Are wedding favors required?

While wedding favors certainly aren't a requirement, they are definitely appreciated by guests. It's a simple yet thoughtful way to say thank you to your loved ones for coming out to celebrate your love and this special moment in life. A wedding favor can be as simple as a postcard or a box of personalized matches .

What is a normal amount to spend on wedding favors?

While the amount you spend on favors depends on your personal wedding budget, most couples opt for a simple and affordable option—think $2 to $3 each. When it comes to favors, it truly is the thought that counts more than the cost.

How far in advance should you buy wedding favors?

As with any pre-wedding order, you want to give yourself ample time for delivery and organization, especially if it's a summer wedding favor that requires some DIY participation—such as the Prepping Parties Wedding Popcorn Bags . A good rule of thumb is to order your favors at least a month in advance of your wedding date.

Where should you put wedding favors for your guests?

If you’re having dinner with assigned seats and plan to give a favor to each guest, place the wedding favor at each place setting or as part of the centerpiece. For wedding favors that are for a couple or family, like the S'mores Wedding Favor Kits , set up a table with favors and label each one with the recipients’ names.

The 20 Summer Wedding Favors of 2023

Customized wedding favor tambourines on a straw bale — Photo by Roberta Facchini Photography

While guests will already enjoy celebrating your love, having the perfect wedding favor adds an extra special touch to the big day. After all, a favor is the last part of your wedding that guests are going to remember and take home with them (literally). You want a memorable night to end on a high note, and a unique and simple favor can make all the difference.

If you’re getting married in the summer, you can choose wedding favors that fit the season, the theme of your big night, or both. From flip-flops and sunglasses to fans and koozies, there are favors that will make guests leave with the spirit of the season. Plus, you can’t go wrong with one that is both functional and fun because there’s nothing better than something you can actually use or enjoy. You can also opt to give out favors at the beginning of the wedding. Bonus points if it's something they can use during the wedding celebrations!

To help you find the perfect wedding favor your guests will love, we've researched the best options available with these features in mind. From late-night snacks to small gifts for their home to thoughtful tokens of your appreciation, we've got you covered.

Our Top Picks

Dearly Bee Loved Olive Oil Wedding Favor at Etsy ($9)

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Wedding Favors US Personalized Rustic Sandalwood Fan at Etsy ($55)

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Teals Prairie Wood Beer Bottle Opener at Etsy ($4)

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Forever Wedding Crafts Take a Shot We Tied the Knot Shot Glasses at Etsy ($1)

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Mod Party Personalized Sunglasses at Etsy ($35)

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Celebritem Personalized Wine Cork Stopper at Etsy ($59)

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Chunky Monkey Chocs Personalized Chocolate Wedding Favor at Etsy ($24)

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Best Day Ever Spot Sunscreen Favors with Carabiner at Etsy ($44)

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Prepping Parties Wedding Popcorn Bags at Etsy ($30)

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Splendid Sips Custom Can Wedding Can Coolers at Etsy ($120)

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Dearly Bee Loved Olive Oil Wedding Favor

Etsy

View On Etsy $9

Summer is the perfect time to let those cooking juices flow and a small bottle of olive oil can help kick start that process. Choose from six different label options or customize your own to make a special batch for your guests to leave with from your wedding.

Wedding Favors US Personalized Rustic Sandalwood Fan

Etsy

View On Etsy $55

Summer weddings can be hot and to keep guests cool and collected you might want to opt for a hand fan. These simple and chic fans can be personalized with the couple’s name and reused all summer long whether at future weddings or a beach trip.

Etsy

View On Etsy $4

Your wedding guests can continue the celebration at home with these decorative bottle openers. Personalize these wedding favors with your names and wedding date so that every time your guests go for a bottle of their favorite beer they remember the fabulous time they had at your wedding.

Forever Wedding Crafts Take a Shot We Tied the Knot Shot Glasses

Etsy

View On Etsy $1

There’s no better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a shot. While they might be fragile, shot glasses last a while so you can be confident that your guests will get plenty of use out of them for years to come. Cheers!

Etsy

View On Etsy $35

If you’re planning to have your wedding on the beach this summer, you can’t go wrong with sunglasses for favors. Not only will your guests have some cool new shades, but also a party favor they can actually put to good use. Colors include black/white or hot pink/black.

Celebritem Personalized Wine Cork Stopper

Etsy

View On Etsy $59

Pair this wine cork stopper alongside your shot class for the ultimate favor duo. The presentation on top of a pop-up "thank you" card calls for those Instagrammable photos and is a unique way to express gratitude to your guests for celebrating that special day.

Chunky Monkey Chocs Personalized Chocolate Wedding Favor

Etsy

View On Etsy $24

End the night on a sweet note with a personalized piece of chocolate, the most delicious edible wedding favor. Choose between gold and silver foil and add names onto the wrapper to provide a special flair. Don’t wait too long to eat it, especially in the summer!

Best Day Ever Spot Sunscreen Favors with Carabiner

Etsy

View On Etsy $44

While sunscreen should be worn during every season, it’s especially important during the summer, especially if you are serving a summer wedding menu theme. The carabiner easily attaches to a backpack, purse, or beach bag so your guests can always have it with them.

Etsy

View On Etsy $30

To end the night on a high note, let your guests leave with little to-go popcorn bags. Easily DIY your wedding favor with these lightweight and disposable zip pouch bags by filling them with your favorite popcorn flavor (traditional, caramel, cheddar, etc.), and you’re all set. They are available in gold foil, silver foil, rose gold foil, and craft brown.

