Let’s be honest… Your guests won’t want to carry around big, bulky, and useless “wedding favors” as they drunkenly stumble back to their rooms after your wedding. And even worse, then don’t want to try to stuff it into their luggage to take back home – Only to throw away as soon as they get there. So why not get your guests a gift they actually want?! Something they can enjoy during their vacation, or take back home without feeling guilty.
Wedding favors are a fun and exciting way to thank your guests for attending your destination wedding in Punta Cana. In the past, wedding favors didn’t get much thought – you’d wrap up five jordan almonds in a tulle bag with a cute bow and that was the end of it. Each almond had a different meaning and represented health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. But those days are far behind us.
Nowadays, there are so many different options and so many things to consider when choosing wedding favors. Add to that the fact that you’ll have to travel with whatever you choose, or prepare the gifts once you arrive to Punta Cana, and it may seem like a daunting task. So how do you decide what to get for your guests? Let’s start here:
Are Wedding Favors Necessary?
Well, let me ask you this. How many weddings have you been to? And out of those, how many do you remember the wedding favor from?
I’ve been to maybe 20 weddings (as an invited guest, not working – of course) and I can only remember one wedding favor. I’m sure some of the others gave out something but for the life of me, I can’t remember what it was. And the only reason I remember this particular one is because the bride made homemade chocolate truffles for everyone. Then she proceeded to complain to me for months afterward about how big of a mistake that was. Now don’t get me wrong, the truffles were delicious!! But for her, it wasn’t worth it to spend hours in the kitchen before the wedding day when there were so many other things that needed to be done the week of her wedding.
Alright, I got a little off topic there. So back to it. Do you absolutely need to buy wedding favors for your guests?
If you’re on a tight budget, I’d say it’s one of those little details you can skip. You’ve already treated your guests to a fun-filled night of food, drinks, and dancing (well, and a dream vacation in Punta Cana but who’s counting) so chances are they won’t even miss the wedding favors.
If you’d like to thank your guests and you have a budget set aside for favors, (or if your mom is like mine and just won’t let you skip them) then they can be a fun addition to your wedding and a nice way to show appreciation to all of the guests that were able to make it for your big day. If you’re pro-wedding favors, then keep reading to get some great ideas!
How to Decide What Wedding Favors to Give
Since you’re having a destination wedding, you need to keep a few things in mind when deciding what to gift your guests.
Travel Plans
Can you fit all of the favors inside your suitcase and still meet the weight requirements? How much space are you willing to dedicate to favors? Remember that you’ll also be bringing all your wedding day essentials (like your wedding dress, shoes, accessories, extra decor, etc.) and everything you’d regularly pack for a beach vacation so space may be limited. Check out some of our travel tips here.
Weather
It’s going to be hot on your wedding day so pick something that can withstand the heat. While edible favors like candy and chocolate are still popular gifts for some brides, this may not be the best option for a destination wedding since they’ll likely melt before your guests have a chance to enjoy them. Maybe consider a gift that can help your guests stay cool during their ceremony or that they can enjoy during their vacation.
Be Practical
Try to avoid something wasteful that your guests will just throw away at the end of the night. Instead, opt for something that your guests can use more than once. Seems like an emergency kit may be just what the doctor ordered after a long night of dancing and drinking. Fill them with goodies like Advil and aloe vera, and your guests will thank you for it!
Tumblers are another great option! Instead of wasting hundreds of plastic cups at the swim up bar, your guests can fill their tumblers instead. You can all lounge by the pool, thinking of your small contribution to a better environment.
Use Wedding Favors As Place Cards
Kill two birds with one stone by using your wedding favors as the name cards for your seating assignment. Check out Etsy for a ton of different luggage tag designs.
These luggage tags were perfect!
Buy Local
If you have a little extra time before the wedding day once you arrive to Punta Cana, you may consider buying your wedding favors when you get here. Souvenirs, cigars, and mini bottles of rum can make simple, adorable gifts when you give them a personal touch.
Be Wary of DIY
Consider how much time it will take to make your wedding favors yourself then decide if you’re up to the challenge. This can be a great way to save money, but it’s not worth it if you’re going to completely stress yourself out.
Choose Something Meaningful
There are hundreds of great ideas for wedding favors. Choose something that has meaning for you. And try not to stress about it too much. Your guests will love anything you choose because they love you.
Don’t Forget to Thank Your Guests!
Whether you decide to give wedding favors or not, remember to thank your guests at some point throughout the night. Tell them you love them. Appreciate them. And tell them how thankful you are that they are sharing this special day with you.
