Wedding favors are one of those details you either obsess over or forget until the week before. But once the photos are taken, the florals wilt, and the catering trays are wheeled away, those tiny parting gifts are what guests take home. This fall, they’re getting more thoughtful, less wasteful, and—finally—something people might actually want to keep (or eat).
Dried Florals That Don’t Scream Dusty
Fall doesn’t have to mean sunflowers and pinecones glued to mason jars. That era had its time, and it’s over. What’s working now are minimal, earthy arrangements made from preserved florals that actually look like art instead of a 2014 Pinterest board. Think soft rust tones, bleached ferns, and bundles wrapped in hand-dyed silk ribbon instead of kraft paper twine.
People are tucking mini bouquets into place settings or pairing them with seed paper notes guests can plant. If you’re going for a moody tablescape with taper candles and natural linen, this adds an organic, slightly witchy vibe without feeling Halloween-y. And bonus: these don’t rot in the car on the drive home.
Edible Favors Are Still Queen
Edible favors aren’t a new idea, but they’ve been quietly evolving past the cellophane-wrapped sugar cookies with your initials on them. Couples are leaning into locally made treats—honey from a nearby apiary, herb salt blends from regional farms, tiny hot sauces with labels that match the invite suite. It’s personal without being overly cutesy, and these are the kinds of favors people actually use.
For more laid-back events, couples are handing out mini olive oil bottles or balsamic vinegars with custom wax seals. And at backyard weddings, we’re seeing jars of homemade jam from grandma’s recipe or even biscuits tucked into cloth napkins. Yes, carbs are back. Don’t let the low-sugar crowd ruin this one for everyone.
The Reign of Chocolate Has Begun
You want a favor that feels like a treat, not an afterthought? Give people something rich, indulgent, and universally loved. Yes, we’re talking about that. Think chocolate wedding favors like truffle samplers, dark chocolate duos, and entire chocolate table centerpiece collections. It’s theatrical in the best way.
Some couples are going to a full dessert bar with personalized packaging—each guest gets their own chocolate combo box with labels like “his favorite,” “her favorite,” and “don’t touch this one.” You can work with local chocolatiers or even whip up your own custom molds if you’ve got the patience and a silicone tray addiction.
This trend also lends itself beautifully to visual impact. Chocolate tables with velvet runners, brass tongs, and antique trays have taken over Instagram. People aren’t just taking their favors—they’re photographing them. Which, let’s be real, is the new form of thank-you.
Low-Key Keepsakes That Don’t Feel Like Junk
No one wants another koozie. Or matchbooks, unless you’re running an art deco bar. Fall weddings are embracing objects that look and feel like something you’d pick up in a curated boutique. Like stylish custom silicone wristbands as a fun, wearable favor, guests will actually love.
Think ceramic bud vases, polished stone coasters, or pressed flower bookmarks—things that don’t scream “I got married!” but subtly whisper it when you look closer.
Small handmade goods are having a moment. Couples are commissioning local artists for tiny dishes with initials carved into the back, or sourcing carved wooden keychains from Etsy shops that actually pay their makers. These feel meaningful, but more importantly, they don’t end up in the glove compartment for six months before hitting the trash.
Reusable isn’t just sustainable now—it’s expected. When a guest brings home something they’ll reach for again and again, the memory of the day stays with them in the background. You don’t have to go full zero-waste crusader, but the best favors this fall don’t leave behind a landfill of plastic and glitter.
Scent Is The New Signature
Fall weddings always had the monopoly on cozy ambiance, but now couples are bottling that feeling—literally. Personalized candles are one of the biggest trends, especially when they’re made in custom scents tied to the day. We’re talking smoky woods, leather and rose, chai and vanilla bean. Basically, the air version of a mood board.
Smaller batches in travel-sized tins or amber jars feel elevated without being expensive. And they’re easy to pair with a hand-stamped label or little note that says “burn this and think of us dancing to Hall & Oates under string lights.”
Some couples are working with indie candle makers to create signature scents they can use in their home later. Others are DIY-ing small batches with family over wine the week before. Either way, they’re a far cry from mass-produced votives with a name and date slapped on. These actually smell like something you’d want to light after a long day.
A Few Words To Send Them Off Right
Weddings might be about you, but the favor is about your guests. It’s the thing they reach for when they’re back home, recovering from sore feet and maybe a few too many espresso martinis. This fall, couples aren’t trying to impress anyone with how clever or Pinterest-worthy their gifts are. They’re choosing things that feel natural, thoughtful, and—most importantly—worth the luggage space.
If it brings a little beauty, a little indulgence, or even just a whiff of something warm into your guests’ lives after the dance floor dies down, you’ve done it right.
**This post includes featured collaborations with other professionals. All partnerships are chosen to provide value and insights to our readers.
