Most wedding favors are left behind on tables or forgotten when guests reach their cars. While the gesture is thoughtful, generic trinkets rarely stand out or hold lasting value.
Couples today are looking for favors that feel more personal, something guests will remember and actually use or display. The favor that your guests will remember depends on their preferences.
Suppose your family and friends like to play poker. In that case, giving out a personalized poker chip set as a wedding favor will be ideal. It might sound unexpected, but that’s precisely the kind of surprise that gets people talking. It blends function, fun, and individuality.
Whether planning a casual backyard wedding or a formal evening celebration, this kind of favor adds a custom touch. According to ThePokerDepot, you can easily add custom touches to your chip set. This can be anything from your own photo to a date you want your guests to remember. Guests can take it home as a keepsake or use it during future game nights, making it far more memorable.
In this article, we will look at such unconventional wedding favors that guests will actually keep.
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Matching the Favors With the Wedding Atmosphere
If your wedding has a theme, the favors should quietly echo it. That doesn’t mean printing your names on every item; it means choosing something that fits the tone.
A relaxed beach wedding might be paired with small keepsakes that feel natural and unfussy, while a winter wedding could inspire cozy, reusable gifts. What makes a personalized item stand out is its intention, not just the customization.
Many couples fall into the trap of selecting wedding favors that feel disconnected from the event’s style or energy. It is for these reasons that couples are slowly starting to eliminate favors from their weddings. An article from The Atlantic notes that this practice has decreased by 21% over the last five years. The key is to consider gifts as something your guests will love, not something you like.
A delicate crystal trinket might feel out of place if you’re hosting a fun, laughter-filled gathering. In contrast, a playful item like customized poker chips brings a lighthearted note that many guests appreciate. It signals that you’re not trying to impress but to connect.
The atmosphere you create during your wedding day should flow naturally into the takeaway items. Even seemingly small favors can carry weight when they match the mood of the event.
What if my wedding has no clear theme? How do I choose a favor that still fits?
Even without a strong theme, your wedding still has a casual, intimate, formal, or fun tone. Use that as your guide. Focus on the feeling you want to leave guests with and choose a favor that reflects that mood rather than a specific visual style.
Making the Keepsake Part of the Experience
Many guests forget about favors, not because they don’t like them, but because the items were never really part of the celebration. You cannot go to every single guest to give them the gift. You also cannot make them wait in a queue at the end of the event to receive their gifts. Thus, many couples plan to leave them on a table at the exit.
However, when they’re placed on tables without interaction, they’ve been pushed aside or left behind by the night’s end. But when a favor is introduced in a way that encourages use or engagement, it becomes memorable.
You might build a small activity around it or create a moment when guests use the favor during the reception. This makes the gift feel intentional. A keepsake tied to a fun or meaningful part of the day gains more value. It becomes more than just a takeaway; it becomes a shared memory between the couple and their guests.
The activity and the favor don’t have to cost too much to be memorable. According to The Knot, the average cost of wedding favors is $460, including wedding party gifts. However, for destination weddings, the average price increases to $702. However, there are many ways to save money on your wedding favors. For instance, you can buy in bulk, DIY your gifts, or choose dual-purpose favors.
How can I include the favor in the event without adding stress to the day?
You don’t need an elaborate setup. A brief mention by the DJ, a small table sign, or including the item in a casual group activity can be enough. The goal is to make guests interact with the favors naturally, without turning it into another wedding task to manage.
Avoiding the “One-Size-Fits-All” Trap
The idea that every guest needs to love the same thing often leads to bland or impersonal choices. In trying to appeal to everyone, many couples end up with favors that don’t stand out to anyone. That’s why choosing something that reflects your personality or interests is better, even if it’s a little unconventional.
Some guests may not fully connect with your favor, and that’s fine. What matters is that it represents something real about your relationship or your event. A more specific or surprising item has a much better chance of being remembered and appreciated than a generic keepsake that feels forgettable.
You’re not handing out marketing materials; you’re giving something thoughtful as a thank-you. The pressure to “please everyone” eases when you treat it that way. Focus instead on what feels right for your celebration. The people who know and love you will understand and value it for what it is.
Planning how to display your wedding favors also holds significant importance. Most couples would simply put them on a basic table, which would not attract any attention. However, Martha Stewart states there are many ways to display them uniquely. For instance, you can use:
- Geometric design
- Witty quote
- Vibrant colors
- Vintage boxes
- Double ladders
- Understated display
- Unique cart, etc.
Is it okay to offer different favors for different types of guests?
Yes, offering a few different options can work well, especially if your guest list includes a wide mix of ages or backgrounds. You can present the options together and let guests choose what suits them best. It feels more personal and avoids a one-size-fits-all feel.
What makes a favor memorable isn’t always the object itself. It’s the personality behind it. When guests feel a sense of the couple in the small details, it creates a stronger connection. The favor becomes a reminder of the energy they felt during the day, whether that energy was fun, warm, humorous, or low-key.
There’s no need to follow a formula. If you’re known for having a unique sense of humor, lean into it. If you’re both drawn to storytelling, pick something that sparks conversation. Your guests aren’t expecting perfection but are looking for a personal touch. That’s what they’ll remember.
