There are so many details that arise when the planning starts for your wedding day. Rustic wedding favors are just one of the many things on the wedding planning agenda. Given the rising costs of, well, just about everything, brides are looking for every corner to cut.
Still, you want to preserve the overall look and feel for your country wedding that fits your dream vision. So the question becomes, can wedding favors be crossed off the list? Are they really necessary?
Before fully answering that question, let’s take a brief look at the history.
History of Wedding Favors
It’s common belief that the tradition began with European aristocrats and a gift referred to as a “bonbonniere”. These small trinket boxes made of crystal, porcelain, and/or precious stones often contained sugar cubes or delicate confections.
Bonbonnieres symbolized wealth and royalty. As the price of sugar decreased, so the story goes, the tradition of giving thank you gifts to guests at weddings reached the general populace, becoming tradition for all.
Historically, as in current times, these special little gifts are given to express your thanks to all of the guests who attend your wedding celebration. Your guests may be traveling from far away. Often they also spend a great deal to be there for you on your special day. From travel expenses to the gift, the costs add up! A wedding favor is your chance to give them a heart-felt thanks and memento, in return.
If you love preserving tradition and saying “thanks” in a tangible way, then rustic wedding favors at your country chic wedding are a must-have.
What Rustic Wedding Favors Should You Choose?
Wedding favors that work for all the different types of guests in attendance can be a creative challenge. Getting back to the point of these little gifts, their main purpose is to give your guests a personal thank you. Yours do not have to be extravagant or expensive. They simply need to convey a heartfelt message of thanks to your guests. And ideally, mark the date and/or details of the celebration.
One of our favorite affordable wedding favor shops for rustic wedding favors is Forever Wedding Favors. They have a style and price suitable for every wedding (you’ll find plenty pictured throughout this feature). Whether you are looking for rustic, romantic, farm fresh, or holiday-themed rural wedding themes, Forever Wedding Favors offers oodles of inspiration.
You can add you own personal touch on many of the items, giving your guests something to remember the wonderful day.
Favorite Wedding Favor Ideas
As a self-proclaimed queen of practicality, I truly enjoy gifting items guests can make use of regularly. Bottle openers and coasters are always fun options. They can be used at the reception and then enjoyed at home later.
A creative Idea is to make your own place settings with your computer and then purchase small picture frames frames. Put the place settings inside the cute frames that your guest can then take home as a keepsake from your special day.
If you have a small wedding party, consider purchasing larger wedding favor items or a grouping of items like matching wine glasses and bottle stoppers.
What About The Kids?
You may be considering whether there are some you can skip, like ones for children. Keep in mind, though, that some guests might be offended if you leave their children out.
Try different ideas that may cost less, like bagged candies, for children. Some other general tips are to brainstorm ideas that are unisex; what kind of items you would be excited to receive. Bubbles and gum ball machines will be a great hit with kids and adults, alike!
Should You DIY Your Wedding Favors?
Do-it-yourself wedding favors are a rising trend, because among other things you save on the built-in packaging costs of pre-made, store-bought items. And they are also a very meaningful and effective way to get your message of thanks across to your guests.
Don’t try to put too much pressure on yourself, if you can’t sew don’t pick a project involving a needle or a sewing machine. If you can’t cook stay out of the kitchen when preparing wedding favors. Keep it simple and you won’t go wrong. Searching the internet for free patterns and projects is also a great idea.
Everyone loves chocolate and if you make homemade chocolates you guest will love you. They are simple and inexpensive to make. You can buy a chocolate mold at any wedding or craft store for less than $4 and then reuse it over and over again.
Package your DIY goodies in a fun favor bag. Forever Wedding Favors has lots of rustic wedding favors-friendly options like including mini mason jars!
Another great idea – take a plastic spoon that matches your wedding colors and put three Hershey Kisses on the spoon, then wrap the spoon with cellophane or a piece of sheer fabric and tie it closed with a color coordinating piece of ribbon.
Whatever route you choose, your guests will surely love your thoughtfulness!
