Do You Really Need a Wedding Favours?

Weddings are about more than just the vows; they’re about celebrating a new chapter with those who matter most. Amid the excitement, one question often looms over the wedding planning process: do we need to include wedding favours? This small tradition has been a staple at weddings for years, but in recent times, more couples are opting to skip it altogether.

I remember attending a friend’s wedding a few years back. The couple decided to forgo the typical favours and instead invested that money in a late-night food truck serving delicious burgers and fries. It was a hit! Everyone was on the dance floor, talking about how thoughtful the surprise snack was. To this day, it’s one of my favourite wedding memories. It made me realise that sometimes, it’s the experience, not the little token, that leaves the most lasting impression.

So, what’s the deal with wedding favours? Are they still necessary, or is it time to rethink this tradition? Let’s explore why wedding favours are no longer considered a must-have for some couples and look at some alternatives that might be just as meaningful—and maybe even more memorable.

The Changing Role Of Wedding Favours

Wedding Favours – A Tradition Or A Trend?

Wedding favours have long been a part of the big day. Historically, they symbolised goodwill and generosity. In the 16th century, the French aristocracy gave guests “bomboniere,” small decorative boxes filled with sweets or sugar-coated almonds. This tradition slowly spread across Europe and became a standard feature of weddings. Fast forward to today, and while wedding favours are still common, they’re increasingly becoming optional.

In Australia, the culture around wedding favours tends to vary depending on the couple’s background. However, more and more couples are forgoing the tradition. In fact, a recent survey from a popular wedding planning platform found that nearly 40% of couples now choose not to provide favours.

Why the shift? Well, for one, weddings are expensive, and many couples are opting to invest their budget into elements that offer more value and create better memories—like a killer reception, stunning food, or unique entertainment. Additionally, younger generations are increasingly concerned with sustainability. Non-edible wedding favours, such as trinkets or small knick-knacks, often end up in the trash, creating unnecessary waste.

Why Wedding Favours Are Becoming Less Common

One of the biggest reasons wedding favours are falling out of favour is cost. I remember helping a friend plan her wedding, and when we started adding up the costs of favours for 150 guests, the total was a whopping $600! That’s a lot of money for a small trinket that many guests will probably never use. The average cost for favours in Australia can range from $1 to $5 per guest, with larger weddings quickly reaching a significant amount.

The real kicker? Many guests don’t even notice if favours are missing. In a recent survey, only 9% of guests reported caring about wedding favours. For most people, the focus is on enjoying the food, the drinks, and the company—not the tiny mementos left on the table.

I’ve seen a few weddings where favours were totally forgotten, left behind at the venue, or—let’s be honest—straight up tossed in the bin. For example, at my cousin’s wedding, she had cute personalised keychains at each place setting. Guess what? Most of them were still sitting untouched on the tables by the end of the night.

The Pros And Cons Of Wedding Favours

The Case For Wedding Favours

Wedding favours, despite the arguments against them, can still have a place in some weddings. Here’s a breakdown of why some couples still choose to include them:

Why Keep Wedding Favours?

1. Token of Appreciation – A favour shows guests that you appreciate their time and effort. After all, weddings can be a lot of work for your loved ones, especially if they’ve travelled to attend. A thoughtful favour, even if it’s small, says “Thank you for being part of our big day.”
2. Upholding Tradition – For couples who value tradition, wedding favours are part of the ceremony. Especially for older generations or cultural backgrounds that have upheld this practice for years, it’s a gesture that still resonates.
3. Personalising the Wedding – You can use favours to reflect your personalities, wedding theme, or location. Think of mini bottles of local honey, unique wedding-themed keepsakes, or a personalised touch that your guests will cherish.

The Case Against Wedding Favours

On the other side of the coin, there are some very compelling reasons to skip wedding favours altogether. Here’s why many couples are choosing to forgo the favours:

Why Skip Wedding Favours?

1. Cost Considerations
   
   
   • Wedding favours can add up quickly, especially with large guest lists. The average cost of wedding favours in Australia can range from $1 to $5 per guest.
   • For a wedding with 150 guests, the total cost of favours can run you between $150 to $750, depending on what you choose. That’s a significant amount of money that could be better spent elsewhere, such as on upgraded catering, entertainment, or even more memorable experiences for your guests.
     
