Do We Have to Give Wedding Favors to Our Guests? Won’t They Just Throw Them Out?

You don’t have to give wedding favors. They’re not a mandatory item like the wedding bands.

I like the idea of wedding favors because it’s another way to play with your wedding’s theme. To ensure that your favor isn’t tossed in the trash choose something that can be used right away -- food is great as a snack on the ride home, a CD will likely get listened to in the car or a charitable donation which can’t be used by guests, but will be noted and appreciated.

Another idea is to have a photo booth during cocktails and the photos taken are the favor. Or set up a dessert buffet with bags or pastry boxes for guests to pack up for home.

I wouldn’t spend too much time on your wedding favors. If you can’t think of something you’d like to leave for guests then don’t leave them anything. Better not to force it and spend money on something you’re not really into. You can use those funds towards another detail you’re really excited about.

My Fiance and I Can’t Agree on a Wedding Favor, Can We Have Two?

Yes. You can decide to give everyone two favors or give half the guests one favor and half the other. Splitting the two favors among your guests may save you money since you’re buying one per guest total instead of two items for everyone.

But before you order either figure out if one can be used in another part of the wedding. For example, would one item work well in a guest room gift bag? How about as favors at the rehearsal dinner?

If you’re not adamant about it, let your fiance have the favor he wants -- how many things has he asked for anyway?

Wedding Favors: Charitable Donations

When selecting a wedding favor, some couples will choose to donate money in the names of their guests or in memory of a family member to a charitable organization close to their hearts.

There aren't any rules when it comes to these types of favors, but here are some of my guidelines:

1. You can donate any amount of money. No one has to know how much you have donated to a charity -- except the IRS if you are writing the donation off as a tax deduction.

2. You don't have to give a specific amount per guest. Some couples give $1 or $2 per person, but if you have 250 guests, $500 may not be in your budget. The charity you choose will accept any amount you decide to give.

3. You can donate to more than one charity. Both you and your fiancé can each pick an organization.

4. Think of a creative way to tell your guests about your charitable donation. You can print the information on your program or create a tag to attach to a second favor, or ask the organization if they can supply you with, or make your own, donation cards.

If you're not sure of which charity to choose, visit I Do Foundation. They have a list of charities based on different themes -- health, hunger, children, social justice -- to help you decide. They also have donation cards that you can give to your guests.