These world-renowned sparklers put the "ice" in price.
Updated May 03, 2023The 40 Best Party Favor Ideas for 2023 Weddings
See what's trending in the world of wedding favors.
There are lots of reasons why couples give out wedding favors—they serve as a thank-you token to your guests and provide a tangible memory of your celebration. As you head into the final months before your wedding, you'll want to start browsing party favor ideas to pick the right gifts for your guests. To help inspire you, we're sharing the best wedding favor ideas of 2023, from edible gifts to environmentally-friendly options and much, much more.
The first step to choosing the perfect wedding favor for guests is figuring out your budget. The average cost of favors and wedding party gifts combined is about $440, according to a survey of nearly 12,000 newlyweds who married in 2022. Once you've got your budget down, choose the type of party favors you'd like to give out. The Knot's 2022 Guest Favors and Gifts Study shows that about half of couples prefer favors that are unique (50%), followed by favors that fit their wedding theme (49%).
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Still not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've got lots of cute and fun party favor ideas for weddings below. Keep reading for the low-down on wedding thank-you gifts, including what couples are loving right now and 40 of the top wedding gifts for guests you can buy online.
In this article:
The Best Party Favors for 2023 Weddings
There are lots of different places to draw inspiration from when you're looking for good wedding favors—starting with our list of the best wedding favor ideas. From cute to cool, these party favors for your wedding guests will have them remembering your day fondly.
1. Personalized Champagne Flute Wedding Favors
According to The Knot's 2022 Guest Favors and Gifts Study, 52% of couples surveyed wanted favors their guests could enjoy at the wedding. What better way to fill this need than custom glassware? Place a personalized champagne flute at each table setting so your guests can toast to your nuptials with their souvenirs. Choose between dozens of designs like "Pop the bubbly" and "Sip, sip, hooray," then you can add your names and wedding date underneath.
2. Starry Coaster Wedding Favors
Coasters are a great way to highlight your wedding theme in your tablescape. If you're having a celestial-inspired celebration these are one of the best wedding party favor ideas. The constellation-adorned round glass coasters with rubber feet will really emphasize that your love was written in the stars.
3. Personalized Glass Decor Wedding Favors
Nearly a quarter (28%) of couples surveyed in The Knot's 2022 Guest Favors and Gifts Study use favors as seating or table assignments. Make sure each attendant knows where their place at the reception is with personalized glass decor. Each of your guest's names is intricately laser-cut out of colored acrylic in a script font with a heart. It then sits on their drinkware—whether it be a Champagne flute, stemless wine glass or red solo cup. It's also a great way to make sure they don't lose their drink throughout the night. Talk about an extra unique wedding favor.
4. Frosted Shot Glass Wedding Favors
Custom shot glasses are a great party favor idea for your 21+ guests. These frosted glasses can be printed with a small logo—our favorite is "Drunk in love"—and your wedding details. For an additional charge, they can come in a clear plastic gift box so guests don't have to use them night-of.
5. Hand Sanitizer Wedding Favors
Ever since the pandemic changed how weddings were organized, hygiene products have been regarded as necessary purchases. In fact, in 2022, when The Knot conducted its Guest Favors and Gifts Study, 38% of couples had or planned to have hand sanitizer and/or face masks at their wedding. Don't just have them for guests to use that day, though, have them for guests to take home. Noshinku has beautifully scented hand sanitizer options you can buy in bulk for your big day, including bergamot, eucalyptus and lavender. While personal hand sanitizer wedding favors are a cute way to keep guests safe at your wedding, cleanliness is ultimately a gift that keeps on giving.
6. Soap Wedding Favors
Speaking of hygiene products, bath- or beauty-related favors were chosen by 35% of couples according to our 2022 Guest Favors and Gifts Study, making this another winning wedding souvenir. These cute pear-shaped soaps are packaged in a gift box that reads: "The perfect pair." This sweet-scented giveaway will bring a hotel-worthy touch to guests' bathrooms. You could even gift them as part of a welcome bag.