     
2. Waste and Environmental Impact
   
   
   • Many wedding favours are left behind at the venue or quickly discarded, resulting in unnecessary waste. In fact, a survey conducted by WeddingWire found that 70% of wedding favours were left behind after the wedding.
   • Eco-friendly alternatives, such as plantable seeds, mini succulents, or charitable donations, can help mitigate this issue and make your wedding more sustainable.
     
     
3. Lack of Appreciation from Guests
   
   
   • According to a survey, only 9% of guests actually cared about wedding favours. More often than not, guests are more focused on the overall experience, such as the food, drinks, and entertainment.
   • Tip: Instead of spending money on favours, consider allocating the budget towards experiences that will truly leave a lasting impression.

Checklist for Deciding on Wedding Favours:

• Are the favours meaningful to you and your guests?
• Can you afford to include them within your wedding budget?
• Will the favours be practical, consumable, or sustainable to avoid waste?
• Does your guest list expect them as part of the tradition?
• Could you use the favour budget to enhance other aspects of the wedding (such as food, entertainment, etc.)?

If you’ve ticked “no” for most of these, it might be time to rethink whether favours are necessary.

What Are The Alternatives To Traditional Wedding Favours?

Fun And Memorable Alternatives That Guests Will Appreciate

If you choose to skip the favours, here are some fantastic alternatives that will create an unforgettable experience for your guests.

Top Alternatives to Wedding Favours:

1. Experiences and Entertainment:
   
   
   • Photo Booths – Guests can take home photos with fun props, creating memories they’ll cherish.
   • Live Artists – Hire a caricature artist or portrait painter to create keepsakes for guests during the reception.
   • Open Bar – A well-stocked bar or creative cocktails are always a hit.
     
     
2. Charitable Donations:
   
   
   • Skip the favours and donate to a charity that’s meaningful to you as a couple.
   • Example: A couple could donate $500 to a local animal shelter or cancer research in the name of their guests.
   • You can share this gesture through a small card on each table.
     
     
3. Comfort Items:
   
   
   • Welcome Bags for out-of-town guests filled with water, snacks, local guides, or a travel-sized sunscreen.
   • Late-Night Snacks – Guests will appreciate a food truck or late-night snacks to keep them energised after hours of dancing.
   • Flip-flops or Pashminas – Consider providing comfort items for guests to wear during the night, especially if the event is held outside or at a venue with a high-heeled dance floor.

Wedding Favour Alternatives Table:

Alternative	Why It Works	Example
Photo Booth	Fun, memorable, and keeps guests entertained.	Instant printouts as wedding keepsakes.
Charitable Donations	Meaningful and impactful gesture.	Donations made in guests’ honour to a chosen cause.
Comfort Items	Ensures guests feel comfortable throughout the night.	Flip-flops, pashminas, or a snack station for late-night munchies.

Wedding Favour Trends In 2025

Unique And Creative Wedding Favour Ideas

If you’ve decided to keep wedding favours but want to make them stand out, there are plenty of creative ideas that can add a personal touch without resorting to traditional trinkets that may be tossed aside. The key is to make favours that guests will actually appreciate and use long after the wedding day.

Creative Favour Ideas to Consider:

1. Local, Sustainable Favours
   
   
   • Australian couples, particularly those in rural areas, are increasingly opting for locally sourced products, such as honey, jam, and olive oil. These not only reflect the beauty of the region but also support local producers.
   • Example: At a wedding I attended in the Hunter Valley, the couple handed out small jars of local honey with a cute handwritten tag that read, “Thanks for buzzing by!” It was a hit, and every guest appreciated the personal touch.
     
     
2. Eco-Friendly Favours
   
   
   • In 2025, sustainability is more important than ever, and eco-friendly favours are the way to go. Think plantable seed packets, mini succulents, or potted plants. Not only do these add to the aesthetic of your wedding, but they also allow guests to take a piece of the celebration home and continue growing it.
   • Example: A couple in Melbourne handed out tiny pots of native Australian herbs, allowing guests to take home something meaningful that they could plant and care for.
     
     
3. Customisable but Non-Traditional
   
   
   • If you want to personalise your favours but avoid the awkwardness of overly monogrammed items, consider giving something useful and subtle. For instance, custom-engraved bottle openers, keychains, or even reusable shopping bags make practical keepsakes without being over-the-top.
   • Example: At a wedding in Byron Bay, guests received reusable canvas tote bags with a small print of the couple’s wedding logo. Simple, eco-friendly, and functional.

