wedding with no favors???

[lisa826]

has anyone been to a wedding where there were no favors? I've been racking my brain to try and think of something that is inexpensive and wont get thrown away, put in a closet, or left for me to take home. I love the idea of favors and you ladies have come up with some really great ones, but i hate the idea of spending money for something most wont use.

[sweetvenus]

You could donate the money to a charity. Then put a little explanation on the tables about it. Edible favors are also usually popular and don't go to waste.

[EarlyBird]

stacey is doing one that is "wishing you wishes from the mr and mrs" and it is a lotto ticket . i think these are good when you want something that people will enjoy!

[EarlyBird]

but i have also been to a wedding where they did the southern tradition of "grooms cake" in a box with the traditional poem where the single women sleep wit it under there pillow and it will bring them lovve

[lisa826]

but i have also been to a wedding where they did the southern tradition of "grooms cake" in a box with the traditional poem where the single women sleep wit it under there pillow and it will bring them lovve

i have never heard of this but it is such a cute idea. i would use it but there really aren't any single women in either of our families that are over the age of 16.

[Measha]

My personal rule on favors is that is has to be "usable" be it something edible like chocolates or other candy / food, or something like soap, etc.

As I tell people, yes that glass coaster with your names and wedding date on it may LOOK nice, but it's going to wind up in closets all over the country most likely never looked at again. Except perhaps by your mothers.

I hope no one takes offense at that :sweatdrop:

As to a wedding with no favors. I think that you should always have some kind of favor. Yes you are putting a lot of money into this event already, but your friends and family are putting in a lot of time and effort to be there, and often will be giving you some very nice gifts. So a small favor that says "thank you for coming" is just a good thing in my book!

[brendalin]

I would recommend some kind of favor. It is an easy way to save a couple bucks, but people notice when they aren't there. we went to a wedding last june and people still talk about how they had no favors at their wedding!

[Hope75]

We are doing donations in leu of material gifts for guests. My father had a recent stroke and so we will probably donate to the American Stroke Association.

[mitch]

I never did wedding favours at my first wedding. It was never thought of or even noticed as missing. Maybe it's more of an American thing than what we do in England.

I don't know if theres even any other Brits here to confirm or deny it.

Anyhow. This time round i am doing favours. Only little ivory net bags with 5 sugared almonds in each to represent Health, Wealth, Happiness, Long Life and Fertility. Then hand tied with Black and Red Ribbon.
Infact i ordered my sugared almonds a couple of hours ago on eBay.

[FFC]

Yes, I went to one with no favors... I wasn't impressed.

[animal.crackers]

I personally wouldn't care AT ALL if there weren't favors, but my favorites would be scratch tickets and flower bulbs/seeds (even a little baby sapling tree to plant?). Something edible would be popular, too, I am sure.

[Heywie]

I have been to a wedding where they didn't have any favors. At first I thought it was weird, but then I realized that I'm better off not having some junky thing sitting around my house.

For favors, I definitely think something edible or useful is the best way to go. I love the idea of scratchers because you are bound to have a few winners in your guest list!

[tawni8806]

I've been to a wedding with no favors, everyone was talking about it AT the wedding.

I think you should have some sort of party favor to thank the guests for coming, and Im sure they'll be spending more on you than that $1 you'll spend on their favors.

:)

[mobdilemma]

My daughter and her FH chose to donate to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. (She was very close to my dad who had colon cancer). The foundation sent cards which say that a donation has been made in lieu of traditional favors. We also chose to get some of the LiveStrong bracelets to use as "napkin rings". The cards are hard to read in the photo (shaky hands, I guess) but you get the idea. We printed the thank you message on the outside of the envelopes.
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll190/pbdilemma/P5210100.jpghttp://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll190/pbdilemma/P5210097.jpghttp://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll190/pbdilemma/P5210098.jpg

[Deanna2112001]

I've been to a wedding with no favors, everyone was talking about it AT the wedding.

I think you should have some sort of party favor to thank the guests for coming, and Im sure they'll be spending more on you than that $1 you'll spend on their favors.

:)

I was thinking of doing no favors. But doing a candy buffet. Do you think they will still expect favors?