7. Burlap Tote Welcome Bag Wedding Favors
A good welcome bag starts with the bag itself. Sold in bulk, these reusable jute totes with cotton straps can be filled with small goodies like toiletries and candy to thank your guests for coming to your special day. They're especially clever party favors for a destination wedding, so guests have something they can cart to the pool or beach with them.
8. Hand Fan Wedding Favors
Perhaps you've picked a beautiful, tropical oasis as the backdrop for your big day. Here's another thoughtful wedding souvenir idea for your attendees: These sandalwood hand fans are a classy keepsake that'll come in clutch when guests get a little hot during the ceremony or reception.
9. Botanical Lollipop Wedding Favors
Calling all foodies: Your search for edible wedding favor ideas ends here. For a celebration that's big on blooms, hand out these floral-inspired lollipops as party favors. There are eight surprising flavors in each set, including sweet Champagne and roses, refreshing rosemary and mint, and zingy lemon and thyme. But that's not all: The sticks are infused with seeds, so guests can plant their own herbs or flowers when they get home. Giving guests a gift this sweet is certainly one way to make them happy.
10. Mini Succulent Wedding Favors
Instead of flower seeds, give your guests a miniature succulent as a trendy wedding favor. Sold in sets of 100, these plants are hand-selected from the Etsy seller's farm to ensure the highest quality greenery for your guests. Best of all, they come with matte or shiny silver buckets for potting as well as twine and a kraft paper tag so you can write a small thank-you note. Think: "Love grows! Thanks for joining us." This small gift idea for your wedding guests is especially perfect for rustic-themed nuptials.
11. Luggage Tag Wedding Favors
Stylish luggage tags printed with a fun, travel-themed phrase are a cute wedding favor idea for destination nuptials. Whether guests are traveling domestic or internationally, these chic leather luggage tags will come in handy on the trip home. Plus, since they aren't stamped with personalized details of your wedding, your loved ones can use them for all of their future travels. (Psst, the more you buy, the more you save!)
12. Personalized Turkish Beach Towel Wedding Favors
Okay, one more for a tropical wedding. If you're having a small celebration, surprise each of your guests with colorful Turkish towels that they can use as a beach blanket, to dry off after a swim or even as a shawl for breezy nights. Best of all, they can be custom embroidered. We suggest personalizing each with the destination of your nuptials so guests will still want to use them long after the big day.
13. Coffee Wedding Favors
If you're having a camp- or otherwise outdoor-themed wedding, check this out for a clever wedding favor idea: individually packaged coffee in a tea bag. Not to be mistaken for instant coffee, these must-have wedding favors aren't just easy to brew—they're tasty as well. It's a lovely tribute to your relationship if you're always exploring the outdoors together (and love coffee).
14. Honey Jar Wedding Favors
Edible wedding favors are a popular choice for couples because they're seen as something everyone can enjoy—especially when it's something sweet, like honey. These adorable mini jars filled with all natural honey with a personalized label and optional dipper are sure to be a hit with guests. We especially love the different puns you can choose for the labels, like "I found my honey," "Love is sweet" and "Thanks for bee-ing here." (Just to name a few.) They're an especially complementary wedding favor if you're hosting morning nuptials or a farewell brunch.
15. Heart-Shaped Tea Wedding Favors
For smaller affairs—or perhaps even as a bridal shower favor—these heart-shaped tea bags are simply adorable. Each tea bag has an on-theme label attached that reads: "The perfect blend." We appreciate the sentiment and the attention to detail. (Plus, they go really well with honey favors.)
16. Coffee Mug Wedding Favors
Some wedding favor ideas may seem cool in theory, but can potentially be forgotten after the wedding. That's not the case with these coffee mugs. Each one is printed with your initials and wedding date on the front, while the back is reserved for a personal thank-you message. Trust us, your loved ones will be drinking their morning tea or coffee from these clever wedding reception gifts on the daily.
