Discover 10 unique summer wedding favors your guests will adore. From personalized fans to mini jars of honey, find creative and budget-friendly ideas here!
When I was planning my summer wedding, one thing I didn’t want to overlook was the wedding favors. After all, they’re a special way to thank your guests for celebrating with you, and they also serve as lovely wedding mementos for guests. But, let’s face it—choosing the right gifts for wedding guests can be tricky. You want something thoughtful, practical, and ideally, a little fun!
Summer weddings bring unique opportunities for cool wedding favors. Think light, breezy, and seasonally appropriate gifts like folding fans or sunscreen. Plus, DIY-ing your summer wedding favors is a great way to add personal touches while keeping costs down.
In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 ideas for unique and practical favors wedding guests will appreciate. These ideas are perfect for outdoor celebrations, beach vibes, or rustic garden parties. Get ready to impress your guests with thoughtful, creative gifts that leave a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways
- Discover 10 summer wedding favors that are creative, practical, and easy to DIY.
- Find options that suit various themes, from rustic to tropical.
- Learn how to personalize your wedding favor gifts to reflect your style.
10 Best Summer Wedding Favors
1. Personalized Folding Fans
When it’s hot and sunny, a folding fan can be a lifesaver—and a beautiful keepsake. For my wedding, I placed personalized folding fans on each chair at the ceremony. They were not only functional but also matched my rustic decor perfectly. Guests loved the gesture, and seeing everyone fanning themselves was a sweet sight.
You can customize the fans with your wedding date, names, or a cute message like “Stay Cool!” They come in a variety of materials, from bamboo to paper, so you can find an option that fits your style and budget.
Tips for sourcing and displaying: Look for bulk deals online, and tie the fans with ribbons that match your wedding colors. Arrange them in baskets at the ceremony entrance or on reception tables for a practical yet decorative touch.
2. Mini Bottles of Limoncello
Nothing says summer like a refreshing bottle of limoncello. These mini bottles were a hit at my wedding—they’re cute, unique, and double as a little treat for later. You can DIY the limoncello for a personal touch or buy pre-made mini bottles for convenience.
Add a custom label with your wedding date or a playful tag like, “Love is Sweet and So Is This!” You can also tie them with twine or ribbon to match your theme. This idea works especially well for outdoor and beach weddings.
Tips for execution: If you’re making limoncello yourself, prepare it a few weeks in advance to let the flavors develop. Store the bottles in a cool place until the big day.
3. Potted Succulents
Succulents are trendy, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly—basically everything you want in wedding favors for guests. I loved the idea of gifting my guests something they could take home and enjoy long after the wedding.
Pot these little plants in small ceramic or tin containers and add a personalized tag, like “Let Love Grow.” You can even match the pot designs to your wedding colors.
Tips for caring for succulents: Choose hardy varieties that don’t require much watering. Assemble the pots a week before the wedding and keep them in a cool, shaded spot until the event.
4. Personalized Sunglasses
If you’re having an outdoor or beach wedding, personalized sunglasses are both fun and functional. I handed these out to my guests before the ceremony, and they were a huge hit—practical, stylish, and perfect for sunny photos.
You can customize the arms of the sunglasses with your names, wedding date, or a playful slogan like “Throwing Shade Since [Wedding Year].” Choose colors that match your wedding palette for an extra cohesive look.
Tips for presentation: Set up a “Sunglasses Station” at the ceremony entrance with a cute sign like “Don’t Be Blinded by Our Love!”
5. Mini Jars of Honey
Mini jars of honey are sweet, rustic, and timeless. They fit perfectly into a variety of wedding themes, from elegant garden parties to casual outdoor receptions. At my wedding, I decorated the jars with burlap and twine, then added tags that said, “Meant to Bee.”
These jars are an adorable way to share a little sweetness with your guests. They’re also easy to personalize with your names and wedding date.
Tips for sourcing: Look for local honey producers or farmers’ markets to support small businesses. If you’re DIY-ing, make sure the jars are sealed properly to keep the honey fresh.
6. S’mores Kits
S’mores kits bring a nostalgic and interactive element to your wedding favors. At my wedding, I packed marshmallows, chocolate squares, and graham crackers into clear bags and tied them with ribbons. The guests loved the idea of making their own sweet treats, whether at home or around a campfire.
You can include a tag with instructions or a playful message like, “Sending You S’more Love!” These kits work well for outdoor weddings, especially ones with fire pits.
Tips for assembly: Use airtight bags or boxes to keep the ingredients fresh. Assemble the kits a few days before the wedding to ensure everything stays intact.
7. Personalized Flip-Flops
If your wedding involves dancing or beach vibes, flip-flops are a practical and thoughtful favor. I offered them as an alternative to heels during the reception, and they were a huge hit! Guests appreciated the comfort, especially after hours on the dance floor.
Customize the flip-flops with your wedding logo, a fun design, or a sweet message like “Dancing Shoes.” They’re a practical wedding guest gift that people will actually use.
Tips for sourcing and sizing: Order a mix of sizes and arrange them in baskets with labels like “Take a Pair!” Choose neutral colors or ones that match your wedding theme.
8. Seed Packets
Seed packets are an eco-friendly way to thank your guests and let them grow a little piece of your wedding at home. At my wedding, I chose wildflower seeds and added personalized envelopes that said, “Plant These and Watch Love Grow.”
This favor idea is perfect for garden or outdoor weddings. You can also choose seeds that match your wedding theme, like herbs for a rustic vibe or sunflowers for a summer celebration.
Tips for personalization: Use decorative stamps, calligraphy, or stickers to customize the packets. Include planting instructions on the back for a thoughtful touch.
9. Mini Bottles of Sunscreen
If you’re hosting an outdoor summer wedding, mini sunscreen bottles are a thoughtful and practical favor. My guests appreciated this gesture, especially since it saved them from unexpected sunburns during the ceremony.
Customize the bottles with your wedding logo or a cute slogan like “You’re Our Sunshine.” Choose sunscreen that’s eco-friendly and reef-safe if you’re near a beach.
Tips for display: Arrange the bottles in a basket with a sign that says, “Spread the Love, Not the Burn!”
10. Homemade Jam Jars
Homemade jam jars are sweet, personal, and budget-friendly. For my wedding, I made small batches of strawberry and peach jam and decorated the jars with gingham fabric and twine. Each guest received a jar with a tag that said, “Spread the Love.”
This favor idea works wonderfully for rustic or vintage-themed weddings. Plus, your guests will love having a tasty treat to take home.
Tips for making jam: Prepare the jam a few weeks in advance and store it in sterilized jars to keep it fresh. Include a list of ingredients for guests with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right summer wedding favors is all about combining practicality, creativity, and a touch of personal flair. Whether it’s a mini jar of honey, a folding fan, or a s’mores kit, these little gifts show your appreciation and leave your guests with fond memories of your big day.
DIY-ing your wedding favors is a great way to add unique touches while staying on budget. With a bit of planning, you can create thoughtful gifts that reflect your style and theme. Most importantly, have fun with it! After all, seeing your guests enjoy their favors is one of the most rewarding parts of your wedding.
