Wedding favors: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What wedding favors is

A wedding favor provider supplies small gifts for guests, such as candies, candles, seed packets or personalized keepsakes, often packaged to match the wedding's theme. Couples order favors to thank guests and carry the look of the wedding into the take home gift.

Signs you need it

  • You want a gift for each guest that matches the wedding colors and theme
  • The guest list is long and you need a favor that can be packed and handed out easily
  • You want a favor that reflects the couple, the venue or the season
  • You want a favor that is safe for guests with food allergies or dietary needs
  • You need favors packaged and labeled before the wedding week

What the pro does

  • Talks with you about the theme, the guest count, the budget and the favor type
  • Shows samples of the favors, packaging and labels for approval
  • Confirms the ingredients, allergens and any restrictions for food favors
  • Packages each favor with the label, tag or card you chose
  • Counts and packs the favors to match your guest list
  • Delivers the favors to the venue or the couple before the wedding

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of favors needed and any extras for the wedding party
  • Favor type, such as candy, candle, seed packet or keepsake
  • Custom labels, printing and personalized packaging
  • Packaging style and how many pieces each favor needs
  • Whether the favors include food, which can carry extra rules
  • Delivery distance and when the favors must arrive

What a written quote should spell out

  • Favor type, quantity and packaging for each favor
  • Labels, tags or personalized pieces and who approves the design
  • Ingredients and allergen information for food favors
  • Delivery or pickup time and the address
  • What happens if a favor arrives damaged or the count is off

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you show a sample of the favor and the packaging I chose?
  • What are the ingredients and allergens in each food favor?
  • How many extra favors do you add for mistakes or late guests?
  • How are the favors packed for delivery?
  • Can you deliver to the venue, and when do you need the final count?
  • Are the labels and printing included, and when do I approve them?

Red flags

  • Will not share the ingredients or allergen information for a food favor
  • Does not confirm the count or the delivery date in writing
  • Shows only stock photos and cannot show a sample
  • Cannot say how the favors are packed for travel
  • Asks for the full payment before a sample is approved

What you can do yourself

You can make simple favors yourself, such as a jar of homemade candy or a seed packet with a handwritten label, after you check the guests' allergies and the rules for any food you make. Hire a favor provider when you need a large count, branded packaging, or favors that must be packed and delivered on a set schedule.

Licenses and permits

Food favors commonly need the maker to follow a health permit or food handler card requirement from the local office that oversees food safety. Ask the provider about its permits and its ingredients, and check with that office if you make food favors yourself.

Wedding favors questions

Can we give candy favors to children at the reception?

Often yes, but check for allergies first. Ask the provider for the ingredient and allergen information, put it on the label or the card, and keep small hard candy away from very young children.

How far ahead should I order?

Order early, especially for custom packaging or personalized favors, because the design and the proof take time.

Should I order extra favors?

It is common to order a few extra for mistakes and late guests. Ask the provider how many extras it recommends for your guest count.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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