Are there alternatives to favors?

Q. Are there alternatives to favors? Do we have to have favors?
A. Favors are traditional for formal parties. A little way to say thank you to your guests for coming. If you’re having a very casual vow renewal, then you could forgo them if you really don’t want to do them. You can also think creatively about they kind of favor you would like to give. Some quick ideas include:

A classic favor is a piece of cake to take home, simply have the cake cutters box up pieces or do them ahead of time with a similar cake.

If your guests will need to take a toll bridge between your ceremony and reception locations (or on their way home), the appropriate number of tokens wrapped in a swatch of fabric makes a unique wedding favor.

If you have a favorite charity, you could make a small donation in each guest’s name and make small cards for each place setting to let your guests know about the donation.

Alternative ideas to favors include providing some extras during the party such as a crafts table for children, placing classic games such as mini checkers sets, crossword puzzles, or dominoes at each cocktail hour table, or after a long evening of dancing serve a “closing” round of light, fun snacks such as milk and cookies, mini burgers and hot dogs, or light breakfast fare during the last 30-60 minutes of the party.