Unusual Wedding Favours

The tradition of handing out tiny boxes or bags filled with sugared almonds at weddings was to represent; "fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness. The bitterness of the almond and the sweetness of the coated candy exemplify the bitter sweetness of a marriage."  Which is a very nice sentiment.  However, modern couples will often want favours which are more useful, quirky, or reflective of themselves and their own personalities.  After all, wedding favours can actually cost a pretty penny, wouldn't you rather they were admired, taken home and used, instead of being left behind, put into a drawer, or even thrown away after your big day?

At a wedding fair recently, I was given a promotional organza bag with a tiny individual heart shaped soap inside, made by local business Sutton Soap.  This seemed like an excellent idea for a wedding favour.  The soaps are handmade, and can come in a variety of colours, textures and fragrances, they would be easy to tie in with your colour scheme and express your own personality.  Just add matching organza bags and a typed or handwritten message, and you're good to go.

As there has been a little bit of a retro revival, why not go all out with retro sweets? A small packet of love hearts like these ones from Sticky Fingers Retro Sweets will go down a treat with both old and young guests alike, and since they are arguably the most romantic type of confectionery, they're very appropriate for weddings.  And why stop there? Sticky fingers retro sweets offer a huge array of sweets from your childhood, so a pretty paper bag filled with a selection would be like a grown up pick'n'mix.

While searching Etsy (my new favourite website since I stared planning my wedding) I came across these button badges, which I think would make excellent favour for a music themed wedding.  Some guests may choose to wear them afterwards on their bags, jackets, ties etc, or some could attach them to a pin board at home, but either way, then could be kept as a lasting memory.  These particular badges are from buttonempire on Etsy, but you could even find a seller who will customise buttons to your own design, or using the names of your partner and yourself, and the date of your wedding.

Because I'm such a sucker for anything vintage, pretty and handmade, I have to mention my favourite wedding favour at the moment is teacup candles.  Using mismatched retro teacups and turning them into beautiful candles will give the tables at your wedding a classic look with a modern twist, and your guests will love to take them home and adore them forever - well, they will if they are anything like me.  These are readily available in most vintage and craft fairs that I visit, but you can also order them from Etsy, or have a go at making your own.  Here is an easy to follow tutorial that I have found.  If you choose this option, ensure you leave enough time to actually make them before the wedding.  You should probably volunteer your maid of honour and bridesmaids to help you too!

So there is now more variety than ever when choosing wedding favours, and the only limit is that of your imagination - or your wedding budget!  Why not opt for a more creative alternative, to help add a bit more personality to your big day?