Yes, I know. You’ve probably read tons of articles about the wedding favors, but I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to talk about them. So, here you can find the top five of my favorites wedding favors!
Let’s start from a premise: the wedding favor shouldn’t be a duty, it doesn’t have to be something big or expensive. The wedding favor is a way of saying Thanks to those who have shared with you that important day.
It’s lovely if it will represent yourself. It could be simple, sophisticated, particular, whimsical, original or traditional, but my motto is only one: eat (or drink) it, use it, or it must do good! And, if it’s an object, it must be possibly handmade and Made in Italy.
1 – The food or beverage favor
Whether you eat it or drink it, or use it in the kitchen, these are my favorite favors! You can indulge yourself by choosing from everything that our Country offers, from North to South. I suggest to select something that speaks of your traditions, your origins, or that represents you in a particular way. These are perfect for guests who appreciate the real Made in Italy.
Some idea? A bottle of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar, a jar of jam or honey, a bottle of wine or crafted beer, some artisan chocolate, spices, salt, but also a box of “Made in Italy” products such as artisan pasta, truffle, cheese (maybe the real Parmisan cheese? Do you know that I love it?!?).
My advice is to look for small manufacturers, artisans that make these products with True Love, and customize the packaging.
2 – The favor that guests can use
What do I mean by the favor that guests can use? Something that your guests can somehow use at home. In this case, it’s essential to choose an object that is useful or usable, but, above all, that is made by an artisan, and that is personalized. We have so many artisans who produce wonders not only to eat!
Any example? Handmade candles, plates, cups, ceramic vases, home textiles, clothes to wear (different for your guests – women, men, children), fragrances, and much more.
Let’s not forget the possibility of giving music (to listen to or to play!) or a book: a volume of your favorite author or your personalized book (maybe a recipes book, like the one of Laura and Giancarlo).
3- The green-favor
What’s better than a small seedling that guests can take home and look after with love? You can decide the type of plants based that is related to the mood of your wedding: bonsai, aromatic plants, fruit plants, small seedlings of vegetables, succulents, …
You can also choose a small bag of seeds: challenge your guests and ask everyone to send you a photo of their seedlings on the first anniversary of your wedding. Has anyone managed to make the seeds bloom?
4 – Make a donation!
The wedding favor must not necessarily be an object, it can also be a gesture. Many couples choose to make a donation for a cause dear to them instead of buying an object, and to share this choice with their guests.
How to communicate this decision? You can create candy bag and make a personalized tag that tells about your choice, or write it on the menu, or together with the placeholder. However you communicate it, the important thing will remain what you have chosen to do it!
5 – The dust-catcher
Nope, I’m joking, this is not in my top five but I couldn’t fail to mention it.
What is it!?!?! In my hometown we call it “Ciapa pulver”, literally “something that only catches the dust”. Those objects that you don’t know how to use. When you receive one of these you ask yourself: What is it? Where do I put it? What do I do with it? and….Why?!?!?
These objects filled up the shelves of our grandmothers: they received them at baptisms, weddings, anniversaries… Certainly a souvenir that remains unchanged over time but, today, it may be underappreciated and your guests will leave it in a box in their basament.
Which wedding favor would you choose for your wedding?