[ladymelissa]

I could go either way with favors. The fact that you are giving everyone a wonderful dinner with drinks to celebrate is favor enough, IMO.

The people that would complain about a lack of favors are just petty, annoying and have even less etiquette. You are the host, it is your party and if you don't have favors, that is your choice.

Also, there are so many wedding favors I have received that have ended up in the trash, so it isn't a big deal, IMO.

[BillsBride]

We were going to do flower seeds, then I realized "who is going to use these?".

So we are going to make a donation to a charity. :D

[tawni8806]

I was thinking of doing no favors. But doing a candy buffet. Do you think they will still expect favors?
You know, I don't think they'd expect favors for a candy buffet. Personally, I am planning on doing both. It may be unnecessary though.

I would look around for something with a good price if money is the issue. I got personalized little boxes with my wedding colors, pink and silver. They were 100 for 39.95 and I am going to put hershey kisses in them. I'm planning on setting them by the candy buffet so when they get their candy, they'll get a box.

It's cheap, but I think people will notice I thought about them. It's completely your decision though. If I were at a wedding and there was only a candy buffet, I'd probably be ecstatic though. I LOVE candy.

[mitch]

We dont plan on doing a Candy Buffet. (I had to think about how to type that because in the UK we don't have Candy, we have Sweets lol)

But we do have a number of children coming so we are doing a Kiddies Table just for them. A little lower and full of yummy goodies that all kids love.

If i was to name them it would probably go "WHOOSH" over all the American heads here. LOL

They do look fun though. Very colourful and a great addition if you so choose.

[vannadear]

No Favors=No Fun. I've been to a lot of weddings and usually you get bored sitting there waiting for the bridal party, a candy or something to nosh or play with is a must, even if it's not much favors are pretty essential!

[Deanna2112001]

You know, I don't think they'd expect favors for a candy buffet. Personally, I am planning on doing both. It may be unnecessary though.

I would look around for something with a good price if money is the issue. I got personalized little boxes with my wedding colors, pink and silver. They were 100 for 39.95 and I am going to put hershey kisses in them. I'm planning on setting them by the candy buffet so when they get their candy, they'll get a box.

It's cheap, but I think people will notice I thought about them. It's completely your decision though. If I were at a wedding and there was only a candy buffet, I'd probably be ecstatic though. I LOVE candy.

Where did you get your boxes from? Thats a great price!

[panny]

No favors?!!!
Party favor are the way to show your thank you to your guests.
If your party favor are unique and useful it will enlighten the party,
chose some useful party favor so your guest will display or use them.

[SerendipityCrafts]

No favors?!!!
Party favor are the way to show your thank you to your guests.


I realize that you sell favours but, I do have to agree with Melissa, and the other's on this one. It's certainly not a faux pas, NOT to give a favour.

I happen to sell signature platters BUT I also realize that not everyone has the need for a wedding guest book.

The fact that you are giving everyone a wonderful dinner with drinks to celebrate is favor enough, IMO.

The people that would complain about a lack of favors are just petty, annoying and have even less etiquette. You are the host, it is your party and if you don't have favors, that is your choice.

[LoLo62808]

After reading this poem I feel like I may have skimped out on my favors. Although I did put them in a pretty box with tool and a message from us, this is our favor:

A spoon filled with Hersey kisses, wrapped in celophane, tied off with silver ribon, attached there is a message that says:

We thank you for coming
with a spoonful of kisses
to celebrate out beginning
as Mr. and Mrs.!

Is this too simple? I also have candles all over the place that the guests are welcome to take.. :sigh: we'll see I guess!

[Deanna2112001]

After reading this poem I feel like I may have skimped out on my favors. Although I did put them in a pretty box with tool and a message from us, this is our favor:

A spoon filled with Hersey kisses, wrapped in celophane, tied off with silver ribon, attached there is a message that says:

We thank you for coming
with a spoonful of kisses
to celebrate out beginning
as Mr. and Mrs.!

Is this too simple? I also have candles all over the place that the guests are welcome to take.. :sigh: we'll see I guess!

I think its great. That was my first idea.

