09/15/2021
Someone on a page I’m in asked this question yesterday. A popular question I get asked by couples and one that I was so excited to answer.
Check out my response below!
“Opinion from a wedding planner!
I have mixed feelings on favors. I completely understand the want to have them. I know it’s both traditional and a nice way to explicitly thank your guests for being there. And I support anyone who wants to have them.
But from a sustainability standpoint (one of my companies core values), they really are a huge waste. And from a financial standpoint, they MIGHT be a waste.
I can’t tell you how many favors I’ve seen left, thrown away or straight up ignored at the end of the reception. Unless it is something REALLY meaningful or personal, I assure you, you’re guests don’t care.
Since every aspect of a wedding has become so much about guest experience, It’s not really expected anymore to receive favors as a guest (the event/food/drinks/entertainment is the favor!)
I HAVE however seen and done weddings where certain types of favors go over really well. These have either been a personalized gift from the couple (like miniature engraved Christmas ornaments) or something your guests would use or display in their everyday lives (with one of my couples, we used mini potted succulents as es**rt card holders and the guests were instructed to take the succulent home).
Ultimately, it’s completely up to you though! If you want to have favors but want to ensure they don’t go to waste, try to find a way to double the function of them. That way if some get left, you can know that you didn’t waste them.”