A couple of years ago, we suggested some awesome wedding favor tips and ideas to spark creative possibilities for your wedding favors. Now, it’s time to give you an update on what’s hot for 2024 and 2025 and inspire some potential parting gifts that will keep your guests smiling long after your special day.
First, let’s look at some trends for 2024-25 that could impact your wedding favor selections.
Sustainability
Weddings are really going green these days! From outfits and altars to dining and venues, sustainability is increasing in popularity. Wedding planners are looking for eco-friendly locations, decorations/invitations made from recycled material, local “farm-to-fork” caterers and florists, and even carbon-neutral transportation. Get on board because the “green train” is leaving the station.
Individuality
“Come as you are” as they say! Many weddings are trending towards letting the guests be themselves, such as mismatched bridesmaid dresses, interactive cocktail/mocktail bars, and multiple food trucks serving a variety of cuisines.
Technological Integration
Interactive elements, unique all-in-one wedding websites, live streaming, and even ditching expensive, printed save-the-date and wedding invitations in lieu of an entirely digital experience for guests. In fact, more than ever, weddings are being live streamed with interactive elements to include guests who can’t attend in person.
And lest we forget the one trend that may never go out of style – Personalization. Wedding couples want to add their unique, expressive touch to reflect who they are and their relationship. It’s about the theme, color, location, and of course, everything above.
What about wedding favors?
When it comes to wedding favors, this is your opportunity to give each guest something that reflects the event and says, “thank you.” The options are, to be honest, a little overwhelming, so start with a few filters to narrow down your options. Wedding favors should have three key attributes. They should be memorable, personal, and useful.
Memorable
Does it spark a memory of your wedding?
Personal
Does it reflect who you are?
Useful
This doesn’t have to mean long lasting, like a bottle opener. Tasty treats from your favorite pastry shop, while quickly consumed, embrace all three attributes.
Also, consider how easy it is to pack/transport. If your guests are flying, a large, fragile, or liquid (over 3.4 ounces) gift may not be the best choice. Lastly, just keep it simple and don’t overthink it, you’ll be fine!
What are some interesting wedding favors for 2024/25?
We looked at a range of wedding favor options that are fun, unique, and inexpensive. Most anything these days can be personalized with initials, a quote, or image. Just make sure you order your favors, so they arrive on time!
Also, you can narrow down options if you match the theme of your wedding. Outdoorsy – go nature. Beach – go sunny. You get the idea.
Check out some of these inventive options:
Vintage Coffee Mugs: Buy a bunch from a local thrift/antique store.
Used books: Pick out a selection from the same store as above. Vintage cookbooks are a useful item.
Personalized folding fans or sunscreen: For outdoor weddings in the summer.
Custom Tattoos: You send in a photo and get back water soluble tattoos.
Luggage Tags: For destination weddings, mail beforehand so guests can travel with them.
Incense bundles with holders: Pick a variety of scents for different times of the year.
Monogrammed shawls for outdoor weddings: These are surprisingly affordable from several online stores.
QR Code Playlist: A card at each table would have a QR code that links to a Spotify playlist from your wedding.
Picture frame & photo: Each couple gets a wooden frame with the photo they took in the newly updated techies photo booth. Yes, this is a doable thing.
Edibles: Coffee, jams, mints, loose leaf tea, olive oil, flavor infused alcohol, popcorn, truffles, maple syrup, hot sauce, jelly beans… oh the options are limitless!
Gourmet salt: Variety packs of salts from around the world.
Anything DIY: Do-it-yourself is always the most personal gift you can give. This doesn’t mean you make everything from scratch. But it can be something you create, such as a favorite candy or candle in a mason jar, planters with a plant or seeds, homemade treats.
A donation: Consider making a donation to a charitable cause that is close to your hearts. A card would tell each guest that a donation has been made as a favor.
Don’t forget the kids!: If your wedding guest list includes kids, think crayons and paper tablecloths, treats, a scavenger hunt, or anything else to keep them occupied.
Other fun things that can all be personalized include:
- Matchbooks
- Seed packets and planters
- Mini Lanterns
- Disco ball tumblers
- Drink cozies
- Compass pendants
- Spatulas or other kitchen items
- Back scratchers
- Chopsticks
- Illustrated Doggie Bags
- Playing cards
- Camping Mugs
- Sunglasses
- Bookmarks
- Sleep masks
These are great, but where do I shop for them?
There are the usual suspects, like Etsy and Uncommon Goods, but these days, everyone is getting in on weddings, including promotional companies (we bet you’re still using the water bottle or fridge magnet you got at a convention, right?). Here are some online stores that have awesome selections, so get surfing!
Of course, you can always get the opinion of the wedding professionals here at Monona Terrace. We love talking about weddings! And we’d love to host your special event. Give us a call at 608.261.4000 today!