Are Wedding Favours Still Expected at UK Weddings? Modern Trends & Expert Insights

Explore Wedding Favors

Weddings are a celebration of love, memories, and shared moments — but they’re also full of choices. One lingering question for UK couples planning their big day is: are wedding favours expected at UK weddings? In other words, do UK weddings need favours at all — or has this tradition faded as modern couples redefine what matters most? Whether you’re embracing tradition or crafting a personalised experience, understanding expectations around wedding favours can help you make a confident choice that feels right for your day. Check out Chococraft's wedding favours collection for elegant and personalised options.

Wedding favours — small gifts given by the couple to guests — have long been a part of UK wedding culture. But modern priorities, budget decisions, and guest expectations are shifting, prompting many couples to ask whether favours are essential, optional, or even passé. As you explore this question, you’ll learn how wedding favours blend tradition with personal meaning, and whether they add value for guests or simply add to the budget. Plus, you’ll discover thoughtful ideas that go beyond nostalgia and truly resonate with your loved ones.

Dive in as we unpack this tradition with data, expert guidance, real examples from UK weddings, and practical steps to help you choose favours that feel meaningful — whether you choose them or decide to skip them altogether.

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Understanding Wedding Favours & the UK Tradition

Wedding favours — sometimes called bomboniere — are small tokens given to wedding guests to express gratitude for attending the celebration. Traditionally in the UK and many European cultures, these might be simple edible treats like sugared almonds, representing wishes of health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. Source

But do favours still carry meaning? Here’s what to know:

• Origin & symbolism: In many historic celebrations, favours were symbolic. For example, five sugared almonds expressed five blessings for the couple. Learn more

• Tradition vs. expectation: A UK survey found that around 42% of respondents felt favours could be dropped, ranking them among the traditions people feel least strongly about keeping. YouGov Survey

• Not a must-have: Wedding planning experts emphasise that favours are a nice gesture but not an obligation. Easy Weddings

Today’s couples mix classic and contemporary approaches. You’ll still see chocolates and sweets on table settings, but you’ll also see more meaningful or experiential gifts, and sometimes couples skip favours entirely — opting instead to invest their budget in food, music, or guest experience.

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Are Wedding Favours Expected at UK Weddings? The Reality vs. Perception

So, do UK weddings need favours? The short answer: No — favours are rarely expected as a rigid requirement, but they remain a cherished gesture for many.

What guests actually expect

Most guests attend a wedding for the celebration, not the takeaway gift. Online discussions from UK wedding planners and couples reveal a mix of opinions:

• Some people appreciate a thoughtful edible or personalised gift but don’t mind if there’s no favour at all.

• Others feel favours like seeds or pot plants can be wasteful if guests don’t take them home.

• Edible favours — treats people will consume — are generally better received because they don’t end up cluttering drawers. Reddit discussion

Crucially, modern couples and guests alike often prioritise experience and hospitality — great food, good music, and meaningful moments over traditional tokens.

When favours might be expected

Certain weddings — especially more traditional, formal celebrations — may lean into favours because guests associate them with the classics. A beautifully wrapped box or elegantly presented treat can contribute to the wedding’s aesthetic and show gratitude in a memorable way. Think of favours less as an expectation and more as a gesture of appreciation, much like thank-you speeches or heartfelt vows.

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Modern UK Weddings: Where Tradition Meets Personalisation

The landscape of UK weddings is evolving, blending historic elements with personalised touches that reflect each couple’s values and style. Key trends show how wedding favours fit into this shift.

Personalisation over generic gifts

Modern couples increasingly choose favours that tell a story — whether that’s sharing their heritage, interests, or something that reflects their personalities. Personalised bouquets, bespoke messages, and items tied to a couple’s journey make favours feel less like a tradition and more like a thoughtful keepsake that guests will remember.

Experience over objects

Rather than physical trinkets, some couples include meaningful touches — such as handwritten notes, donation acknowledgements to a charity close to their hearts, or sensory experiences during the cocktail hour — that serve as an alternative or enhancement to a physical gift.

