What Do You Give Wedding Guests? 15 Ideas That Actually Work on the Day

Are you struggling to know what to give your wedding guests at your wedding?

You want them comfortable. You want them entertained. You want them to feel valued.

But here’s something I’ve learned after 16+ years DJing weddings across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex:

Guests don’t remember trinkets. They remember how they felt.

So instead of asking “What wedding favour should we buy?” — a better question is:

“What will genuinely improve our guests’ experience?”

Here’s what actually works in real life.

*Photo credit Kayleigh Aldous Photography, Venue: Sancroft Barns, Tableware: Banqueting Hire, Stationary: Whimsely Designs, Cake: Primrose Cakes.

1. Practical Gifts Guests Actually Use

Some wedding favours look lovely on Pinterest… but get left behind at the end of the night.

From experience, these are the ones that genuinely get used:

✔ Fans (Summer Weddings)

If it’s hot, they will absolutely be used. No question.

✔ Drink Tokens

They never get left behind.

✔ Blankets (Outdoor or Barn Venues)

As the temperature drops, blankets keep guests comfortable and on site rather than heading home early.

✔ Flip Flops

Once heels come off, the dancefloor fills.

✔ Welcome Bags

Water, mints, snacks and a small interactive game goes down very well.

✔ Hangover Kits

I used to think these were a novelty, but they’re actually sensible and appreciated. The electrolytes can also rehydrate guests on a hot day.

2. The Most Personal Gift I’ve Seen

One of the most thoughtful ideas I’ve ever seen:

Each guest had a printed photograph of themselves as their place setting with a personal message written on the back.

It took serious effort, but the emotional impact was huge.

That’s the kind of “gift” people keep.

3. What Often Gets Left Behind

If we’re being honest?

• Small trinkets

• Generic sweets

• Novelty items without purpose

If it doesn’t serve a function or emotional value, it usually stays on the table.

4. How to Make Guests Feel Special (Without Spending a Fortune)

Guests feel special when they:

• Know what’s happening next

• Feel comfortable

• Feel included

• Feel considered

Clear signage and timeline flow makes a massive difference.

One wedding I attended as a guest didn’t provide food during the day and it wasn’t communicated. Guests weren’t just hungry, they were confused. That uncertainty drains energy fast.

Clear communication = relaxed guests.

5. Outdoor Venue Essentials

If you’re marrying outdoors or in a barn, prepare for all weather.

Think:

• Blankets

• Umbrellas

• Fans

• Water

• Suncream

You’re not just hosting a wedding, you’re hosting an environment.

6. The Best “Guest Gift” for Dancefloor Energy

• Props

• Glow sticks

• Silly glasses

• Custom hats

It always amazes me how something so simple loosens people up. Once guests have something in their hands, the hesitation disappears.

Energy lifts instantly.

7. A Word of Warning: Don’t Disrupt the Evening

If your priority is a strong party…

Avoid adding new activities after the first dance.

Every interruption resets the room.

The best nights I’ve played?From first dance to final song no stop-start distractions.

Momentum is everything.

Getting your timeline right is crucial, especially when building into the first dance.

8. Surprise Performers = Energy Boost

A saxophonist or percussionist appearing at the peak of the night can take things to another level.

If timed right, it amplifies energy rather than disrupting it.

9. The Upgrade Guests Always Talk About

Yes, I’m slightly biased but Selfie Pods consistently get incredible feedback.

Why?

• They’re interactive

• They create shared moments

• Guests leave with a physical souvenir

• The prints get kept

And as the drinks flow, they get even more fun.

\10. What Guests Really Need at a Wedding

If we strip it back, guests need:

• Clear structure

• Comfortable environment

• Food and drink

• Inclusion

• Good music

• Momentum

Everything else is optional.

FAQ's

What do you give your guests at a wedding?

Practical or experience-based gifts work best. Fans, blankets, drink tokens and welcome bags are appreciated because they serve a purpose. Experience upgrades such as interactive entertainment or photo booths often leave a stronger impression than small trinkets.

How do you make guests feel special at a wedding?

Clear communication, smooth timelines and personal touches make guests feel valued. When guests know what’s happening and feel comfortable, they relax and enjoy themselves more.

What do guests actually use at weddings?

Fans at summer weddings, blankets at outdoor venues, drink tokens and comfortable footwear options are consistently used. Generic favours are more likely to be left behind.

Do wedding favours matter?

They can but only if they’re useful or meaningful. Experience and atmosphere have far greater impact than small decorative gifts.

What keeps guests engaged in the evening?

Momentum. A strong first dance transition, high-energy songs and minimal interruptions keep the dancefloor full.