That Actually Land...
If you’re going to do favors, we’re all about keeping it intentional and (ideally) usable. Here are a few categories to consider:
1. Edible Treats
These always go fast, and rarely end up in the trash. Think:
Truffles or chocolates in foil to match your palette (like these or these!)
Candy bags (with your favorite candies inside!)
2. Personalized Pieces
These can be hit or miss, so ask yourself: Would I keep this if it were someone else’s wedding?
Custom matchbooks or candles
Something practical but cute, like customized fans or seed packets (as seen in the photo!)
3. Reusable & Branded
This is where you can get creative. Think of a phrase, icon, or motif that represents your vibe (not just your name and date). We like to use Vista Print for customized pieces like what's listed below!
Kitchen towels with a quote or graphics
Hand cream customized to your wedding colors
Glasses or mugs with your custom graphic or phrase
Custom illustrations (of you two, or a place you love) as prints or magnets
The Bottom Line...
You don’t have to do favors these days. But if you want to, do it your way.
Make it fun. Make it edible. Make it intentional. Or skip it entirely and trust that your guests will be wowed by the celebration, not the swag.
At the end of the day, every table deserves a little something extra (something that adds texture, personality, and visual depth beyond just the centerpiece).
Party favors can be a fun, colorful way to do just that, especially if your table design is otherwise minimal.
Not into favors? No problem. You can still achieve a layered, thoughtful look by incorporating elements like place cards, menu cards, or charger plates. Tabletop layering (whether with favors or other details) is overall key to creating a polished, cohesive design. The beauty is: you get to decide what story your table tells!
