Still unsure about guest favours? It’s a question we get asked all the time. We are sharing our practical advice that will help you select the best favours, being edible, a trinket, a memento or ultimately, no favours at all!
HISTORY LESSON
Guest favours can be dated as early as the 13th century in Italian novels where almonds were given away at celebrations, including weddings. The most famous guest favours which are popular to this very day, are the Jordan Almonds. A set of five almonds that represent the following five pillars for the couple.
- Fertility
- Health
- Wealth
- Happiness
- Longevity
Today, many cultures have their own variation, but the Jordan almonds has been a staple in European culture. Over time, the favour became a token to thank the guests for coming. The French gave a fancy box with sugar candies (as sugar was expensive), Irish gave out small bells, Russians gave out small photos or a candle and Indian cultural typically gives out an elephant-themed favour, like a place card holder as one example.
Guest favours have taken a turn from tradition as we move into modern day. We’re here to help you select the best ones that suit your wedding day, but also you as a couple.
1. GET SOMETHING EDIBLE
If you choose to do a guest favour, we suggest you select something edible. A guest arriving to their seat, to find a chocolate, a lemon square, a macaroon or cookie, will be delighted. It serves as double duty, feeding your guests a snack – which also reduces the chances of any items being left behind. And who doesn’t love a sweet treat as a thank you! A monogrammed lighter looks cool but how many people do you know today smoke, or need a lighter? Everyone’s gotta eat!
Top photo: Alannah & Manny, owners of Cakes by Peddie + Frolic & Forage Catering provided two different styles of mini cakes for their guests as a take away.
Bottom photos: Sarah & Robbie chose local honey from Lulu Island Honey in Richmond.
Photo: Michael Bednar photography
Photo: Aiota Photography
2. MAKE SURE IT MATCHES YOUR DECOR
The guest favour often sits on top of the napkin or near the place card at each guest seat. Imagine a soft pastel decor is placed on all the tables with white flowers, and a bright orange box filled with treats is the guest favour. No matter the colour or choice, make sure it doesn’t clash with your decor vision. Set up a table with your guest favours and see how it comes together.
Use this to your advantage! A guest favour can pull double duty by adding a decor element to your guest tables. Sometimes another metallic is needed, or a simple white box compliments the table. Play around with it or talk to your Decorator to come up with ideas.
Nick & Flo made place cards using shells from Flo’s family’s country, the Philippines. This worked beautifully with her decor, it was a unique idea for a place card and the guests got to take it home as a gift!
Photo: N Mofrad photography
3. SELECT SOMETHING MEANINGFUL TO YOU TWO
Don’t select a guest favour, just because. This is why you get stressed out! Ryan & Kim opted for guest favours from Kim’s favourite soap factory. It added a decorative element to the guest table, but also gave a nice aroma for her guests. And since the venue was outside, the scent wasn’t overpowering.
Photo: Common heart photography
4. MAKE A DONATION
Lots of couples choose to make a donation in lieu of guest favours. Helen & Justin chose to donate to the BC Cancer Agency as a way to honour both of their families. You can choose to mark this on a sign at the guest book table, or you can put this information on the guests place cards or menu at the table.
Photo: Aileen Choi Photography
5. CONSIDER LEFTOVERS
At the end of the night, when we are cleaning up, we often find leftover favours that guests don’t take. We don’t like to put these items in the garbage at the stroke of midnight. Folks! Know your audience.
If you want a unique item that everyone will like it, that doesn’t feel wasteful and means something to you both, we’ve got a solution! Order for only 50% of your guest count, and have these items available at the entrance or exit for guests to choose to take home. Make sure to have signage and ask your Planner, a friend or wedding party member to help distribute these items at the end of the evening.
Top Photo: Sam & Tom provided snacks for the bus ride home from Squamish to Vancouver. Keep people fed on that winding highway back!
Bottom Photo: Corina & Matt ordered hangover kits for takeaways, much needed for those party people at the end of the night!
Photo credit: Aminda Villa Photography
Photo credit: Wonderlust Photography
6. DON’T HAVE GUEST FAVOURS
We are in the modern age. Guest favours are not something that all guests expect to receive upon sitting down at their seat. However, if you wanted to provide something, lots of our guests opt for a dessert table, donuts or a candy table. This can be on display later in the evening, and guests love it!
Photo credit: Meghan Hemstra
Photo credit: Aiota Photography
Photo credit: Angela Ruscheinski
7. DON’T STRESS
Choose favours that are right for you! Even if that decision is no favours at all. If you do order guest favours online and they don’t show up in time, remember THAT IS OK. Guests don’t know what they don’t know. All they will experience is the wedding day as they perceive it. They won’t know if a chocolate was supposed to make it to their table. But they do remember if the food was cold! Prioritize the big stuff first, and the small details will all fall into place.
Photo credit: Meghan Hemstra
0 comments
Here is no comments for now.