Non-edible wedding favors have become less popular in last few years, but there are still some useful gems out there to consider. This post will delve into what they are!
There are many reasons why a couple may want to give out non-edible wedding favors at their wedding. Though edible favors are popular, there are some perks to favors that you can’t eat. Many non-edible wedding favors are easy to transport. They usually don’t require refrigeration, or special storage. And, they actually do provide a lasting memento from the wedding. They aren’t consumed and forgotten within a day or two.
Though there are positives to non-edible wedding favors, it is important to not give out just anything to wedding guests. It’s all a waste of time and money if the favors end up in the trash, right? Looking back at weddings I’ve attended, there are some favors that caused me to wonder what to do with them, and others that were great. I still see some of them around my house and remember the wedding they came from, which is probably what the newlyweds were hoping for when they gave them out.
18 Non-Edible Wedding Favors Your Guests Will Actually Use
This post is going to list out eighteen non-edible wedding favors your guests will actually use. Many of these favors can be found online, or at a local store. Some of them are more costly than others, so be sure to factor your budget into the equation if you see an idea that sparks joy. Remember, at the end of the day, give your wedding guests something that fits your wedding.
Let’s get into it!
1. SOAP
Everyone likes soap, right? We all use it, I hope!
These days it’s super easy to get some customized bar or bottled soap and give to your wedding guests. You can do a quick search online to find many companies who will provide them to you. Or, you can even DIY this one yourself. Go get a big bottle of soap from a wholesale store, and pour it into disposable bottles. Slap a cute sticker on it, and tie it off with a ribbon. There you go!
2. CUTE COASTERS
When I say coasters are a non-edible wedding favor your guests will use, I mean cute coasters. Not cheap paper ones that won’t protect anything.
One of the cutest wedding favors I ever received was a custom wooden coaster that had the couple’s initials burned in it. Their initials just happened to coincide with my fiancé’s and my initials, but that’s neither here nor there. The coasters were well done. I can use them for glasses, or candles. I can even use them as décor around my home. In short, I love them.
3. CHAPSTICK OR LOTION
Chapsticks and lotions are great non-edible wedding favors. And, they too, can be customized.
Chapstick is a fun wedding favor because it’s small, it’s perishable, and your guests will just throw it into a bag or purse for later use. Lotion, or hand cream, is basically the same. Everyone loves to have these things on hand. They are easy to buy at a local store, or order online. You can create your own labels and have them available all over the place at your wedding.
4. REUSABLE BAGS
I don’t know about you, but stores in my location charge for bags. So, we try to bring our own reusable bags.
Now, you can give out bags that are as customized or basic as you want. Reusable bags are the type of thing that many people keep in their trunks, or under sinks. Unless the bag is totally gawdy, it’s totally okay to have your wedding featured on it. Or, keep it all subtle with a nod to your wedding theme or colors.
5. CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
Someone recently pointed out to me what an awesome gift Christmas ornaments are, at least for those who celebrate Christmas.
Those who keep ornaments bring them out once a year, and then they go back in their storage container. They are small. They can be made out of anything, and have whatever you’d like on them. You can splurge on them, or keep them very simple. Ornaments can make a great non-edible wedding favor, especially for a winter wedding.
6. CANDLES
I’ve been given candles as a wedding favor many times, and they never get old.
Candles aren’t meant to last forever. They are meant to burn, to be enjoyed, and then disappear. When it comes to giving candles out as a favor, you can go as customized or as basic as you want. Put your photos on them, or the date of your wedding. You can even skip the candle, and go for a candle holder, if you want something long lasting. Just make sure they are unscented or smell really good. No one wants a bad-smelling candle.
7. BUG SPRAY
Are you getting married in the woods? Or outside in the spring or summer? You may want to give out bug spray as a wedding favor.
Bug spray can be a fun wedding favor because it’s unexpected. And, it’s useful, for sure. If you’re getting married in the late spring, many of your guests may even keep it on hand all summer as they camp or just spend time outside. Again, customized labels and a way to make the spray cute is all you need. If you’re crafty, you can even make it yourself and decorate your package as you wish.
8. WINE STOPPERS
Wine stoppers are such a simple, lightweight, and inexpensive non-edible wedding favor.
All you need for this one is to get some affordable wine stoppers that match your style or wedding. You can put them in a little mesh bag, or a clear one, and then leave them out for guests. They don’t need any explanation or tags, but you are welcome to create some if you want.
Honestly, as a wine drinker, I love keeping wine stoppers on hand. Many people often use them for olive oils, too, so you don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate them.
