Wedding planning is a carefully orchestrated symphony that is sometimes best described as organized chaos. Timing, details, coordination, so many little parts that need to work together so extraordinarily well. The premature release of a butterfly can have drastic effects. If your wedding will be small or large. A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into supporting you, helping you, and generally being there for you not only during your wedding planning, but throughout your entire relationship. For this reason, and this reason alone, your wedding favors should be your unique way of saying “Thank you!”
As we move into the early 2000s and into the second decade, more and more people have come to me to ask, beg and desperately search for unique wedding favor ideas. Colored malted almonds don’t appeal to me anymore and if I get one more monogrammed box with a tchachke in it my husband might force me to move (I never dare throw them away but what could I do with a little monogrammed bell thingy silver?).
Unique wedding favors communicate to guests “Hey! I didn’t just go for the gift card!” As an example I offer the following metaphor: A Lowe’s gift card in a basket with a hammer, nails and tool belt is sweet and personal; a Lowe’s gift card in a plain envelope reads “Forgot a gift and bought this at a gas station down the road.”
My point is that traditional favors are wonderful, there’s a reason they’re traditional, but give them a makeover, a face lift if you want, and show your guests that you spend more time on something than just a box of coordinated colors (disgusting tasting) malted almonds (in a really beautiful ridiculously expensive white box with a very nice monogrammed silver bow).
Here is a short list of unique wedding favor ideas that are personalized, sure to draw a little more attention and show your guests a little more appreciation.
1. individual fortune cookies: These beautiful cookies come half dipped in chocolate AND with a personalized message inside. Each cookie comes in its own adorable, clear little box and can easily be wrapped with a beautiful monogrammed wedding sticker or bow. Smaller favors like these are easily assigned at each guest’s place and make a lovely addition to a tablescape. They give guests a little treat to look forward to and their sticker/tie closure keeps it traditional and comforting.
2. Personalized Koozies: The koozie is such a multifunctional favor that I dare say you’ll be tempted to wear them for your bachelor/bachelorette party and engagement party as well. The foam koozies stack easily creating a standout centerpiece on a welcome table next to a guest book, perhaps. Water bottles topped with personalized koozies make a deliciously refreshing treat for guests to hydrate and keep drinks fresh over and over again. There’s the neoprene zippered koozie that’s pretty much a requirement for any outdoor wedding and adds a touch of class and functionality to every drink it covers, making your guests’ drinking experience a delightful one.
3. heart shaped measuring spoons: For the romantic at heart, no pun intended. These delicately shaped measuring spoons are highly functional and beautiful. The heart conveys the passion and love for the event, while the reference to the kitchen reminds guests of warm kitchens full of rich and delicious treats and treats. A gift that is easy to reuse and sweet at the same time.
Four. “Olive” Your olive oil: While it’s true that I’m quite drawn to anything in miniature, this olive oil was just too adorable to pass up. Just like the fortune cookie, this miniature olive oil bottle comes in its own packaging and a ribbon/sticker can be easily added. Its cute playful message is sure to put a smile on guests’ faces and its functionality is unquestionable. Guests will be happy to have this as a part of their home and kitchen and will surely think of you when they use it to make their special things.
5. Custom Wild Seed Packets: Green weddings are becoming more and more popular and couples are finding endless creative ways to celebrate! Weddings are often outdoors, and couples want their guests to enjoy favors that closely follow the theme of the celebration. Personalized packets of wild seeds enrich your guests’ gardens while giving something back to the earth. Seed packets come with custom text or full illustrations and planting instructions. It is also a fabulous alternative to the traditional rice toss when the bride and groom leave the ceremony.
Perhaps by this point you’ve noticed a certain theme, favors that are easy to use are greatly appreciated. Personalizing favors in a creative and fun way not only gets your message across to guests (Courtney and Luis just got married! With a photo of a horse and buggy on a koozie), but it also shows them that you put a little more time and energy to appreciate them. As they use their gifts, they are sure to think of the happy couple over and over again and fondly remember the wonderful time they had celebrating their special day.