Splendid Sips Custom Can Wedding Can Coolers

Etsy

View On Etsy $120

Nothing screams summer more than a can cooler. Leave your guests with a personalized wedding koozie that even includes the state you were married in. With over 50 colors to choose from, you can pick a shade that best suits your wedding aesthetic or let your guests pick their favorite color.

Sorella Minchella Succulent Wedding Favor With Personalized Tag

Etsy

View On Etsy $180

This isn’t your traditional wedding favor, but your guests can put these plants in their apartments or homes to help improve air quality and decrease stress. Plus, with decorative personalized tags like "You had me at aloe," guests will leave your wedding with a smile.

Etsy

View On Etsy $40

After celebrating your special day, it’ll come time to wash off the makeup, sweat, and happy tears. Give the gift of a sugar scrub made from California’s freshest ingredients. Each scrub comes in a tiny mason jar and is available in five fragrances (lavender, vanilla, sweet orange, etc.).

My Wedding Favors

View On Myweddingfavors.com

Drawstring bags are the perfect wedding favor for those people who came from out of town for your wedding. Toss in some other local products from your destination so your favor can double as a beautiful and useful welcome bag.

Lexbox Boutique 100-percent Pure Honey Sticks

Etsy

View On Etsy $49

These honey sticks are almost as sweet as your wedding will be. With the option to have them assembled, this wedding favor is hassle-free and ideal for your guests' cup of tea or yogurt the following morning.

MagicWeddingGift Personalized Wooden Wedding Coaster

Etsy

View On Etsy $1

Handmade wooden coasters are a fan favorite and ideal for those hot summer days when you don’t want to leave behind those dreaded watermarks. Made from environmentally-friendly wood and non-toxic paint, design these coasters to match your special day with a variety of colors and text options.

Letter and Leather Personalized Luggage Tag

Etsy

View On Etsy $79

For those family and friends coming from out of town to your wedding, a luggage tag is a perfect favor to send them away with. Whether you want to include a meaningful quote or a monogram, luggage tags are a useful and simple gift that guests will appreciate.

With The Grain Weddings Personalized Stainless Straw

Etsy

View On Etsy $60

Forget the controversy over plastic straws and get stainless steel straws instead. Not only will guests be able to reuse them at home, but with each sip, they’ll be reminded of your special day with a personalized engraving of the newlyweds.

Zazzle

View On Zazzle.com

Small, sweet, and useful, these personalized matchbooks will be a fun reminder of the special day. You’ll assemble these yourself with self-adhesive photo labels. Sold in sets of 50, each matchbox includes 18 wooden stick matches.

The Favor Box S'mores Wedding Favor Kits

Etsy

View On Etsy $60

Looking for a great way to send your guests home with a classic summer treat? This s’mores wedding favor kit will end your big day on a sweet note. Each kit includes 24 clear cellophane bags, round personalized labels, and twine or ribbon in your choice of color. The actual s’mores ingredients are not included, so you’ll need to purchase chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers as well before assembling.

Kate Aspen

View On Kateaspen.com

Nothing says summer quite like an old-fashioned mason jar. These mason jar wedding favors are a great keepsake for your guests. You can customize the front and back of the mug with the date, names, and initials. A minimum order of 24 is required and there is a $35 setup fee to add personalization.

What to Look for in Summer Wedding Favors

Seasonal and on-theme

'Tis the season for all things sunshine, vacation, and good vibes! So, consider summer wedding favors that go well with the spirit of the season. Whether it's a pair of sunglasses, like the Mod Party Personalized Sunglasses, or a mini bottle of SPF for outdoor ceremonies, gifting your guests a summer essential is both useful and fun.

Practicality

Thoughtful tokens of appreciation are always a foolproof way to go, but it's worth finding something that is also practical, Guests will appreciate a favor that they can use and enjoy during the wedding, or long after the wedding festivities are done. We especially love the Teals Prairie Wood Beer Bottle Opener, as it's personalized with your wedding details but will also be useful for years to come.

FAQ

Are wedding favors required?

While wedding favors certainly aren't a requirement, they are definitely appreciated by guests. It's a simple yet thoughtful way to say thank you to your loved ones for coming out to celebrate your love and this special moment in life. A wedding favor can be as simple as a postcard or a box of personalized matches.
What is a normal amount to spend on wedding favors?

While the amount you spend on favors depends on your personal wedding budget, most couples opt for a simple and affordable option—think $2 to $3 each. When it comes to favors, it truly is the thought that counts more than the cost.
How far in advance should you buy wedding favors?

As with any pre-wedding order, you want to give yourself ample time for delivery and organization, especially if it's a summer wedding favor that requires some DIY participation—such as the Prepping Parties Wedding Popcorn Bags. A good rule of thumb is to order your favors at least a month in advance of your wedding date.
Where should you put wedding favors for your guests?

If you’re having dinner with assigned seats and plan to give a favor to each guest, place the wedding favor at each place setting or as part of the centerpiece. For wedding favors that are for a couple or family, like the S'mores Wedding Favor Kits, set up a table with favors and label each one with the recipients’ names.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Casey Clark specializes in beauty, food, weddings, and lifestyle content. Her work has been featured in Women's Health, Allure, Byrdie, Eat This, Not That! and RachaelRayShow.com. When she's not writing, you can find her swatching the latest lipsticks.

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