Eco-friendly and edible options

Many UK couples today lean towards eco-conscious favours (like wildflower seed packets or biodegradable items) or edible treats that enhance the celebration without waste. Edible favours like bespoke chocolates, artisan cookies, or gourmet items speak to both sustainability and enjoyment, making them more appreciated than traditional keepsakes that might go untouched. Luxury Weddings Guide

For creative ideas tailored to your location or theme — from Manchester weddings to Leeds celebrations — check out wedding favour ideas across the UK.

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Why Some Couples Skip Wedding Favours Completely

Skipping favours isn’t a new fad — it’s a mindful choice tied to priorities and guest experience. Here are common reasons couples make this decision:

• Budget focus: Allocating funds to meals, entertainment, or photography often feels more satisfying than spending on small gifts.

• Minimalism & sustainability: Some couples feel favours add to waste, especially if items are not used after the event.

• Guest feedback: Many guests share that they barely notice favours, especially if they’re not edible or practical.

• Alternative gestures: Couples sometimes choose to donate part of their wedding budget to charity, sponsor a tree planting, or write personal letters rather than hand out favours.

It’s an intentional choice that says: “Your presence is the gift.”

9 Chocolate Wedding Favor Box

An impressive assortment of nine personalized chocolates, perfect as elegant wedding favors.

Explore Wedding Favors

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Real Choices Couples Make (Examples & Scenarios)

Traditional garden wedding

A couple hosting a formal garden reception might place small edible boxes at each setting — think artisan sweets or customised chocolates — to blend tradition with practicality.

Budget-savvy celebration

A couple on a smaller budget might skip physical favours and instead offer a heartfelt note at each table explaining a charity donation made in guests’ honour. For guidance on choosing the right favour within your budget, see our wedding favour budget guide for UK couples.

Eco-friendly micro wedding

With a focus on sustainability, another couple might gift wildflower seed packets or plantable paper keepsakes that encourage guests to grow something beautiful after the day.

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Chococraft’s Take: When Favours Feel Right

If you do choose to include wedding favours, edible personalised gifts can offer the best balance of tradition, meaning, and enjoyment. ChocoCraft’s range — from elegant personalised chocolate boxes to themed assortments — gives couples a way to make wedding favours feel thoughtful, memorable, and genuinely appreciated.

Choose from:

• Wedding Favors – 2 Chocolate Box

• Wedding Favors – 4 Chocolate Box

• Wedding Favors – 6 Chocolate Box

• Wedding Favors – 9 Chocolate Box

• Wedding Favors – 12 Chocolate Box

• Wedding Favors – 18 Chocolate Box

For a broader view of options, explore our full wedding favours collection at Chococraft Wedding Favors.

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Creative & Meaningful Wedding Favour Ideas for UK Couples

Once you’ve decided that wedding favours are right for your day, the next step is choosing something that resonates with your guests and your style. Creative wedding favours can reflect your personalities, culture, or even the theme of your reception. While classic options have their charm, modern UK couples are leaning into personalised and experiential ideas that guests truly remember.

Edible Favourites with Personal Touches

Edible favours remain one of the most popular choices because guests use and enjoy them instead of letting them collect dust. Think about offering treats like bespoke chocolates with your names and wedding date, tea blends inspired by where you met, or cookies decorated with a motif that fits your theme.

Edible personalised favours can also tie into cultural traditions while bringing a modern twist. For example, a couple might pair classic sugared almonds with artisan truffles in a presentation box, blending past and present with sweet memories for guests to savour.

You can explore delightful edible favour collections like Wedding Favors – 12 Chocolate Box or pick smaller assortments like Wedding Favors – 4 Chocolate Box for intimate celebrations.

Experience‑Centric Favours

Some couples are now choosing experience‑centric favours — items that prompt guests to pause, engage, or remember the moment rather than simply take something physical home. These can include:

• Mini candle kits with instructions to relax after the wedding day

• Tea or coffee blend sachets with a message like “Enjoy a cosy morning remembering our big day”

• Handwritten notes or printed cards with your favourite memories together

These ideas often resonate more with guests because they feel personal rather than generic.

