Wedding favours have long been a traditional way to thank guests for attending and celebrating your special day. But with modern weddings evolving and couples looking to streamline their budgets, the question arises: are wedding favours necessary? Let's explore the pros and cons of offering wedding favours and whether they are an essential part of your wedding planning.
Introduction: Do Wedding Favours Still Matter?
Imagine this: you’ve spent months planning every detail of your wedding day, from the dress to the décor. But what about the wedding favours? In the past, these small tokens were a must, but are they still relevant in today’s weddings? Or could skipping them be the new trend?
Why Wedding Favours Are Still Popular
1. A Thank You Gesture
Wedding favours are traditionally given as a thank-you gift to guests for attending and sharing in your celebration. They’re a tangible way to express gratitude, leaving your guests with a keepsake to remember your day by.2. Personalisation
Favours offer a chance to personalise your wedding. Whether it’s a handmade item, a locally sourced good, or a unique trinket that reflects your personality, favours are a way to infuse your style into the event.3. Tradition and Culture
In some cultures, wedding favours are an important part of the ceremony. They symbolise prosperity, good luck, or fertility and are considered an essential element of the wedding experience.Why You Might Skip Wedding Favours
1. Cost
Let’s face it, wedding favours can add up quickly. Even a modest favour costing $2-$3 per person can easily escalate with a large guest list. With many couples focused on budget-friendly weddings, this may be an area where cuts are made.2. Waste Concerns
Many couples are opting for more eco-friendly weddings, and wedding favours, especially those that may not be useful or memorable, can contribute to waste. This has led to a rise in couples skipping traditional favours or opting for sustainable alternatives.3. Guest Preferences
More often than not, guests may leave wedding favours behind or forget about them altogether. Couples are questioning whether their guests truly appreciate these small tokens or if the money spent could be better used elsewhere.Fun Fact:
Did you know that the original wedding favour was called a bonbonniere, a small trinket box filled with sweets? They were meant to symbolise wealth and royalty.
Creative Alternatives to Traditional Favours
If you’re still on the fence about offering wedding favours, consider these alternative ideas that will leave a lasting impression without the traditional trinkets:
Charitable Donations: Instead of favours, make a donation to a charity that’s meaningful to you and your partner.Experiential Favours: Offer guests a unique experience during the wedding, such as a photo booth, live entertainment, or a mixology bar.
Personalised Notes: A heartfelt thank-you note at each place setting can make a more meaningful impact than a material item.
Eco-Friendly Gifts: Consider gifting something reusable or sustainable, such as a plant, seeds, or eco-friendly products.
For Brides and Grooms-to-Be:
While planning your perfect day, consider the weather! Whether or not you choose to give wedding favours, having La Bella Wedding Umbrellas on hand can ensure your guests stay dry and comfortable. Order early to avoid last-minute worries, and make your day one to remember for all the right reasons.
For Wedding Industry Professionals:
Help your clients create unforgettable experiences by becoming a La Bella Wedding Umbrellas affiliate. Our elegant umbrellas are perfect for outdoor weddings, ensuring you’re prepared no matter the forecast. Sign up here.
Conclusion
So, are wedding favours necessary? It ultimately comes down to your priorities as a couple. If you love the idea of offering guests a small token of appreciation, there are countless creative and meaningful ways to do so. However, if you’d rather allocate your budget elsewhere, know that skipping favours is becoming an increasingly popular choice among modern couples. Either way, the focus should remain on creating a day that reflects your love story!
Written by: Chel Dillon