Wedding Favours: Are They Still a Thing in 2025? (& What to Give Instead)

Are Wedding Favours Still Expected?

Short answer? Not really — but they’re still appreciated.

Wedding favours used to be a must-have at every table setting, but in 2025, more couples are either skipping them altogether or getting a little more creative with what they give. With wedding budgets tighter and sustainability on everyone's mind, many newlyweds are rethinking whether a tiny bag of sugared almonds is really the vibe.

So... do you need to do them? Nope. But if you want to, there are ways to make them feel fun, meaningful, and modern.

Elegant wedding favors with personalized bottles, adorned with white flowers and pearls, celebrating Merve and Faruk's special day on May 18, 2025.

The New Rules of Wedding Favours

Today’s wedding favours don’t need to be expensive or mass-produced. In fact, the best ones are usually:

• Practical (think mini bottles, edible treats, or reusable items)

• Eco-friendly (zero waste is a win for everyone)

• Locally sourced or handmade

• Personalised or experience-based

If you’re going to spend time or money on favours, make it something guests will actually enjoy (or at least not leave behind on the table).

Unique Wedding Favour Ideas Your Guests Will Love

1. Personalised Mini Bottles

   Mini bottles of limoncello, olive oil, or local gin, personalized with your names and wedding date, make heartfelt keepsakes. DIY couples can enjoy selecting beverages and designing labels. Pair with a card explaining the choice for added meaning.

2. Edible Treats

   Edible favours like macarons, themed cookies, or local honey are crowd-pleasers. Enhance with a tag reading “Midnight snack? You’re welcome.” Personalize with flavours meaningful to your relationship.

3. Seed Packets or Succulents

   Gift seed packets or potted succulents for an eco-friendly keepsake. Attach a note explaining the plant's significance to your relationship, like sunflowers turning toward the sun.

4. Charitable Donations

   Make a charitable donation in lieu of material gifts. Share a note at each place setting explaining the cause and its importance to you, creating a shared experience of giving back.

5. Custom Stickers or Magnets

   Custom stickers or magnets are affordable, personalizable favours. They can reflect your wedding theme or personalities, serving as reminders of your special day.

6. Hangover Kits

   Include practical items like water, Panadol, and mints in a hangover kit. Add a humorous note to show care and add a fun twist to your wedding favours.

7. Mini Candles or Bath Salts

   Mini candles or bath salts offer self-care with scents matching your wedding season. Package in reusable containers and include a note suggesting relaxation.

   
   

Miniature champagne bottles filled with blue and white candies, elegantly displayed as wedding favours.

Should You DIY Your Wedding Favours?

If you love crafting and want to save money, making your own wedding favours can add a personal touch that guests will appreciate. However, DIY projects require time and effort, so plan ahead to enjoy the process rather than feel overwhelmed.

Consider these tips for DIY wedding favours:

• Start early and batch the work: Begin crafting well before your wedding to reduce last-minute stress and enjoy the creative process. Break tasks into manageable stages, like making candles in batches, to maintain enthusiasm and avoid burnout.

• Keep it simple: Opt for straightforward designs to achieve a polished look without frustration. Consider favour bags with local treats or personalized seed packets for a time-saving, enjoyable crafting experience.

• Enlist help from your bridal party: Turn crafting into a fun social event by inviting your bridal party or friends to help. Organize a crafting night with snacks and drinks to make the task more manageable and memorable.

Jars of delicacies, arranged on a round table, await guests at a rustic-themed event, each adorned with twine and a personalized label for charm.

How Much Should You Spend on Favours?

Budget $2–$7 AUD per guest for party favours to avoid financial stress. For small weddings, choose personalized or luxurious favours like custom items or artisanal treats that reflect your style and theme. For larger gatherings, manage expenses by buying in bulk and opting for pre-packaged treats or edible favours like homemade jam or mini olive oil bottles. Add DIY elements like hand-decorated cookies or personalized seed packets for a personal touch and cost savings, ensuring memorable tokens without overspending.

Pro tip: Don’t feel obligated to give favours to every guest. Some couples just place them at a communal table or offer them as part of the farewell.

When to Skip Wedding Favours Altogether

You officially have permission to skip favours if:

• You're prioritising other parts of the budget.

• You don’t want to add extra waste to your wedding.

• You're already treating your guests to amazing food, drinks, or entertainment.

• You're offering something else (like a dessert station or late-night snacks) that guests can enjoy on the spot.

Remember: your guests are there to celebrate you, not to collect souvenirs.

Final Thoughts

Wedding favours aren’t about tradition anymore — they’re about intention. If you want to give your guests a thoughtful little “thank you,” go for it! Just make it something useful, meaningful, or edible.

And if you decide to skip them? That’s totally okay too.

It’s your day. Celebrate it your way.