Economic Wedding Ideas

26 responses so far ↓

• 1 Annoyed // Nov 9, 2008 at 10:50 pm

  That isn’t necessary. I know I don’t expect a gift when I go to a wedding.

• 2 nachosandcheese // Nov 13, 2008 at 7:34 am

  You don’t have to. My aunt was on a very tight budget and just gave out cute little daisy flower things.

• 3 Soon To Be Mrs.Dar_May 24,2008 // Nov 14, 2008 at 11:05 am

  its nice to give a favor. guest may be offended if you dont… you could do something easy like plastic spoons with some hershey kisses wraped in tule with a tag that says a spoon full of kisses from the bride and groom

• 4 tg // Nov 17, 2008 at 5:14 pm

  People should not and do not expect a take home gift it is very out dated. As for the food most places you book for a reception will do their own in house catering. This includes a hall rental. Make plans for the place the reception is and go from there. If your getting married in your parents back yard and there is no building, then I would suggest a BBQ. Contact a local catering company or a group that can use the fund raising money either per person or a flat donation above the Cost of food.
  PS Daughter getting married this April and a simple affair no flash cost $35.00 per plate and no out side catering allowed.
  Hope this helps!

• 5 kill_yr_television // Nov 17, 2008 at 9:37 pm

  Giving your guests memento gifts is an optional luxury, not a necessity. 90% of people will be just as happy (happier?) with just small chocolate (wrapped) next to their plate.

  It was a long time ago, but when I got married we got a deal on a peck of blueberries and had a buffet style pancake supper with fancy little flowers we made out of butter and real maple syrup. We used the little breakfast and lunch diner (the owner cooked) in the neighborhood and decorated with colored paper and danced to The Beatles and The Rolling Stone on a portable record player.

• 6 theologygirl // Nov 18, 2008 at 12:46 pm

  Some people do favors, but it isn’t required. Most favors go in the trash anyway. I’m just making a nice little display of different flavors of Hershey’s kisses and letting people fill up those little favor boxes with the ones they like.

  I’m on a really tight budget, too. I’m doing the party trays that you can order from the supermarket. Actually, my Wal-mart has some really good prices. It has this sub ring (really pretty sub sandwich kind of thing — the bread looks like a ginormous bagel, kind of, so it makes for a pretty display) for about $24.00. It serves 16-20 people. I’m getting two of those and some large shrimp cocktail trays that serve 10-12 people each and cost about 15.00 each. A large cheese sampler tray (serves 20-25) is about 40.00.

  I’m not advertising for Wal-mart; those are just the best prices that I’ve been able to find in my town without doing all the work myself.

  I’m topping that stuff off with different kinds of fruit chunks and some croissants (thanks to YA people for that idea) and calling the reception a “light brunch” reception.

  The people who come to your wedding and reception will be there to share in your happiness and to wish you well, not to see you kill yourself working to impress them. (Well, if they are, it’s a problem they have and not one that you have!)

  Good luck!

• 7 Elsie // Nov 19, 2008 at 12:56 pm

  I think a favor is a nice gesture to thank your guests for coming to your wedding. You could do something as simple as printed matchbooks with your names and wedding date, or you could just wrap some mints or sugared almonds in a tulle circle and tie it with a ribbon.

  I work at a banquet facility, and I would say that the majority (75% - 80%) of the couples have some kind of favor for their guests. Some people will make a donation to a charity in the amount they would have spent on favors, and then print a note for the guests saying “In lieu of favors, a donation has been made to the such and such charity”. Some get real fancy and tie a scroll with a ribbon and give one to each guest, but some just put one on each table, so they’re not going to that much more of an expense.

• 8 anjusmile // Nov 19, 2008 at 4:51 pm

  A wedding I went to not too long ago gave out cookie cutters as wedding favors. I thought that was cute. You could do something really small. Try your local dollar store. You might be surprised at what you find. Sometimes you can get very lucky with the things these dollar stores carry or even Ikea perhaps (I know its a furniture store but they have some cute small things). You can get some very cute stuff there. If not, you can always wrap up chocolates with a cute little bow and make it look really fancy.
  If you don’t find anything, you don’t have to do favors. I’m sure your guests won’t be there for the gift but to give their best wishes to you and share your joy. It won’t matter! Good luck! And Congratulations on the wedding!

• 9 Jules // Nov 22, 2008 at 3:08 am

  You can get little photo frames for about $1-$2 each that can double as place cards.
  Or buy sweets/sugar coated almonds in bulk and put 5 in an organza bag per person. The bags in bulk can be bought for around 50c each, so the whole thing comes to less than $1.
  It’s pretty usual to give the guests something, but often it seems to me you usually end up with something horrible and tacky, so (to my mind) giving nothing at all would be preferable to the tack that is often given out (at relatively considerable expense).

