Many couples want to thank their guests with a little keepsake or treat that will show their appreciation for their attendance. More and more, couples are choosing locally made favors that are also symbolic of their relationship or love story. From locally made foods to local artisan gifts, there are countless options to commemorate your Virginia wedding. We hope you are just as inspired by the endless imaginations of our Real Wedding couples as we are!
Images at Left: Rachel May Photography | Image at Right: Amy Nicole Photography
Food Favor Ideas
Delicious, local favors make great reception treats that can also serve as parting favors. One couple served cookies in the shape of Virginia with a tiny frosting heart marking the location of their venue, while another couple might do something similar to share where their love story began. Another creative couple summoned the help of Charlottesville’s Paradox Pastry to create a mini pie bar of their favorite selections. Local jams, like farmer’s market favorite Jam According to Daniel, are another sweet treat that will have your guests remembering your special day.
Image at Left: Annamarie Akins Photography
Send-Off Favor Ideas
Late night snacks and send-off treats are popular everywhere and give you one last chance to thank your loved ones. Whether you are looking to share His & Her versions of your favorite snacks after a night of dancing or want to offer a morning-after pick-me-up pack, your guest will be thanking you later for thinking of them throughout your entire wedding weekend.
Images at Left & Bottom Right: Rachel May Photography | Image Top Right: Sera Petras Photography
Favor Ideas that Tell A Story
Newlyweds have also been turning place cards into treats for their guests—ones that also strike a personal chord with them. One bride and groom held their ceremony on the bride’s parents’ property and offered their guests honey from the property’s hives as a sweet reminder of the special day.
For an outdoor reception in the summer, another couple welcomed guests to their seats with a nod to their heritage by using mini bottles of Limoncello made by a grandmother for their of-age guests and lemonade for the younger attendees. Couples are even picking a drink that’s unique to the region of their event as well. This can be especially fun when your wedding is at one of Virginia’s beautiful vineyards.
To complement the personalized refreshments, consider a cigar bar or creating personalized coasters. For a winery wedding, the coasters can include a word search for different types of wines that pays tribute to the venue or your relationship, and it gives guests something to do while they wait for the reception to begin.
Image: 3 Cats Photo
How to Personalize Your Wedding Favors
When personalizing your favors, don’t hesitate to include your names or wedding date. Aside from making beautiful place cards and invitations, local calligraphers can personalize the lids of mason jars or tags for any party favor you have in mind. One couple provided matchboxes at their cigar bar that sported their names printed on them. No matter how you want to personalize your wedding favors, be sure that you consider local artisans.
For more inspiration and a large assortment of all things locally made, check out The Wine & Country Shop, where new products are being added every week to help make online shopping easier.
Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. Wine & Country Weddings, an art book celebrating elegant country weddings in the region, and Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual life & style magazine, are accompanied by the Wine & Country Shop in Ivy, VA—a beautiful lifestyle boutique featuring over 40 Virginian artisans with everything from tailgating essentials and Dubarry attire, to locally made foods and award-winning Monticello AVA wines, as well as craft beverages for your next event. Wine & Country Experiences are now also available and include exclusive tours and hands-on classes with leading professionals in the local farm-to-table and vineyard scenes.