[mitch]

I happen to sell signature platters BUT I also realize that not everyone has the need for a wedding guest book.

I nearly fell off my chair then!!

Signature Platters? Oooh how posh does that sound LOL

We're having a Guest Book. We thought it would be good to read back at peoples comments and best wishes etc. Plus our friends are in a band and it'll be hilarious to see what they put. They signed a gig poster for my Birthday once (The gig was on the actual day) and the things they put down can not be repeated here :bbeek: LOL.

[jsaug12009]

My girlfriend just got married 6/7/08...we bought seed packets -- 4 for a dollar and then we made little bows in her wedding colors and cut out little tags with fancy scissors with the following saying:

May these seeds
blossom and grow
for you as our love
has for us!

It was cheap and really was a big hit.

My other girlfriend got married in May of last year...she gave two naturalizing lilly bulbs for each guest, wrapped in tool, with tags with their name and date .

I am giving evergreen trees -- a little pricey, but my wedding is small and I wanted to stay "green" and not copy my girlfriends ideas. They are about $1.00 a piece and we're going to attach this saying:

"Today is a day for love and life.
A beginning for us as husband and wife.
New love needs attention to grow and survive,
And with care and affection, will flourish and thrive.

The same holds true when it comes to a tree,
It needs nourishment and some T.L.C.
In time you will find that this seedling so small,
Will strengthen and grow to be mighty and tall.

The cold winds will blow and the branches will bend,
But a tree that is strong has the power to mend.
Though times may be tough through the course of our years,
We'll grow stronger together through laughter and tears.

Please keep this young seedling and in some small way,
When you watch as it grows, you'll remember this day.
You're the family we love and the friends we hold dear,
And we're so very happy to have you all here."

:) Just some ideas...ranging in price and keepen' it green!

[Rainbow Brite]

I could go either way with favors. The fact that you are giving everyone a wonderful dinner with drinks to celebrate is favor enough, IMO.

The people that would complain about a lack of favors are just petty, annoying and have even less etiquette. You are the host, it is your party and if you don't have favors, that is your choice.

Also, there are so many wedding favors I have received that have ended up in the trash, so it isn't a big deal, IMO.I 100% agree with you.

We skipped favors altogether and nobody cared. Between the candy bar, noise makers, guestbook and hor d’oeuvres, they had plenty to keep themselves busy with while we took pictures for 30 mins after the ceremony.

[mitch]

I 100% agree with you.

We skipped favors altogether and nobody cared. Between the candy bar, noise makers, guestbook and hor d’oeuvres, they had plenty to keep themselves busy with while we took pictures for 30 mins after the ceremony.

Exactly true.
But knowing our lot they might just end up having a Bun Fight.

:drunk::drunk::rofl:

[deedas01]

I think you should definitely have favors at a wedding,
Here's a pic of a favor bag with candy in it

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q2pQ2iuR9_E/TUq3-rZpGqI/AAAAAAAAAFk/R6ZkkTT_BrI/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG
Cute and simple!
www.sweetbuffets.blogspot.com

[cyoung35]

Ewww without sounding like its all about the gift....I think a wedding favor is something you should do. I once went to a wedding where the wedding favor was a wallet size picture of the bride and groom to be in a token frame probably each one was less than a couple of bucks to put together but something people can take home display with their family pictures. This would be something that doesn't break the bank and says to family and friends you care!
:hearts:

[mrominger]

To be honest with you, this is one of the things I honestly think that you can omit. I have been to two weddings within the last few months (one was a platinum wedding and one was a more intimate wedding) and neither gave out favors. I thought for sure that there would be a favor at the platinum wedding but nope. So I say that maybe it's a neccesity in this day and age? I hope this doesn't make me sound cheap but I have been thinking about not giving them out myself :bbconfused:

[mome rath]

Yeah, your guests made an effort to come and a lot of them are also bringing you nice gifts, but from my understanding isn't the reception for your guests? You're feeding them, providing them with entertainment and alcohol. That always seemed like enough to me.

