Wedding favors are more than just a token of appreciation. They’re a small piece of your celebration that guests get to take home, and choosing handmade options adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness. But the challenge often lies in finding favors that don’t get left behind on the table or tucked away in a drawer.
Here are some useful tips to help you choose handmade wedding favors that feel meaningful and practical.
Think in Terms of Everyday Use
Guests are more likely to keep and enjoy something they can use regularly. Instead of decorative trinkets, consider handmade items like natural soap bars, beeswax lip balms, or ceramic coasters. For instance, a small handmade soap wrapped in eco-friendly paper not only looks charming but also finds a place in the guest’s bathroom.
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
It might be tempting to go for cheaper bulk handmade buys, but quality makes a difference in whether guests actually use the item. A well-crafted keychain made from genuine leather will be treasured far longer than a lower-cost alternative that wears out quickly. Handmade doesn’t always mean expensive, but it does mean time and skill went into the creation.
Choose Items That Travel Well
Many wedding guests travel from out of town, so think about favors that can be packed easily without damage. A hand-poured candle in a tin, a woven bookmark, or a set of dried flower sachets are all lightweight, practical, and easy to slip into luggage without worry. Avoid fragile glass ornaments or bulky items that may not make it home intact.
Consider Local Artisans for Personal Touch
One way to make favors special is to support artisans local to your wedding destination. If you’re marrying in the Yarra Valley, for example, small-batch handmade honey jars or artisan chocolates from the area connect guests to the place and the celebration. Local handmade items often carry a story, making them memorable long after the event.
Offer Something Guests Can Eat or Drink
Handmade food items often top the list of “favors guests actually use.” Think artisanal tea blends, spice jars, or mini bottles of infused olive oil. These items bring guests back to your wedding as they enjoy them in their own kitchens. As a bonus, consumables avoid clutter, which is a major reason guests discard wedding favors.
Give Guests Options
Not every favor suits every guest. Setting up a small favor table where guests can choose between two or three handmade options ensures they’ll pick something they’ll actually enjoy. For example, provide a choice between handmade candles, handwoven bracelets, and seed packets. This adds a touch of interactivity while reducing waste.
Provide Simple Care Instructions
Sometimes guests hesitate to use handmade items because they’re unsure how to care for them. Including a small card with instructions makes the favor more approachable.
For example, if you’re gifting handmade soy candles, note that trimming the wick to ¼ inch before each burn helps them last longer. If the favor is a piece of hand-painted pottery, include cleaning tips like “hand wash only with mild soap.” These details encourage guests to appreciate and use the item fully.
Conclusion: Thoughtful, Practical, and Memorable
The best handmade wedding favors combine usefulness with a personal touch. By focusing on items that are practical, easy to care for, and tied to either your wedding location or your personality as a couple, you ensure that your guests leave with something they’ll appreciate in daily life.
Whether it’s a soap they’ll use the next morning, a tea they’ll sip at home, or a small keepsake from a local artisan, the right handmade favor turns into a lasting reminder of your celebration.