17. Playing Card Wedding Favors
After playing games with far too many singles, you finally drew a solid hand with your one-and-only. These playful cards will lead to plenty of games for your guests in the future—plus, they'll keep kids entertained at the wedding. There are dozens of different designs to choose between from The Knot Shop, but one of our favorites is this chalkboard-style deck that says, "We sealed the deal" with your names and "I do" date.
18. Custom Koozie Wedding Favors
When it comes to traditional wedding favors, can coolers may be one of the first ideas that come to mind. That's because they're really practical! Tailgating during football season, lounging by the shore, enjoying a round at home—wherever your guests are, they'll appreciate having a koozie to keep their drinks cool. Buy these personalized can coolers in bulk for a discount.
19. Bottle Opener Wedding Favors
Just like koozies, bottle openers are a handy tool most people don't even realize they need until it's too late. These metal bottle openers slide conveniently into a credit card slot in their wallet, so they can always have it on hand. And thanks to the personalization, these popular wedding favors will always remind your loved ones of you.
20. Personalized Stemless Wine Glass Wedding Favors
Signature cocktails (or vino) will look especially good in these personalized glasses. If you're planning to have a bar at the wedding, have the staff hand out drinks in these stemless wine glasses that guests can then take home. They're printed with a fun logo of your choice in a dozen different colors and can even be customized with your wedding details.
21. Mini Champagne Wedding Favors
Planning a NYE-themed or otherwise glamorous wedding? Meet your perfect wedding favors: miniature bottles of bubbly. Our data shows that alcohol and alcohol accessories were the second most popular wedding favor idea in 2022. Save time by ordering online for delivery or pick-up. Pair your mini Champagne bottles with these personalized "thank you" labels to give your party favors a luxe finishing touch.
22. Heart-Shaped Wine Stopper Wedding Favors
If you could share a bottle of wine and reflect with every one of your wedding guests, you would. But there's only so much time in the day. Instead, capture the sentiment with a bottle stopper as a cute wedding favor. Plus, it has a sweet heart to really emphasize the love.
23. Candy Escort Card Wedding Favors
Did you know Sugarfina (everyone's favorite gourmet candy brand) offers customized taster packets you can use for an extra-sweet seating chart or as a fun late-night snack? Talk about a fitting wedding favor idea for couples who have a sweet tooth! They're also a great addition to wedding welcome bags if you're planning to hand those out. Spring for even more luxurious wedding favors by handing out the brand's signature candy cubes complete with cute packaging (including a mailbox option).
24. Scented Candle Wedding Favors
Still wondering what wedding souvenirs you should give out? How about a scented candle? You found your flame, now give each guest one, too. You can buy these scented candle favors from Woven Wax in bulk on Amazon (so convenient). Choose between 11 different fragrances ("love spell" is especially appropriate), then customize the writing for the lid. You can also opt to include your new titles and shared last name.
25. Matchbox Wedding Favors
If you're looking for an affordable wedding favor, matchboxes are a go-to. They strike a chord in both cuteness and practicality. Plus, you'll find hundreds of different designs to personalize on Zazzle so they can fit your wedding theme. These have a watercolor nature scene perfect for a wedding in the mountains.
26. Popcorn Wedding Favors
Aforementioned, edible treats are trending right now in the world of wedding favors. This convenient set from Garrett Popcorn includes a super-sized tin of gourmet popcorn, 50 DIY favor bags and a scoop so guests can fill their bags themselves. Choose from plain, buttery, cheesy or caramel popcorn—or opt for Garrett's signature mix. This Chicago staple is an especially fitting favor idea for weddings in The Windy City.
27. DIY S'more Wedding Favors
While you might be tempted to DIY your wedding favors, know that the process may be a bit time-consuming, so make sure you have the time and energy to assemble your giveaways. If you're set on putting together your own party favors, s'mores kits are a classic option. Though this wedding favor idea doesn't include the ingredients to make a mouthwatering s'more—graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow (pick those up yourself)—it's the favor tag to seal the deal. It says "Here's to s'more love, laughter and happily ever after" with your personal wedding details underneath.
