Perhaps the most exciting (and nerving!) bit of getting married is all the preparation and planning that goes into the wedding day. From the colour scheme to the cake and all the finer details that need to be sorted ahead of time, the planning process is not always straightforward. Luckily, at Virginia Park Lodge, we’ve seen a wedding or two in our time and we like to think of ourselves as extra pairs of hands in your wedding process.
With a team of dedicated staff all committed to ensuring a stress free wedding day, we’re extending our expertise to the planning process and offering a little bit of advice on wedding favour ideas to thank your guests for their attendance and offer a little piece of your special day for everyone to take home.
Top 10 Wedding Favour Ideas
Choosing the perfect wedding favour is a great way to thank your guests for celebrating your big day. Whether you want something classic, modern, or even something sustainable, there are plenty of thoughtful options that will leave a lasting impression and impart a little piece of you onto your guests as they return home. Here are ten wedding favour ideas to help inspire you for your wedding planning.
1. Personalised Mini Bottles
Miniature bottles of champagne, whiskey, infused olive oil, or local honey add a personal and elegant touch. Guests can enjoy them at their leisure or keep them for years to come. Alternatively, your guests may use the favour and use the bottle to store flowers or other things.
2. Handmade Candles
A beautifully scented candle is a timeless gift that guests can enjoy long after the wedding. Choose fragrances that reflect your wedding scheme or season, or personalise the labels for a truly unique touch everyone will love.
3. Seed Packets or Mini Plants
A symbolic and eco-friendly favour, seed packets encourage guests to grow something special in memory of your big day. Scattering these seeds along their drive home or even in their own gardens as a permanent reminder of how love grows. Another great choice for wedding favours is mini succulents or herb plants. These cute, low-maintenance gifts are perfect to take home and incredibly practical.
4. Artisan Chocolates or Sweet Treats
Whether it’s handmade chocolates, macarons, or fudge, sweet treats are always a crowd-pleaser. You can package them beautifully to match your wedding theme, or even make them unique to each guest, making them both delicious and visually appealing.
5. Locally Sourced Gifts
If you have chosen a destination wedding, showcasing local flavours, such as handcrafted soap, regional jam, or artisanal coffee, adds a meaningful touch to your wedding favours. It’s a great way to share a piece of your wedding destination with your guests and give them a taste of why you chose the setting to begin with.
6. Charity Donations in Guests’ Names
If you prefer to give back rather than hand out physical favours, making a donation in your guests’ names to a meaningful charity is a thoughtful way to celebrate your love while supporting a good cause. To go a step further, you could even request a charity suggestion from your guests and donate to their unique choice.
7. Miniature Cocktail Kits
A trendy and interactive favour, mini cocktail kits include a small bottle of spirits, a mixer, and a recipe card for guests to recreate a signature wedding cocktail at home and continue the party in the comfort of their own home. Perhaps with a sentiment of “Thanks for raising a glass to us, now here’s a chance to raise a glass to you!”
8. Personalised Tea or Coffee Blends
A warm and comforting favour, small bags of loose leaf tea or freshly ground coffee make a practical and personal gift. Customise the packaging with your wedding date for an extra special touch and allow your guests to enjoy your gift at their leisure.
9. Handmade Soap or Bath Salts
A beautiful self care gift, artisanal soap bars or bath salts infused with natural ingredients give guests a way to unwind after the celebrations. Eco-friendly packaging makes this an even more sustainable choice if this is a consideration for your big day.
10. Custom Wedding Keepsakes
Engraved coasters, monogrammed keychains, or small framed illustrations of the wedding venue are thoughtful mementoes that guests can cherish as a reminder of your special day.
Other Wedding Favour Ideas:
Miniature Photo Frames or Custom Prints (For guests to take home a memory)
Hangover Recovery Kits (Mini water bottles, mints, pain relievers, and eye masks)
DIY or Experience-Based Favours (Make-your-own cocktail kits, small artisan crafts, or local experiences)
Your Wedding Day
We hope we’ve given plenty of suggestions for thoughtful and unique wedding favours. After all, your wedding favours are a reflection of your personality as a couple and a token of appreciation for the loved ones who have come to celebrate with you. Whether you opt for something classic, quirky, or eco-friendly, your favours should be a representation of you and the special day you’ve created for everyone to share.
If you’re looking for more wedding planning inspiration, read some of our other blogs on wedding colour schemes and wedding invitations for more tips and ideas. And if you’re still searching for the perfect venue, Virginia Park Lodge offers an idyllic and secluded countryside setting for a truly unforgettable celebration in the heart of County Cavan. Take a look at our venue and let us help bring your dream wedding to life in a place that’s as remarkable as the happy couple themselves.
1. Match Your Theme
Your wedding invitations should align with your wedding’s overall style and colour scheme. Whether you’re hosting a rustic countryside celebration, a glamorous formal affair, or a whimsical destination wedding, let your invitations provide a glimpse into the aesthetic of your big day.
2. Include All the Details
Clarity is key when it comes to wedding invitations. Ensure you include all essential information, such as the date, time, venue, RSVP instructions, and dress code. For destination weddings, consider adding travel tips or accommodation details to help your guests plan ahead.
3. Personalise It
Make your invitations uniquely yours by adding a personal touch. This could be a meaningful quote that resonates with your love story, a custom monogram, or even a small anecdote about your journey together. These elements create a sense of intimacy and connection, making your invitations stand out.
4. Coordinate with Stationery
For a polished, cohesive look, match your invitations with other wedding stationery items like menus, place cards, programs, and thank-you notes. This coordination ties all your wedding elements together, creating a unified design that feels thoughtful and intentional.
5. Send Early
Timing is everything. Invitations should be sent at least 6–8 weeks before your wedding date to give guests ample time to RSVP and make arrangements. For destination weddings or holidays, consider sending them even earlier, 10–12 weeks is ideal.
Your wedding invitations are far more than just an announcement; they’re a special keepsake that set the tone for your celebration. By choosing a design that reflects your style and personality while ensuring all details are clear and thoughtful, you’ll create an unforgettable first impression that excites your guests for the joyous day ahead.