Traditional wedding favors are small gifts given to the women and girls present, although many favors today are given to all the guests.  Although they aren’t a requirement, they add a nice touch to the reception.  Many people expect that after your guests have gotten dressed up, driven many miles and taken time out of their lives to come share in your special day, that you thank them with a parting gift as a memento of the occasion.  Your wedding favors do not have to be expensive or extravagant to be memorable though.  Here are some great cheap wedding favor ideas that will impress your guests without breaking your budget.

Traditional Cheap Wedding Favor Ideas

One very common wedding favor is a small portion of candy in a decorative box or bag.  Jordan almonds wrapped in tule and tied with a ribbon are a great option, and for an extra touch you can have the ribbons custom printed with the names of the bride and groom and the wedding date.  Other options include Hershey’s kisses, personalized M&M’s (these can now be made with your customized picture and message on them,) or candy bars with a customized label bearing whatever message you like.

Another of the traditional cheap wedding favor ideas is a nice candle.  These can be plain colored wax candles included with nicely engraved candlesticks, or the more sophisticated handmade artisan candles that you see in so many stores today.  If a pleasing aroma is what you are after you can offer your guests a nice lavender scented candle or even a small bag of potpourri.

Meaningful But Cheap Wedding Favor Ideas

Sometimes it is nice to offer a gift that will add sentimental value to your guests’ experience.  Perhaps a special book, with a personal handwritten message on the inside cover for each guest would be appropriate.  It should express your personality and something you care about.  Or, if you are a talented writer you might consider composing a nice poem.  Make it appropriate to the occasion, focusing on joy and hope for the future, and print it on a nice parchment that can be rolled up and tied with a ribbon.  Another popular idea is a customized picture frame, engraved or decorated with information about the wedding.

If you reception has an ethnic or other theme, you can provide complementary favors, such as Chinese fortune cookies, Irish shamrock cookies, or decorated German chocolate cupcakes.

Cheap Wedding Favor Ideas That Are Socially Conscious or Eco-Frendly

Do you and your fiancé have strong feelings about social issues or the environment?  Show your guests you care by making a donation to charity in each one’s name.  The possibilities are truly endless here, from charities fighting poverty and disadvantaged children to medical research hoping to eradicate a terminal disease.  Not only will the money do more good than it would being spent on a bag of M&M’s, but it will have ripple effects as each of your guests is reminded of their own social responsibilities for the future.

If charitable donations are not in the budget, consider an earth friendly idea such as an evergreen seedling in a small pot.  Trees produce oxygen and remove pollution from the air, which everyone can feel good about.  Plus, the tree can be a symbol of your new life together.  As it grows and matures your guests can look back fondly on the life together they witnessed at its beginning.

Other Random Cheap Wedding Favor Ideas

None of these really striking your fancy?  Here are a few more creative ideas:
·    Tiny salt and pepper shakers, to symbolize the spice of life that everyone needs
·    Small watercolors, either purchased or painted by you
·    Silver bells
·    Handkerchiefs embroidered with your wedding date.

Use your creativity, and I’m sure you will be able to come up with more cheap wedding favor ideas of your own.  Remember, nothing has to be expensive or extravagant to be memorable to your guests.  Your favors should be well thought-out, and match your theme, style, or sense of humor.  You don’t have to provide boxes of Godiva chocolates or large silver plated picture frames.