• 10 sarah // Nov 23, 2008 at 8:02 pm

  I am on a tight budge too, and we got lil tea bags with our names on them and lil coffee candles for our wedding favors. We got 200 of each for around 200 bucks.
  We got them at americanbridal.com
  You don’t HAVE to give favors though. I’ve been to plenty of weddings that didn’t have anything.
  Good luck

• 11 luv2teach // Nov 24, 2008 at 1:40 pm

  It’s not necessary to give gifts at your own wedding. I never expect one and I didn’t give them at my wedding. It’s especially hard if you have a large wedding.

  We had a buffet of finger foods at our reception. It was very pretty, just enough food for the time of day (4:00 wedding), and not too expensive (depending on how many different items you have).

  If you have an informal or smaller reception, I don’t see anything wrong with ’snacks’ and finger foods. Just make sure your wedding/reception is not during a mealtime. If you have a 6:00 wedding, guests will expect dinner.

• 12 reginachick22 // Nov 26, 2008 at 5:29 am

  No, you do NOT have to give out favours. If you still want to, here are some lower cost options:

  -Homemade cookies, fudge, or cupcakes.
  -Chocolates or candies.
  -Mini jars of homemade jam, homemade wine, maple syrup, or honey tied with a bow.
  -Seeds to plant (wrapped in a nice homemade package).
  -One poster on here had the great idea of handing out scrolls with a Scottish poem (the bride was Scottish) and tied with her tartan ribbon.

  I really love the above idea of cheap cookies cutters, especially in Christmas shapes for a Holiday wedding!

  I suggest keeping the food simple yet classy. Vegetable platters, meat trays, cheese and grape trays, fruit, salads, wine, and wedding cake. If you will only be serving appetizers, be sure your guests know to not expect a full meal.

  Good luck and enjoy your day!

  Creativity does not have to cost a lot.

• 13 Proud to be 51 // Nov 27, 2008 at 4:47 am

  Buy some bags of Hershey kisses and spread them around the table, like they were decoration, only they are your favors. Everyone can snack on them, if they like, and it won’t cost you a fortune. Most people don’t want something with the couples name on it, what do you want with someones name on a candle, or whatever sitting in your house. Just make it very simple and don’t spend a fortune.

  If you have a Costco, Sam’s Club, or Wal Mart in your area, check out their snack trays. A tray of different kinds of cheese, crackers, cold cuts, fruit, shrimp, some rolls or sliced rustic bread. You could even do stuffed mushrooms, baby quiches, or meatballs.

  Bottom line, nobody wants to see you go into debt for your wedding/reception.

  Congrats on your upcoming nuptials!

• 14 kencal1978 // Nov 28, 2008 at 8:53 am

  Try going to They have great affordable chocolate party favors among other things, you can add a photo and a personal message for no extra charge. I have used them several times, they are great!

• 15 cherie b // Nov 28, 2008 at 11:17 am

  It is never required to have a wedding which exceeds one’s budget. Gifts to guests are not required, nor would it be rude to omit them. At a minimum, I would give something to the maid of honor and best man. Off the top of my head, cheap and simple would be a photo of the happy couple in an origami picture frame. The food depends on the time of day of the reception. If the party lasts for hours, they are going to need to eat. For a really tight budget I would suggest an afternoon reception with finger foods. You could ask a few friends to donate little sandwiches. Or you could have a pot-luck party where everyone brings a dish to share. Ask for help at your local library. They have wedding planning and etiquette books.

• 16 rockstar4828 // Dec 1, 2008 at 12:23 am

  i am making cds for my wedding as the gifts, you can buy them in bulk for inexpensive (& if u or a friend has a cd burner u can burn them for free)…and its personal (the music you like, & played @ your wedding). & you can get cd holders for inexpensive. Or even chocolates w/labels of your names on it can be inexpensive.
  Also, I’ve been @ weddings where no ‘gifts’ have been given out…so dont fret about it.
  ..plus to add to the hershey kiss idea, if u want to make that personal u can add little labels to the bottom… (like the last two links posted below)

• 17 Dana B // Dec 2, 2008 at 8:29 pm

  Try to get something that works double duty…

  We picked up picture frames for 89 cents a piece at Christmas Tree Shop (like Home Goods) that’ll serve as place card holders and favors. One expense, two jobs. Considering couples are listed on the same placecard, we ended up spending a grand total of $50 on our favors! The frames are nice wood too, not chincy flex-metal.

  Votive candle holders and tea lights are very inexpensive too (try saveoncrafts.com) and work as both a favor and decoration - which helps you save money all around. Tie a little ribon with your wedding color around it if you’d like, but I’m more of the smooth glass type.

  Good luck, there are lots of creative ways to have classy favors on a small budget.

• 18 SugarBabie // Dec 5, 2008 at 9:15 am

  You are not required to give out favours (that’s what those little gifts are called). Some people like to do it and can afford it, some can’t. Don’t worry about it. I’ve seen plenty of them just tossed into the trash, which means it was a complete waste of money for the bride and groom.

  It would probably be a lot nicer to include a candy bar at your wedding, just a few containers of nice inexpensive candies, like chocolate kisses and mints, so that guests can help themselves to a small treat after the finger foods. Put the candies in clear glass containers, about 3 or 4 pounds per container. This is not necessary, but if you want to do something extra, its not too expensive either.

