What Wedding Favors Do People Actually Like?
Let’s be honest. Wedding favors are one of the most charming, and sometimes most overlooked, details of your big day. While they’re a thoughtful way to thank guests for celebrating with you, the truth is that many favors get left behind or tossed in a drawer. So, how do you choose something that’s meaningful, memorable, and actually appreciated? Playing card wedding favors are one popular and surprisingly practical option, but what else do guests really love to take home?
From playing cards to artisanal gifts, finding the right wedding favor for your celebration can be a hit-or-miss. Here, we’ll uncover what wedding favors guests actually like, use, and remember — so you can give your guests a little token of appreciation they will actually enjoy, cherish, and remember.
Why Wedding Favors Matter
Wedding favors are more than just trinkets — they’re a reflection of your personality as a couple, a small thank-you gift for attending, and often a fun, lasting reminder of your special day. In many cultures, wedding favors symbolize luck, generosity, and celebration, sharing the importance of your special day with your guests and getting them involved in the traditions and customs surrounding your love.
While the tradition of wedding favors may have evolved over the years, the goal remains the same: to make your guests feel appreciated. The challenge is choosing favors that don’t feel generic or impersonal. More often than not, the best favors are useful, creative, and a little unexpected, showing guests that you’ve put in the thought, time, and effort into making them feel appreciated and valued as witnesses to your marriage.
Top Wedding Favors Guests Actually Love
Choosing the perfect wedding favor can be tricky. After all, you want something meaningful, affordable, and above all, memorable. The best wedding favors strike a balance between usefulness and personality. They don’t sit on a shelf gathering dust or end up forgotten at the reception table. Instead, they spark a smile, trigger a fond memory, or become part of your guests' daily life.
Here are some of the most loved and talked-about wedding favor ideas that guests genuinely appreciate — and actually take home:
Functional and Reusable Favors
Guests love items they can use beyond your wedding day. Functional favors are thoughtful, practical, and eco-friendly when chosen carefully. These gifts often become part of guests’ daily routines and remind them of your celebration every time they’re used.
Top choices for functional favors include:
- Bottle openers shaped like hearts, keys, or anchors
- Coasters with your initials, wedding date, or a custom design
- Tea infusers, coffee scoops, or mini measuring spoons
- Reusable tote bags for farmers’ markets or groceries
- Wooden bookmarks, luggage tags, or small notebooks
The key here is versatility — when guests can use your favor in everyday life, they’re far more likely to take it home and appreciate it.
Edible Favors That Disappear Quickly
Food is always a win when it comes to party favors. Edible gifts appeal to nearly everyone, and they’re less likely to be wasted. Think of them as an instant treat your guests can enjoy on the way home or the next morning with coffee as they reminisce on the wonderful event they’ve just attended.
A few crowd-pleasing favorites include:
- Mini honey jars of locally-sourced honey, decorated with rustic twine and a custom label
- Artisan chocolates or truffles, especially from a local chocolatier
- Macaron boxes in your wedding colors
- Maple syrup bottles, hot sauce, or infused olive oil with a regional flair
- Gourmet popcorn, s’mores kits, or DIY spice rubs
Pair edible favors with customized containers or personalized tags to elevate your presentation and tie them into your wedding reception theme. Sourcing local and artisanal products also adds an element of personalization and meaning to your favors, especially if they are from the surrounding area of your wedding destination.
Custom Playing Cards for Interactive Fun
Few favors combine fun, function, and personalization like custom playing cards. They're timeless, practical, and appeal to all age groups. Whether your guests enjoy poker, solitaire, or playing a game of Go Fish with the kids, a custom card deck ensures they’ll use your favor again and again.
You can design decks with:
- Your names and wedding date
- A custom illustration, monogram, or quote
- A color scheme or motif that matches your wedding theme
- Photos or artwork that reflect your story as a couple
They also double as entertainment during the reception or in hotel welcome bags. Playing card wedding favors are particularly popular for Vegas weddings, destination events, or couples with a shared love of game nights.
Personalized Keepsakes with a Story
If you’re a couple who values storytelling or creativity, use your favors to share a piece of your journey. Items like recipe cards, love story booklets, or postcards from your honeymoon destination add a personal, heartfelt touch. Card decks and blank playing cards can be customized and personalized with text, images, and logos to use as your creative canvas. Print your stories or recipes on blank playing cards for easy bulk printing with a durable and water-resistant finish.
Pair these keepsakes with something tangible, like a snack, tea sachet, or magnet, for a combo favor that’s both practical and memorable.
How to Present Your Wedding Favors
Presentation matters! A well-displayed wedding favor feels more intentional and adds to the visual appeal of your reception. You may not know it at first, but taking the extra time and effort to place favors makes all the difference in creating a welcoming and memorable environment for your guests.
A few ways you can elevate your favor placement are by:
- Placing one at each seat or plate
- Displaying them on a styled table with a cute sign
- Using favor bags or boxes that match your color scheme
- Including a thank-you tag or message from the couple
Small touches make the experience feel polished and memorable. And though you will be busy at times during your wedding, taking the time to participate in setup allows you to connect with your guests and cherish your special moment.
Why Couples Love The Poker Depot for Custom Favors
When it comes to unique, high-quality wedding favors, The Poker Depot offers unbeatable options. Specializing in custom playing cards, they help couples create one-of-a-kind decks that are perfect for gifting and sharing with your guests.
Whether you want a classic casino-style look or a fully customized deck with your names and photos, The Poker Depot delivers expert design support and fast turnaround. Their playing cards are printed on professional-grade stock with a premium finish — ideal for lasting memories and long-term use. Your guests deserve favors they’ll love, and your wedding deserves a personal touch that’s stylish and fun. With custom playing card favors from The Poker Depot, you can check both boxes and leave a lasting impression.
Visit PokerChips.com to explore templates, upload your design, and place your order today. Make your wedding unforgettable — one card at a time.
