A wedding is one of life’s most cherished celebrations, where love, joy, and personal connections are honoured. One of the many traditions that add a personal touch to your big day is the giving of wedding favours—small gifts that express gratitude to your guests for their presence. There is something uniquely special about DIY wedding favours, not only do they allow you to add a personal touch, but they also offer an opportunity to create memorable, meaningful gifts that your guests will cherish—often at a fraction of the cost of pre-made options. Here are some charming and budget-friendly DIY wedding favour ideas that are both thoughtful and easy on your wallet.
Homemade Jam or Honey Jars
A sweet treat is always appreciated, and there’s nothing quite like homemade preserves or honey. Small jars filled with your favourite jam, chutney, or locally sourced honey can make delightful wedding favours. Buying fruit in bulk or using seasonal produce can significantly cut down on costs, especially if you have a knack for preserving. Personalise each jar with a label that includes your names, the wedding date, and a brief thank you message. You can add a touch of elegance by wrapping the jar lids with fabric scraps that match your wedding theme and securing them with twine or ribbon, both of which can be purchased inexpensively in bulk.
Seed Packets
For the nature-loving couple, seed packets are a wonderful way to share your love of the environment with your guests. You can purchase seeds of your favourite flowers, herbs, or vegetables, and package them in small envelopes or custom-made paper packets. Seed packets are a particularly cost-effective option, as you can buy large quantities of seeds at a low price and divide them into individual portions. Decorate the packets with a message encouraging your guests to “let love grow” or “plant these seeds and watch them bloom, just like our love.” This is a lovely way to give a gift that keeps on giving without breaking the bank.
Personalised Candles
Candles are both practical and romantic, making them an ideal wedding favour. You can easily create personalised candles by purchasing plain, unscented candles in bulk and decorating them with tape, custom labels, or even by etching your initials and wedding date into the wax. If you’re feeling adventurous, making the candles from scratch can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you buy wax, wicks, and fragrance oils in bulk. Place the candles in small organza bags or boxes, which are inexpensive and can be bought in bulk, and they’re ready to be gifted.
French Sweets
DIY wedding favours featuring traditional French sweets add an elegant and charming touch to your celebration. Consider gifting your guests with beautifully packaged treats like dragées (sugar-coated almonds), delicate calissons (almond and candied fruit confections), or handmade caramels au beurre salé (salted butter caramels). These sweet delights, steeped in French tradition, can be presented in personalised boxes or small glass jars, tied with a ribbon that matches your wedding theme. Not only do they offer a taste of classic French culture, but they also serve as a memorable and sophisticated token of your appreciation.
Mini Succulents
Succulents have become increasingly popular as wedding favours due to their low maintenance and longevity. Purchase small succulents in bulk from a garden centre or nursery, which often offers discounts on larger orders. Plant them in mini pots or terrariums, which can be bought wholesale at a reduced cost. You can paint the pots to match your wedding colours or leave them natural for a rustic touch. Attach a small tag with a message such as “thank you for helping us grow” or “take me home and let love grow.” Your guests will love having a living memento from your special day, and you’ll appreciate the minimal impact on your budget.
Handmade Soaps
Handmade soaps are a luxurious yet practical gift that your guests will appreciate. Making them at home using soap-making kits or by following a simple recipe can be a cost-effective way to create personalised favours. Buying the ingredients in bulk, such as soap base, essential oils, and colourants, can help keep costs low. Choose a fragrance that is meaningful to you—perhaps lavender for relaxation, rose for romance, or citrus for a fresh, invigorating scent. Customise the soap bars with stamps or wrap them in pretty paper or fabric remnants. Include a note thanking your guests for making your day extra special.
Bespoke Tea Blends
For a calming and thoughtful gift, consider creating bespoke tea blends. Purchase loose-leaf teas in bulk, which is often much cheaper than buying pre-packaged tea bags, and mix them to create a blend that represents your personality as a couple. Package the tea in small tins or kraft paper bags, both of which can be bought wholesale. Include brewing instructions and a heartfelt message. This is a particularly lovely idea if you’re hosting a wedding with a vintage or rustic theme, and it’s a budget-friendly option that still feels luxurious.
Personalised Mini Bottles
Miniature bottles of infused oils or homemade liqueurs make for elegant and personalised wedding favours. To add a DIY touch, consider making your own infused oils or liqueurs at home, such as rosemary-infused olive oil or vanilla bean liqueur. Once prepared, decant the liquids into small glass bottles and personalise them with custom labels featuring your names, wedding date, and a special message. You can also add a decorative touch by wrapping the bottles with twine, attaching small charms, or sealing them with wax. Guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and effort behind these sophisticated, handcrafted gifts.
Customised Cookies or Macarons
If you enjoy baking, homemade cookies or macarons can be a sweet and personal touch to your wedding favours. Baking in large batches helps keep costs down, especially if you already have the basic ingredients at home. Decorate them in your wedding colours or with your initials and package them in clear bags tied with a ribbon, both of which are inexpensive when purchased in bulk. You can even create a small tag with a thank you message or the story behind the recipe. This delicious treat will surely be a hit with your guests, and your budget will remain intact.
Conclusion
DIY wedding favours are a beautiful way to show appreciation to your guests while adding a personal touch to your celebration. By opting for DIY, you not only create something unique and meaningful but also keep your wedding budget in check. Whether you choose to make edible treats, living gifts, or scented treasures, the thought and effort you put into these favours will make them all the more special. Not only will they save you money, but they will also leave a lasting impression on your guests, reminding them of the love and joy shared on your special day.
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