  A finger food stand up buffet is fine. Set a budget and stick to it, you’ll be glad you did.

• 19 ashe // Dec 8, 2008 at 9:06 am

  thank you cards are enough…. and your not even supposed to give them gifts!! they’re the one who’re supposed to

• 20 Heather V // Dec 10, 2008 at 3:12 pm

  If you have a tight budget skip the party favors, most people go home and throw them out anyway. Most people remeber the food, so if you could you might want to try and see if you can have it catered.

• 21 Kelly // Dec 12, 2008 at 4:40 pm

  If you want to give little party favors, just put a bunch of coloful candies together in a cute netted baggie and tie a ribbon around it. Or give out little packages of flower seeds.

  Cheap wedding cake idea: make cupcakes and put them on a cake tower…pretty, original, and cheap!

  Cheap food: mini turkey and ham sandwiches

• 22 OZZIEGAL // Dec 14, 2008 at 6:36 am

  no, most ‘favors’ are left behind, thrown out, or sitting in a junk drawer with all the other favors. save your money sweetie! no one will mind in the least. its an idea dreamt up by the wedding retailers to make more money! don’t fall into that trap. no one wants another wedding cd, or anything else.
  we have lots of sandwiches, green salads, sausage rolls, lots of tarts, squares, cupcakes, and tea, coffee, soda, lemonade and punch!
  everyone had a grand time! and they will at your wedding as well! stick to your budget girl, don’t let anyone try and make you feel bad or guilty about anything! have the simple wedding you want - enjoy it and happy wedding!

• 23 Camille // Dec 16, 2008 at 11:46 am

  I wouldn’t expect a gift for coming a wedding.
  You could however make small things like with little satchels and put some small candies in them and a small note that says thanks for coming and maybe your wedding date.
  You just don’t want to spend money on something they will throw away when they get home.
  I think edibles are the best.
  You can also, towards the end, have a ‘good bye’ table.
  Have it say ‘THANK YOU FOR COMING’ on it and place small candies all around it and have small little satchels and they can pick some candies for the road!!

  Congrats and don’t worry too much about it!

• 24 huskygrl82 // Dec 18, 2008 at 3:50 am

  I am getting married in 1 week and decided not to do favors. I have been to weddings where they had them and I have been to weddings where they didn’t and honestly I didn’t even notice the difference. My fiance and I are on a tight budget as well and I figured that we are paying for a nice dinner, dancing/entertainment and some alcohol and I think that is enough to show your guests that you appreciate them. Most ppl feel honored enough to be invited they wouldn’t really care if they had a chocolate or picture frame to take home. It is just an expense that isn’t necessary.

• 25 Jess // Dec 18, 2008 at 11:02 am

  I don’t expect a gift when I go to a wedding. One wedding I went to simply had a heart shaped chocolate at everyone’s place setting- that was nice as you could eat it and weren’t stuck taking home some favour that you really didn’t want/need. You don’t have to give favours but that is one suggestion for you if you really want to (or you could make something yourself such as cookies, jam, etc.). Also, since you’re having finger food people probably won’t have assigned seats that you can put favours on. I personally wouldn’t worry about it.

  As for food ideas:
  -club sandwiches
  -sushi rolls
  -satay chicken skewers
  -fruit platters
  -cheese and cracker platters
  -vegies and dip
  -spring rolls
  -mini meatballs
  -mixed nuts
  -mini quiches
  -platter of seafood (e.g prawns, mussels, calamari)

  and just use the wedding cake for the dessert.

  If you’re having it as an afternoon tea or brunch type thing you could also add these sorts of foods to the menu. (e.g. for afternoon tea add scones with jam and cream, various slices and cookies etc. and for brunch add bagels, muffins, croissants, etc.)

  Finger food can be really nice and is much less expensive than a sit-down meal!! However, if you’re not going to have enough for a full meal, make it at a time not over a meal-time (e.g. brunch, afternoon tea or start after dinner time) because guests will expect to be fed dinner if they are invited to a reception at 6pm. I went to a wedding that was like this and the guests were so hungry they had to pop out for half an hour to get some take away before coming back to the reception!

• 26 Donna M // Dec 19, 2008 at 12:55 am

  Okay, you want me to fill you in on what cheap really is and end up having a great time with it? Have your guests bring a dish to pass. Make it a potluck reception, that way you have plenty to choose from. Tell them you don’t want gifts, you want them to bring a dish to pass for the meal. That would be your gift. P.S. Most likely you will still get a gift and or a card with money in it. Have fun and if I think of anything else, i’ll let ya know.
  Oh, and by the way, you can make people little tokens of your love. Gotta get creative. Go to Instructables.com and see what they have to offer. You never know what you are gonna find there. Take care and have fun.

  Oh, little party favors. I remember seeing this from some magazine and can’t remember where.
  Find something so tiny and cute to hold a Hesheys hug, Hersheys kiss and a hersheys promise.
  put one of each in a small like container and put to each of your guests that this little box is filled with a hug a kiss and a promise. Go from there. Its cheap and an awesome idea. Just a little something for your guests. Have fun.

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