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Planning your dream wedding is both exciting and challenging, and as you dive headfirst into the world of wedding Pinterest boards and checklists, you might come across a budget item that often sparks debate: wedding favors. In this post, we're going to make a daring proposal that might raise a few eyebrows: skip the wedding favors and put that money towards your bar budget instead. Intrigued? Let's break down why this might be the best decision you make during your wedding planning journey.
1. Everybody Loves a Good Drink:
Let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy raising a glass and toasting to love? Your guests will appreciate a well-stocked bar far more than a trinket they might not have any use for. Investing in quality drinks and a professional bartender will leave a lasting impression and keep the party going well into the night. Brides.com published this great article with some stellar cocktail recommendations.
2. Memories Over Trinkets:
Remember that cute little personalized keychain or fridge magnet you got at a friend's wedding a few years back? Probably not. But you most likely recall how much fun you had dancing, chatting, and laughing friends and family. Focus on creating memorable experiences that your guests will cherish, rather than small tokens that often end up forgotten or discarded.
Focus on creating memorable experiences that your guests will cherish, rather than small tokens that often end up forgotten or discarded.
3. Budget-Friendly Quality Booster
Skipping favors is good for your budget and by reallocating your favor budget to the bar, you can even up the quality of your event without breaking the bank. Elevate the experience with a killer selection of drinks that reflects you as a couple, whether it's a classic cocktail or custom mocktail (like one of these beauties by mocktail expert, Marnie Rae.) Don't believe me about how favors can affect your budget? Let's break down the numbers. Suppose you went with a really economical wedding favor, like The Knot's monogramed playing cards. They are on sale for $3.79 a set. So, for 100 guests, that's $379 for the cards + a $15 set up fee + the sales tax + shipping. All in, well over $400.
4. It's About Celebrating Together:
Your wedding is a celebration of your love, and what better way to celebrate than by raising a glass with your nearest and dearest? The bar is not just a place to get drinks; it's a hub for mingling, laughter, and unforgettable conversations. Investing in a lively bar experience will create a more vibrant atmosphere and bring everyone closer together.
5. Reduce Waste and Environmental Impact:
Wedding favors often come with packaging and materials that contribute to waste. Many favors themselves are plastic or have a short life-span. (While the mug with your names and wedding date might be cute, it probably won't be part of anyone's long-term collection of drink ware.) By skipping them, you're not only saving money but also reducing your wedding's environmental footprint. It's a win-win situation for your budget and the planet! Want more on planning green? UK company, Hitched, has some great ideas for keeping your day green.
6. Other Worthy Causes:
If building up the bar isn't your thing, there are plenty of things you could refocus your budget on. Rather than spending time and money on favors, consider adding personal touches to your wedding that will leave a lasting impact: think personalized thank-you cards, a photo booth with fun props, an extra dessert item, or a custom guestbook! (Mixbook offers beautiful custom guest books starting at $14.99. I made one on Mixbook for my own wedding and was thrilled with how it came out.) These elements will make your wedding unique and unforgettable.
7. Guests Will Thank You (And So Will Your Wallet):
Weddings are expensive, and every little bit saved can make a big difference. Your guests will thank you for the fantastic drinks and the amazing time they had, and your wallet will thank you for not splurging on favors that often end up in the junk drawer. If you need help setting up and allocating your budget, be sure to check out our Pro Planner, which provides a Budget, Vision and Priorities workbook, Budget Planner, Budget Allocation Tool, and Budget & Expense Tracker.
If you like the idea of favors, find something that is meaningful to you and present it with pride to your guests. But don't be fooled into thinking you "absolutely" should provide a favor to yours guests. Remember to ask yourself, why am I presenting this and what does it signify, or mean, to my guests.
8. Remember The Why:
On theknot.com they state that they absolutely recommend wedding favors, which to me, is crazy. I couldn't disagree more! As planner, my goal is always to create an event that reflect the needs and wants of the couple - that means respecting their budget and their priorities. With that in mind, if you like the idea of favors, find something that is meaningful to you and present it with pride to your guests. But don't be fooled into thinking you "absolutely" should provide a favor to yours guests. Remember to ask yourself, why am I presenting this and what does it signify, or mean, to my guests.
As a bride or groom-to-be, you have many decisions to make, and how you allocate your budget is a big one. By skipping wedding favors and investing in a top-notch bar experience (or dessert bar, or late night snack!), you're ensuring that your guests have a blast and create lasting memories. So, go ahead, raise a glass to a budget-savvy decision!
Don't forget, we'd love to have you join us at The I Do Club, where you'll find a whole host of additional wedding planning how-tos, inspo, and advice. Plus you can mingle with other couples who are planning their own events, just like you! Its a great place to bounce ideas around and see what other people are doing.
Happy Planning,
Jillian
I'm big on being transparent: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Rest assured, all opinions and recommendations whether affiliate links or not are based on my genuine belief in their value.
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