Eco‑Friendly & Sustainable Choices

With sustainability top of mind for many UK couples, favours that reflect that value are increasingly in demand. Eco‑friendly options can include:

• Seed packets for wildflowers or herbs that encourage guests to grow something beautiful

• Biodegradable confetti with natural flower petals

• Reusable bags with small local artisan soaps or handmade items

These choices not only minimise waste but also align with a modern couple’s values, offering thoughtful keepsakes without environmental guilt.

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How to Choose the Right Wedding Favours (Step‑by‑Step)

Choosing the right wedding favours involves balancing meaning, budget, practicality, and guest experience. Here’s a practical guide to help you decide:

Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget

Start by allocating a clear budget for favours. Remember that favours should complement the day rather than overshadow priority elements like catering or music. A simple rule of thumb is setting aside 1%–3% of your total wedding budget for favours if you choose to include them.

Step 2: Know Your Guests

Understanding your guest list helps tailor favours that resonate. For example:

• Older guests might appreciate classic keepsakes

• Younger guests might enjoy experiential or quirky treats

• International guests could enjoy a local UK experience favour, such as tea blends or shortbread with a personalised tag

Matching favours to your wedding demographic increases the chance they’ll be enjoyed — not forgotten on a table.

Step 3: Match Favour Style to Wedding Theme

If your wedding has a theme — rustic barn, seaside, vintage — make sure your favours align. A seaside wedding might feature mini jars of local sea salt with custom labels, while a vintage theme could offer elegant keepsakes like pocket mirrors engraved with your initials.

Step 4: Think Practicality & Waste

Practical favours are often better received. Items that serve a purpose — such as edible treats, candles, or small potted herbs — tend to be used rather than thrown away. Practical, beautiful items show appreciation without adding clutter to guests’ lives.

Step 5: Personalise with Meaning

Personalisation can transform a favour from a token into a cherished memory. Something as simple as printing a meaningful quote, a photo from your engagement, or a short thank‑you message on the favour packaging can create emotional resonance and deepen the impact of your gesture.

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How to Package & Present Your Favours

It’s not just what you give — it’s how you present it. Favours should feel intentional and part of your wedding décor. Some tips include:

• Place favours at each setting so guests see them as part of the table design

• Use signage that explains the favour’s story or meaning

• Coordinate colours and textures with your overall wedding palette

• Consider favour baskets or display tables to invite interaction

These little presentation details make favours feel like an integrated and thoughtful aspect of the wedding experience, not an afterthought.

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Sustainable Alternatives to Traditional Favours

If you’re still unsure about physical favours, consider one of these meaningful alternatives that can replace or accompany traditional gifts:

• Charity donations made on behalf of guests with a note explaining your choice

• Tree planting certificates that symbolise growth and harmony

• Interactive experiences like a photo booth guestbook where attendees leave notes or photos

• Mini workshop invitations (e.g., cocktail mixing or flower arranging hosted after the wedding)

These alternatives still express your gratitude without creating physical items to pack or store, appealing to couples who prioritise experience over objects. For more inspiration on alternatives that UK couples love, see wedding favour alternatives UK couples love.

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Expert Insight: What Wedding Planners Say

Wedding planners in the UK consistently emphasise personalisation, guest experience, and sustainability as core themes for favours today. Rather than expecting favours at every wedding, planners see them as an opportunity to express personality and appreciation in ways that make sense for the couple’s values and budget.

One UK planner noted, “Guests appreciate meaningful gestures much more than generic tokens. A thoughtful treat or experience goes further than a traditional keepsake that ends up in a drawer.” This aligns with wider wedding trends where traditional rituals adapt to contemporary priorities.

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Final Thoughts: Favours With Purpose

So, are wedding favours still expected at UK weddings? The short answer is: favours are no longer a strict expectation. They are best viewed as a personal choice — a way to thank your guests in a way that aligns with your values, wedding theme, and budget.