9. SEEDS
I’m so into this one as a wedding favor.
And yes, I know that this one may actually be considered an edible wedding favor. However, since some time and work is involved with actually making seeds grow, I’ll include this one on the list of non-edible wedding favors.
Seeds are an easy wedding favor to give out. A little package, clear instructions, and maybe a customized tag or sticker, and you’re good to go. Give guests seeds that will grow into your favorite herb or plant, whatever speaks to you.
10. NEW SOCKS
This is another wedding favor idea that may seem weird, but let’s unpack it a little.
Pretty much everyone wears socks. And, there’s nothing wrong with socks that mix things up. Socks in different colors, styles, and sizes, can be found just about anywhere. They can be customized, and they can be affordable. Socks never go bad, and they can always be given away if needed.
Basically, socks are a very good non-edible wedding favor.
11. SUCCULENTS OR OTHER SMALL PLANTS
Just as we went over how seeds can be a great favor, so can plants.
Now, if you’re having a destination wedding, or have to travel for your wedding, giving plants as favors may be tricky. You’ll have to consider storage and transportation for them, which may not be a high priority. However, for a local wedding, or if you have local help, plants can be a hit.
Succulents are small, easy to take care of, and are popular. I suggest these as a wedding favor, but don’t be scared to mix it up a little if other plants are more your style.
12. GUEST PORTRAITS (MAYBE WITH FRAMES)
Guest portraits are an unusual but kind of fun wedding favor.
To do this, all you need is a photo of your guests. You can work with a seller on Etsy to create escort cards for your guests, using their very own image. These can also work as seating placements. If your guest portraits are done well enough, you can include a small frame for them and that can be given as your wedding favor.
Who doesn’t want a photo of themselves?
13. LOTTERY TICKETS
Is this a weird wedding favor idea? I’m not sure. It could be fun, right?
Gambling isn’t for everyone. In fact, many people are in recovery for it. If you have a wedding guest who really can’t handle being given a lottery ticket, feel free to skip this idea. However, there may be some cool perks to having lottery tickets as a wedding favor. They aren’t that expensive, they package up really small, and you can add an adorable message to them.
Plus, after the wedding, guests may win some bucks. Which is awesome.
14. PIZZA CUTTERS
Pizza cutters have so many cool uses. It’s always fun to keep them on hand.
Pizza cutters are one of those things that people throw in a drawer and forget about. Until they want to cut something into strips. Then, out comes the pizza cutter. I remember receiving a pizza cutter as part of a promotion, and keeping that thing forever.
It’s easy to order cheap and effective pizza cutters and customize them for your wedding. Include your names, and day you got married, make the cutter a fun color, and there you go.
15. SUNSCREEN
If you’ve checked in with any of my skincare posts, you’ll find that I am a huge fan of sunscreen.
Sunscreen is an awesome wedding favor for a sunny or outdoor wedding. It’s easy to order small sunscreens online, and you can put your own sticker or tag on them. Remember, mineral sunscreen is better for your skin than the usual chemical versions, so pay attention to the type you order.
16. MATCHES
Matches are a thing of the past, and yet, something I wish I had available more. Is it just me, or were they everywhere at some point and now nowhere to be found?
Matches are a fun wedding favor because they are small, light, affordable, and you can put whatever you want on the book. It’s easy to order them online, and they have a lot of uses for guests. From lighting candles, starting a bon fire, or just removing a bad smell, many people like to keep matches handy.
17. DONATION CARDS
Alright, so this one isn’t actually “useful”, but it’s still worth noting.
If you are at a loss for wedding favors, with either your style, or time, it’s totally okay to make a donation on behalf of your guests instead of give something out. And while, yes, you can inform your guests via a sign, you can also make little donation cards for them. It can read something like “Thank you for joining our wedding. A donation has been made to <insert your favorite charity> on your behalf”.
You don’t have to disclose the amount you donated, so don’t worry about that part. Donate what you’re comfortable with, and inform your guests.
18. NOTEBOOKS
Okay, last one. Notebooks make a great wedding favor.
Everyone likes to have a notebook handy. You never know when you’ll have to write something down, make a list, or leave a note. Yes, phones are always available, but paper can be a good thing. Notebooks are easy to order, customize, and give to guests.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Friends, I hope you got some new ideas out of this list of non-edible wedding favors. Remember, wedding favors should match your style and the tone of your wedding. They are not required, and they shouldn’t break the bank. If you saw something on this list that appeals to you, go for it. If not, look into edible options, as seen in this post. Or, skip them altogether! Happy wedding planning!
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