I've been to more weddings than I can count. I've never seen anyone make a big deal about not having favors or even taking time to take one home if they did have them. It seems like an element that goes completely unappreciated in the end. Not to mention finding things that most people would like/use is virtually impossible.

[mimiweddingfavors]

If you have the budget and a reasonable amount of guests, why not? Photo coasters are a good option because they're practical and people love to use them. Another option is to consider making your place card a wedding favor. You can put cards inside picture frames or photo coasters. These options are usually less than $3 per person.

[dodgercpkl]

If you have the budget and a reasonable amount of guests, why not? Photo coasters are a good option because they're practical and people love to use them. Another option is to consider making your place card a wedding favor. You can put cards inside picture frames or photo coasters. These options are usually less than $3 per person.

$3 per person for a favor is more then a lot of budget brides can afford. I only had 80 people expected at my wedding, but 80 x $3 = $240 and that was way more then I could put into my budget for favors. As it was I spent a whopping $25 on my favors and I only had favors because I found something cute for VERY inexpensive.

I love your ideas, but like I said, that just wasn't even close to being in my budget for something that wasn't necessary.

[hleef]

were doing favors but were not going above and beyond... 3 dollars each favor for me is crazy expensive. Im thinking were going to have 150 guests thats 450 bucks!

We opted for "green" favors (well i did) origonally we were going to do tree sapplings but then there are some guests that are flying and that didnt seem like a very plausable idea. So insted the same company www.greenworldproject.com (http://www.greenworldproject.com) has seed packets and theyll print a poem on them and everything (theres 6 to choose from) and i think it wound up being something like 1 dollar or 1.25 a person which it much more managable for us, and it helps out the enviroment a lil!

[Salayia]

were doing favors but were not going above and beyond... 3 dollars each favor for me is crazy expensive. Im thinking were going to have 150 guests thats 450 bucks!

We opted for "green" favors (well i did) origonally we were going to do tree sapplings but then there are some guests that are flying and that didnt seem like a very plausable idea. So insted the same company www.greenworldproject.com (http://www.greenworldproject.com) has seed packets and theyll print a poem on them and everything (theres 6 to choose from) and i think it wound up being something like 1 dollar or 1.25 a person which it much more managable for us, and it helps out the enviroment a lil!

I think the seed idea is awesome!

And yes... $3 per person is CRAZY!!! We're spending like $1.75 pp and at 150 people, that's STILL a lot! :boggle:

[gwenshack]

I spent three dollars or so a person, but I had a very small wedding, and we also didn't spend money on a lot of the other stuff people spend money on for a wedding. But even then, we gave people stuff that didn't have our face on it. We kind of figured that even we don't like looking at our faces every day. :rofl:

Photo coasters are awesome for grandparents and stuff though!

[muguet]

I've been to a wedding with no favors, everyone was talking about it AT the wedding.

I think you should have some sort of party favor to thank the guests for coming, and Im sure they'll be spending more on you than that $1 you'll spend on their favors.

:)

I disagree that they'll be spending more on me than what I spend on favors, since we are paying for the wedding, but I do agree with the idea of having some sort of favor to thank the guests for coming. My MOH made some cute favors for my shower and people did notice and liked them. They may or may not save it but that's beside the point, it is really just one more way of thanking people for coming. Same at our wedding - I want to do what I can to make people feel welcome and thank them for coming, to let them know that we appreciate that they are a part of our special day.

[muguet]

After reading this poem I feel like I may have skimped out on my favors. Although I did put them in a pretty box with tool and a message from us, this is our favor:

A spoon filled with Hersey kisses, wrapped in celophane, tied off with silver ribon, attached there is a message that says:

We thank you for coming
with a spoonful of kisses
to celebrate out beginning
as Mr. and Mrs.!

Is this too simple? I also have candles all over the place that the guests are welcome to take.. :sigh: we'll see I guess!

I love it. I don't think you skimped or that it's too simple. But that's just my opinion!:yesnod:

[vannadear]

So this is one of those times when you realize how funny it is the hold that time and experience has over us! I was re-reading this thread just and realized that back in 2008 I was EXTREMELY 'pro-favors'. (Actually looking at the time-stamp of the reply, it's 3 years almost to the day that I was so 'pro-favors' and even called them 'essential')

As you may have guessed, I'm no longer so obsessed with this idea. Mostly due to the fact that in those 3 years I've been a part of or a guest to nearly 10 Weddings.

