You chose favors your guests will love. Now comes the part couples often leave until the last week: where do the favors actually go?
How you display favors changes how many guests take them home. A favor set at someone's seat almost always leaves with them. A box of favors on a side table by the restrooms often does not. Here are seven displays that work, and what each one is best for.
1. At every place setting
Setting a favor on each plate or napkin is the most personal option, and the one with the highest take-home rate. Every guest sees it the moment they sit down.
Best for: seated dinners. Favors presented on a thank-you card look especially finished here, and the card does the thank-you for you.
2. On a dedicated favor table
A small table near the exit with favors arranged in rows, a framed sign and a few candles or greenery turns favors into part of your decor.
Best for: buffet receptions and larger weddings. Place it where guests naturally pass on their way out, not in a corner.
3. Next to your escort cards
Guests stop at the escort card display to find their table, so it is a natural place to pick up a favor too. Arrange favors beside or below the cards so guests take both together.
Best for: keeping the reception tables clear for flowers and candles.
4. At the bar or drink station
If your favors are bottle openers, the bar is the most fitting spot of all. A small sign makes the connection obvious, and guests often use them on the spot.
Best for: relaxed, social receptions and late-night celebrations.
5. In gift bags by the door
Favors in small organza bags are easy to grab on the way out and easy to carry home, even for guests juggling a coat and a slice of cake.
Best for: receptions where tables are already full, and for handing favors out personally at the send-off.
6. In welcome bags for out-of-town guests
If you are preparing welcome bags for hotel guests, a personalized favor is a lovely first touch that greets them before the wedding even starts.
Best for: destination weddings and weekends with lots of traveling guests. Remember to order extra favors for the reception.
7. As part of the send-off
Some couples hand favors out themselves at the end of the night, or ask the wedding party to do it at the exit. It turns a small gift into a real goodbye.
Best for: smaller weddings, where you can thank each guest in person.
Sign ideas you can copy
- "Pop the bubbly, take one home."
- "Thank you for celebrating with us. Please take one."
- "From our fridge to yours."
- "Cheers to love! Grab an opener on your way out."
A few practical tips
- Give your planner or venue a plan. Tell them exactly where favors go and how many there are, so nobody has to guess on the day.
- Bring a few extras. Keep five or ten aside for late arrivals or anyone who missed them.
- Plan your timing. Order early enough that your favors arrive with time to spare. Our orders ship within 4 business days, and free FedEx shipping takes 1 to 3 business days in the US.
Want favors that look as good on the table as they do on the fridge afterwards? Design your personalized bottle opener favors and see your free digital proof within 24 hours.