Whether you choose elegant edible gifts like the bespoke boxes at Chococraft Wedding Favors, sustainable keepsakes, or meaningful experiences, the key is thoughtfulness.

 Special Favors for Wedding Theme

Carefully curated chocolate wedding favors designed to delight and thank your guests.

Explore Wedding Favors

When your favours reflect the spirit of your celebration and your appreciation for those who shared it, they become much more than tradition — they become treasured memories.

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Key Information 

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FAQs

1. Are wedding favours still expected at UK weddings?
Wedding favours are no longer a strict expectation at UK weddings. While traditionally a nice gesture, modern couples often prioritise guest experience, personalised touches, or sustainable alternatives. Favours are optional and best chosen when they genuinely reflect the couple’s style, theme, or values, rather than feeling like an obligation.

2. Do UK weddings need favours for guests?
Not necessarily. Guests attend a wedding to celebrate, not for the takeaway gift. While favours can add a thoughtful touch, many modern UK weddings skip them, focusing instead on food, music, or memorable experiences. If chosen, small edible or personalised items are often the most appreciated.

3. What is the tradition of wedding favours in the UK?
Historically, UK wedding favours included sugared almonds or small keepsakes symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. This tradition has evolved, with modern couples choosing items that are meaningful, personalised, or practical, blending historic symbolism with contemporary preferences in line with modern UK weddings.

4. What are popular wedding favours for modern UK weddings?
Edible treats like personalised chocolates, gourmet cookies, and artisan sweets remain popular. Other favours include eco-friendly gifts, seed packets, small potted plants, or personalised notes. The focus is on thoughtful, useful items that guests will enjoy rather than simply follow tradition.

5. Can I skip wedding favours at my wedding?
Absolutely. Many couples in modern UK weddings choose to skip favours entirely, especially if their budget is limited or they prefer experiences over gifts. Alternatives like charity donations, interactive activities, or meaningful gestures often replace physical favours while still showing appreciation.

6. How do I make wedding favours meaningful?
Make favours meaningful by personalising them with your names, wedding date, a special quote, or a short message. Choosing items that reflect your personalities, culture, or wedding theme ensures guests remember the gesture and feel appreciated, creating lasting memories beyond the traditional wedding favour.

7. Are edible wedding favours better received than keepsakes?
Yes, in many cases. Edible favours like chocolates, cookies, or custom treats are practical, enjoyed immediately, and often appreciated more than keepsakes that may be unused. They’re especially suited for modern UK weddings where guests value thoughtful, useful, and memorable gifts over decorative items.

8. What are some eco-friendly wedding favour ideas?
Eco-conscious UK couples often opt for seed packets, biodegradable items, reusable bags with artisan goods, or potted plants. Sustainable favours are increasingly popular in modern weddings, combining thoughtfulness with environmental responsibility, allowing couples to thank guests without creating waste.

9. How should I present wedding favours at my wedding?
Presentation matters. Place favours at each table setting or create a dedicated display table. Coordinate colours and packaging with your wedding theme, and include a short note explaining the meaning. Well-presented favours feel intentional and part of the celebration rather than an afterthought.

10. Are there alternatives to traditional wedding favours in the UK?
Yes. Modern UK weddings often replace favours with meaningful alternatives such as donations to charity, tree planting certificates, guestbook experiences, or interactive activities. These gestures show gratitude while aligning with personal values, sustainability, and memorable experiences, reflecting the evolution of wedding favours tradition in the UK.

Author Bio

Saurabh Mittal is the Founder of ChocoCraft and a global gifting expert with over 20 years of professional experience, including 15+ years in the premium and personalized gifting industry. He has led the successful launch of ChocoCraft’s personalized chocolate gifting solutions across multiple international markets.

Since 2013, Saurabh and his team have partnered with 2,500+ companies worldwide and served 100,000+ individual customers, delivering customized logo chocolate gifts for corporate, festive, and personal celebrations. His expertise lies in corporate gifting strategy, personalized branding, wedding and global gifting trends.