What To Consider Before Buying Wedding Favours

If you’re on the fence about wedding favours, there are a few things you should consider before making the purchase. Sometimes, simply pausing to think about your goals for the wedding and your guests’ needs can help you decide whether favours are worth the investment.

Wedding Favour Decision-Making Checklist:

1. Budget
   
   
   • Can you afford to spend money on favours without sacrificing other important aspects of your wedding, like food, entertainment, or photography?
   • Tip: If your wedding budget is tight, consider reallocating funds from favours to something more impactful, like an open bar or extra dessert options.
     
     
2. Guest Preferences
   
   
   • What type of guests are attending? Will they appreciate a physical favour, or would they prefer an experience or a practical item?
   • Tip: For weddings with a younger crowd, experience-based alternatives like a photo booth or charity donations might be better appreciated than traditional favours.
     
     
3. Theme of the Wedding
   
   
   • Do favours fit with the overall theme of your wedding? If you’re having a destination wedding or a rustic farm event, a locally sourced product or plantable favour might be a better fit than a generic trinket.
   • Tip: Personalised items that match the wedding theme can be memorable but should still be practical.
     
     
4. Environmental Impact
   
   
   • Consider how much waste your favours will generate. Can you make a more sustainable choice, such as plantable items or consumables that won’t be discarded?
   • Tip: If you’re concerned about the environment, opt for eco-friendly options that align with your values, like plant-based favours or a donation to an environmental charity in place of favours.

Wedding Favour Etiquette: What You Need To Know

Do Guests Expect Wedding Favours?

One of the most common questions couples have about wedding favours is whether guests actually expect them. In the past, favours were considered an essential part of the wedding experience. Today, however, many guests are more focused on the food, music, and overall vibe of the event.

Survey Results on Wedding Favour Expectations:

• 9% of Guests – A recent survey found that only 9% of wedding guests actually care about receiving favours. That’s a shocker, right? Guests tend to care more about being treated well throughout the event—good food, great drinks, and fun entertainment.
• 53% of Guests – On the flip side, 53% of guests admitted that they don’t notice or care if favours are included. They’re happy to be there, celebrate the couple, and enjoy the overall experience.

While older generations or certain cultures may still expect favours, it’s safe to say that the majority of guests are just as happy with a great wedding experience as they are with a small trinket.

Checklist for Guest Expectations:

• Are you hosting a cultural or religious wedding where favours are expected?
• Will your guests appreciate a small token, or are they more focused on the celebration itself?
• Could your budget better serve guest experience through food, drinks, or entertainment?

If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to ask close family members or those who’ve recently attended weddings. However, don’t feel pressured by outdated traditions if they don’t align with your values or budget.

How To Politely Skip Wedding Favours

If you’ve decided to skip favours, you might be wondering how to avoid any awkwardness with your guests. Here’s the good news: most guests won’t even notice. But if you’re worried about the etiquette, there are ways to handle it gracefully.

Tips for Skipping Favours Gracefully:

1. Communicate Clearly – If you’re opting out of favours, consider including a small note on the wedding website or as part of your invitation. You could let guests know that instead of favours, you’ve chosen to focus on creating an unforgettable experience.
2. Make an Alternative Gesture – If you still want to give your guests something meaningful, consider a small card explaining a charitable donation made in their honour, or offer them an experience like a personalised thank-you video after the wedding.
3. Focus on the Experience – Ensure the wedding centres on elements that guests truly enjoy, such as a delicious meal, great entertainment, or fun activities that’ll keep them talking long after the event. This is what will matter most.

So, do you really need wedding favours? The short answer is: No, you don’t have to include them. Wedding favours are a personal choice, and in today’s world, they are no longer an essential part of wedding etiquette. While they’ve been a traditional gesture of appreciation, many couples are choosing to skip them in favour of creating a more memorable experience for their guests.

The decision should reflect your priorities as a couple. If wedding favours feel like an essential part of your celebration, go for it! But if you feel they’re more of a societal expectation than a necessity, don’t feel bad for skipping them. Focus on the things that will truly make your day unforgettable—good food, great company, and lots of fun.

Let’s Get Straight To The Point

Wedding favours are no longer a wedding must-have. While they’ve traditionally been seen as a token of appreciation for guests, many couples today are opting to skip them to focus on the overall experience, including food, drinks, and entertainment. If you choose to include favours, consider eco-friendly options or meaningful, sustainable gifts that guests will appreciate. Ultimately, it’s your wedding, so you should decide what feels best for you—whether that means keeping the tradition or embracing modern alternatives.