They have almost become a tradition and are a great way to thank your guests: wedding favors. Whether it's a small gift that you have made yourself with love or a special "give-away" that is not only beautiful to look at but also really useful - you can let your creativity run wild with wedding gifts.
In the following, we will tell you why guest gifts should not be missing at the wedding and why almonds are considered the original wedding guest gifts. We'll also give you our best ideas for your wedding favors.
Why give gifts at the wedding?
Wedding favors are small gifts that you give to your wedding guests as a thank you. They show your appreciation for the time they have taken for you and thank them for their special support on your big day. The gifts in "mini format" are ideal for taking home as a great memento after your celebration.
By customizing or personalizing the guest gifts at your wedding, you can give the decorations an even more personal touch and create a harmonious ambience where everything matches.
Ultimately, wedding favors are all about making your guests happy and putting a smile on their faces.
Tip: Place your wedding favors at your guests' seats. Couples often even use these as place cards and have the guests' names printed on boxes, labels and the like. Alternatively, you can also hand them over personally at the end of the ceremony.
Why are almonds traditional wedding favors?
Wedding almonds are considered the traditional wedding gift par excellence. But what is it actually all about? The origins can be found in Italian and Greek culture. The tradition of giving wedding almonds dates back to 1350 and was used in ancient times to celebrate special occasions such as weddings and births.
The kernels of the almond tree are coated with sugar in different colors, transforming them into a real treat. With their bittersweet taste, they symbolize the hope that the life of the bride and groom will hold more sweet moments than bitter ones, while the egg-shaped form stands for fertility. Today, yellow gold wedding rings, bicolor wedding rings and even sophisticated trisets symbolize the connection and love for each other.
How much should wedding favors cost?
If you want to give out gifts at your wedding, take them into account directly in your wedding planning and your budget for clothing, catering and wedding rings. Bridal couples usually spend between two and four euros per guest. However, this is only a rough guide. If you decide to make your own wedding favors, this will reduce your expenses, while ready-made, purchased favors will reduce the amount of work involved. So weigh up the options carefully.
Wedding favors: 4 creative ideas
In addition to expressing gratitude, wedding favors should also match the theme of your wedding. How do you achieve this combination?
- Choose gifts that have a special meaning or remind you of shared experiences.
- Opt for practical gifts that your guests can also use in everyday life.
- Choose individual gifts that meet the tastes of your guests. After all, you know them best.
- Customize the gifts to match the style of your wedding.
If you are currently looking for guest gifts for your wedding and don't have any ideas yet, you are welcome to take inspiration from our tips below.
Personalized mini olive oil bottles
Mini olive oil bottles are a practical and elegant idea for wedding favors. Get high-quality olive oil, ideally from a local producer or from a region that is important to both of you.
Pour the oil into small glass bottles that hold 50 to 100 ml. Then personalize the bottles with custom labels that include your names, the wedding date and possibly a short saying or quote. Place the finished bottles on a beautifully decorated table at the end of the ceremony, accompanied by a thank you card or a note explaining the significance of the olive oil.
Seeds or mini plants
With small plants or seeds in sachets, you can symbolize your growth with this wedding gift, which you can share with all your guests. Make sure you opt for easy-care plants or seeds. A popular option is succulents, which are valued for their robustness and low maintenance requirements. They can survive for a long time without water, which makes them particularly practical.
Use small pots or biodegradable plant cups for the packaging, which you can decorate with natural materials such as jute or linen fabric. Add a small tag or label with care instructions and a message. Arrange the pots attractively at each guest's place setting as a guest gift for your wedding.
Individually mixed spice blends
They are the best companion in any kitchen: spice mixes. They are easy to mix yourself and make an excellent gift for your wedding. Pick your favorite flavors and use high-quality spices for your creation.
For example, you can make "love sugar", a sweet mixture of brown sugar, ground vanilla and freeze-dried raspberries. Also great: "lucky salt", a combination of salt, lemon zest and dried rosemary. The "Indian Summer" spice mix is a perfect wedding gift for a boho wedding, an aromatic curry salt with a mixture of salt, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, thyme, coriander, aniseed, cumin, chili, cloves and optional mango powder.
Pack your spice mix in small, airtight jars to preserve their freshness for as long as possible. Create personalized labels with your names, the wedding date and the name and recommended use of the spice mix. Present the spice jars attractively in a small box or bag with a window so guests can get a direct view of the beautiful colors and textures of the spices.
Personalized mini audio book or a playlist
A really creative and unusual idea for a wedding guest gift is a mini audio book or playlist. This can include the history of your relationship, meaningful experiences or your favorite songs. You can record them yourself or have them recorded by a professional narrator. Save the audio book or playlist on USB sticks and personalize a small cover and the introduction with your names, the wedding date and possibly a photo of you together.
Then store each USB flash drive in an attractive box or bag, with a booklet if required.
You are sure to score points with your guests across the board with wedding favors. Give something back and create a memory that will not only stay in their hearts, but will also be expressed physically.
