Wedding favours are an interesting phenomenon. You invite guests to celebrate your wedding, usually provide them with a meal and 99% of the time they give you a gift…and then you give them a gift? It is a slightly contested issue with some people feeling strongly that this is a waste of money and others feeling that this is a necessity.

I’ve seen the two extremes – those who don’t give anything and those who have handwrapped wooden boxes, engraved and containing a special gift for each guest or bracelets and pachminas for all of the ladies.  This is a part of your wedding that is greatly subjective. You must decide on your budget and the impression that you want to give.

Many bridal couples want people to have a memento of the wedding day and this can be something very special, just beware of giving people something that is likely to end up in the bin or collecting dust in the back of a cupboard. Also bear in mind that generally your guests will consist of a large age and taste range. Make sure you think really carefully before blowing half your budget and engraved ornamental trophies.

Another great option is a little munchie for your guests to enjoy at their whim. Examples are chocolate truffles, peppermints, the traditional sugared almond or great homemade biscuits. Anything that is presented well is usually a hit.

Speaking of which, don’t blow your budget on wrappings either. A simple clear plastic box with a bit of ribbon, organza bag or coloured cardboard box is really effective. It’s also great to attach a small message or the place name to this.

Remember that everything in your wedding should reflect your and your partner’s personalities as well as the personality of your relationship. Don’t ever do something for the sake of doing it!