Let Them Remember Us – How to Wisely Match Gifts for Wedding Guests
Not long ago, guest favors were a rare element at weddings, but now they’ve become a must-have at every wedding reception. The market offers a variety of options, from small treats to fancy magnets, coasters, or even CDs. You’ll find plenty of inspiration and stores online where you can get personalized gadgets. Therefore, this post isn’t about what to choose, but rather how to match “that something” to your wedding reception. I’ll share with you my experience, insights, and even a mishap from my own wedding 🙂
SIZE MATTERS
Yes, yes. The size of the gift is a very important aspect. If you and your fiancé have decided that appetizers will be on the tables, which means there will be a variety of different colors and textures, opt for a small gift, such as a chocolate with your initials, the date, and a short thank you note. It’s important that the color is subdued, preferably white, so you avoid adding another colorful element that could create a mismatch. The first impression is very important, and the aforementioned mismatch disrupts the sense of order and a well-thought-out wedding concept. On your wedding day, emotions will be running high, so you probably won’t notice this, but when you look at the photos months later, you’ll see the disorder.
At receptions where all the appetizers are at a buffet, and the tables are adorned with beautiful floral decorations, you can go for more impressive gifts. At a rustic wedding, succulents will blend in beautifully, while mini champagne bottles or elegantly packaged homemade liqueur are great for a glamorous wedding. Recently, there’s been a trend of giving scented candles and elegant soaps. It’s important to remember to properly wrap the gifts so that the soapy scent doesn’t spread through the room and mix with the aromas of the food.
My mishap:
Organizing my own wedding was a bit of a challenge because it required combining two cultures: Polish and Spanish. Juan is from a town known for its ceramics, and his parents own a craft factory. So, we decided that a fun touch and gift would be handmade and painted oil jugs for the ladies, and bottles of Spanish olive oil for the men. Before settling on the final version, we changed the colors and designs several times, and it seemed perfect. However, despite the fact that there were only floral decorations, tableware, drinks, and the gifts on the tables, it ended up looking cluttered. If I were to organize my wedding again, I’d probably opt for smaller and more delicate gifts, though the taste of the olive oil is still fondly remembered by our guests 🙂
A great idea is to prepare a separate gift station. A beautifully set table with a large sign saying “Thank you for coming,” a guest book, and neatly arranged favors is the perfect solution for couples who value minimalism and elegance. Make sure it’s in a well-exposed area that everyone can access, for example, in the hall before the reception room.
P.S. If you choose this solution, prepare a few extra gifts, as there’s a chance that one guest might take more souvenirs, leaving another without.