28. Airplane Wedding Favors
Up, up and away you go into a happy marriage. We love these sweet gliders to hand out at a destination wedding that takes your romance to new heights. This is one of the best wedding favor ideas for guests if you're hosting lots of little ones at your event—though we know adults will love the nostalgia, too.
29. Personal Portrait Wedding Favors
If you're planning a more intimate celebration, consider budgeting a little extra on wedding favors per guest. These seriously cool custom portraits can be used as place cards that let your loved ones know they've found the right seat. Then, they can take them home to treasure forever. It really is one of the best wedding keepsakes for guests that they likely haven't seen at any other wedding.
30. Personalized Lip Balm Wedding Favors
If you're hosting fall or winter nuptials when the air is a little dry, lip balm will be a well received wedding party favor. Don't just get any lip balm, though. Burt's Bees can be personalized for your wedding. Just pick your flavor—like pomegranate for seasonality—then add a custom message to the label, like, "You're the bee's knees." Keep one for you and your to-be-spouse, so you're both ready for smooches.
31. Mini Picture Frame Wedding Favors
No doubt, there will be hundreds of pictures taken on your special day, including Polaroids or photo strips if you're having a photo booth. Make sure your guests have a special place to keep these snapshots with an acrylic picture frame. They can press their boutonnières or a flower from their bouquet (if they're wedding party members), add their escort card, or even the invite itself.
32. Holiday Ornament Wedding Favors
For those hosting a wedding in the colder months of the year, this custom ornament is a sweet and seasonally appropriate winter wedding favor idea for couples who celebrate Christmas. Your loved ones can hang it on their tree each year and remember the day you said, "I do." Each ornament is made from birchwood and laser-engraved with a personalized logo. They can even be shaped like the state your nuptials took place in.
33. Hot Chocolate Bomb Wedding Favors
A classic cold-weather drink makes another great winter wedding favor idea. We're particularly fond of hot chocolate, but with a twist. Kids and adults alike will love cracking open hot chocolate bombs filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows. They even come in mint, spicy and Dunkaccino flavors. Yum!
34. Wedding Revival Kit Wedding Favors
About last night…these funny wedding favors are sure to be snatched up as people leave the dance floor. Each small canvas drawstring bag is pre-packed with mints and Advil and then your choice of EMERGEN-C, instant coffee or liquid-IV—AKA essentials after a late night of partying.
35. Ceramic Trinket Bowl Wedding Favors
Ring dishes are classic wedding gifts, so why not carry the trend over to your guests? A small trinket tray will come in handy, even if they don't have their own baubles to store. They can use it in their front entry for keys or on their desk for paper clips, clamps or tacks. The handmade ceramic bowls have a bohemian design that will add a pop of color wherever they place it. They can come gift-wrapped with a personalized thank-you tag for an extra charge.
36. Chopstick Wedding Favors
For a Mother Nature-friendly wedding favor idea, we love these custom-engraved bamboo chopsticks. Every time your loved ones enjoy traditional East Asian cuisine, they'll pull these out and reminisce back to your nuptials. It's an even cooler wedding favor idea if you'll be serving food that requires chopsticks on the big day.
37. Hot Sauce Wedding Favors
If you're never without hot sauce in your bag, these wedding favors are totally ideal. The mini jars of Louisiana Cajun flavor gourmet hot sauce (note: medium heat) are labeled with your wedding details and a pun like "One hot couple." They can come pre-assembled or, if you want to save a little money, you can put the labels on the bottles yourself. Now you've got an unforgettable giveaway that your guests will be totally hot for!
38. Salt and Pepper Shaker Set Wedding Favors
Want to make sure your wedding favors are appreciated long after the big day? Houseware is the way to go. Exhibit A: These salt and pepper shakers add a fun element to any tablescape. We love how the set is fashioned in abstract lovebird shapes. Aren't they just the cutest wedding favors you've ever seen?