I've thought long and hard about it, and here's the sad truth of it (for me) of those 10 Weddings; I didn't remember a single one of the favors that they gave out (or if they gave out favors at all) off the top of my head. I then opened my 'junk drawer' and pawed through all of them...wine stoppers & pictures frames engraved with names and wedding dates, plastic 'glass' slippers, cookie cutters, coasters....I even have a glass half filled with sand, mini star fish, a paper umbrella and a surf board candle in it (from a beach-themed wedding).

And as much as I love my friends and family? I then proceeded to throw nearly all of it out. I don't drink wine, I wasn't close enough to the bride & groom to want a photo of their wedding day sitting around my house, or to have their coaster being used in my house (because that's a little weird to me) and a glass full of sand, starfish, an umbrella and a surf board (while cute) will only take up room on a shelf (or spill sand everywhere in your junk drawer...like mine did)

Come to think of it, I spent weeks putting together those sand-filled favors for one of my friends, and as we were leaving the reception we realized at least half of them were left behind by the guests.

Donating to a charity is definitely a good one if you have the money, and extra edibles are always good in my opinion, but overall I really can't muster any sort of love for them because while people will remember your special day; it won't be because of the trinkets you give them.

[PlatinumMDesign]

I definitely wouldn't be offended if there were no favors at a wedding. All eyes on the bride and groom! I just enjoy the fun of it all. If there are favors, however, I do prefer something that is usable, instead of something that has to awkwardly be displayed in a living room.

[petulantfem]

I personally would probably not even notice if there were no favours, and if I did notice, I wouldn't mind.

I didn't want to bother with favours, simply because of the fact that I have never used any of the favours that I got at weddings. But my mom was incredulous and insisted that we do something.

We opted for edible. We did chocolate dipped pretzels. Pretzels, chocolate, baggies, printing tags on the printer = roughly $100 for about 110 guests. People ate them at the wedding, and we had a ton left over too, so we could have spent less. It took us one afternoon to make them.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6097282670_fca0a404f9_z.jpg

[Salayia]

I personally would probably not even notice if there were no favours, and if I did notice, I wouldn't mind.

I didn't want to bother with favours, simply because of the fact that I have never used any of the favours that I got at weddings. But my mom was incredulous and insisted that we do something.

We opted for edible. We did chocolate dipped pretzels. Pretzels, chocolate, baggies, printing tags on the printer = roughly $100 for about 110 guests. People ate them at the wedding, and we had a ton left over too, so we could have spent less. It took us one afternoon to make them.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6097282670_fca0a404f9_z.jpg

Wow! Nice job! Those look great! :D

[bellastimpsy]

I love the idea of giving something useful or eatable. Otherwise, it's really mass consumption...50% of the guests will leave it on the table and it will end up in the trash. So personally, as it is now, I would prefer giving up a favor, if its useful. Otherwise, i'd prefer to not give anything.

I found a couple ideas i like up to now...they are all personalized gifts:

1. Personalized Mints (http://www.weddinginspired.com/personalized-mint-tins-165-design-choices.html)

2. Personalized Reeses (http://weddingshop.*******.com/weddingwarehouse/ProductPage.aspx?pId=P2881(KnotShop)) (haha, ok it's my little sin :))

3. Personalized Lip Balm (http://www.weddingfavors.org/favors/personalized-expressions-collection-lip-balm-favors)

Really simple...but i'd love to leave with anyone of those at a wedding

[Erika62]

I really love the personalized mints, especially the blue box.

In term of wedding traditions, blue color symbolizes purity, fidelity, and love.

[Chaircover]

These treasure chest style boxes- Wedding Favors are perfect if you are looking to add larger confectionery like truffles or small soaps.

[gwenshack]

These treasure chest style boxes- Wedding Favors are perfect if you are looking to add larger confectionery like truffles or small soaps.
This thread originated in 2008 so I think I'll just go ahead and close it. ;)