39. Mini Pizza Cutter Wedding Favors
Give everyone a pizza your heart with a mini pizza cutter as a wedding thank-you gift for guests. Plus, it's a sweet way to nod to you and your partner's favorite food. The white protective plastic grip says "a slice of..." just above a red heart, with the word "love" cut into the stainless steel to finish the phrase. It's even gift-wrapped. (Bonus if you're serving pizza as a late-night snack at your reception.)
40. Mini Cupcake Wedding Favors
One slice of wedding cake just isn't enough sometimes. Send guests home with mini cupcakes in rich flavors like triple chocolate fudge, cookie dough and red velvet with the help of Baked by Melissa. Best of all, there are gluten-free, nut-free and vegan options available to accommodate all of your guests' dietary needs.
Wedding Favor Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wedding favor?
Wedding favors are small gifts for guests that are usually given out at the reception. While couples are not required to hand out wedding favors, they are a popular gesture. "Giving favors to guests is something that dates back to the 16th century as a way for couples to thank their guests for attending their wedding," says Susan Dunne, designer and planner at Weddings by Susan Dunne. These gifts typically come in the form of small tokens that correspond with the wedding's theme (think: hand fans for beach nuptials or mini jars of honey for a rustic affair). But nowadays, picking on-theme gifts for guests isn't the only way to go. "When it comes to favors, many of them can stem from tradition, religion or culture," says Dunne.
Alternatively, you can look to your wedding theme or location, or your relationship for inspiration. "Personalized wedding favors that pay tribute to your love story are a great option," says Hannah Nowack, Senior Editor, Weddings at The Knot. For example, if you had your first date at an Italian restaurant, mini jars of gourmet pasta sauce are an adorable (and delicious) wedding party favor idea. Simply put, a party favor that reflects your couple personality or relationship journey are equally meaningful options that'll make your guests feel close to you.
What are some traditional wedding favors?
Some good examples of classic wedding favors include personalized drinkware, like Champagne flutes or can coolers as well as bar accessories like bottle openers and coasters. Additionally, it is commonplace to personalize the favors with your names, wedding date or venue location. That said, gifts for wedding guests can really be anything your budget allows.
What are some trending wedding favors?
Wondering what on earth to give as favors for your wedding? This year, it's all about adding to your guests' overall experience. "Couples are prioritizing the guest experience and wedding favors are one element of creating a memorable celebration for loved ones," says Nowack.
When it comes to choosing souvenirs that lend themselves to an experience, items guests can use are the way to go. "In recent years consumable favors have been especially popular, from candles and hangover kits to candy and jam," says Nowack. The Knot's 2022 Guest Favors and Gifts Study shows a similar sentiment. Two-thirds of the engaged and recently married couples surveyed chose a type of food or non-alcoholic drink as their wedding favor.
"Another popular trend with wedding favors is for them to double as the escort card," says Nowack. She explains that this will ensure the gifts are not accidentally overlooked. "One idea I recently saw and loved was custom journals where guest names and table assignments were written in the book spines," the editor shares. There are so many ways to make these trending gift ideas for wedding guests your own.
That said, handing out wedding favors has actually seen a 21% decline over the last five years, according to The Knot's 2022 Real Wedding Survey. One reason for this is that couples are becoming more mindful of sustainability, making eco-friendly goodies (like plant seeds) and the aforementioned edible treats popular wedding favor ideas. Alternatively, some couples are reallocating their favor budget entirely to focus on the overall guest experience. "We have suggested to some of the clients to shift their wedding favor budget to an experience, whether that's a photo booth service or maybe a nitrogen ice cream bar or a food truck as a late-night snack," says Dunne.
Ultimately, how you decide to thank your guests is up to you (and potentially your parents or anyone who's helping to pay for the wedding).
Emily Rumsey contributed to the reporting of this article.
