How Much Do Wedding Favors Cost in Canada?

Wedding favors offer you the opportunity to provide your guests with a small gift or keepsake that they can take home (or eat!) and remember the time they spent celebrating with you on your big day.

But when you’re already spending thousands on your wedding, how much should you spend on wedding favors that are thoughtful, personal and something that your guests are going to appreciate?

Below, we’re going to take a look at the cost of wedding favors, including the average amount couples spend, how much some of the most popular wedding favors cost, and what factors can influence how much you might spend.

What are wedding favors and do you need them at your wedding?

Wedding favors are small tokens or gifts given to guests who join in celebrating your big day. These little, personal gestures are a way to express gratitude and serve as keepsakes for your family and friends.

Favors don’t have to break the bank—many wedding favors cost around $1 each—but they’re a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. Some couples even opt for DIY wedding favors, which could range from a packet of candies to a custom-made puzzle cube (though something like that would cost significantly more than $1).

However, even the most budget-friendly or DIY wedding favors can add to your growing list of expenses. Considering that the average wedding in Canada costs upwards of $30,000, it’s fair to ask: if you’re working within a tight budget, is this a detail you could skip to save a bit of money?

Do you have to do favors at your wedding?

While favors aren’t something that your guests will expect – and certainly aren’t the reason they’re coming to your wedding – their absence may be noticed by some (but certainly not all). In fact, some of your guests may choose to not take their favor home at all, and if you’re gifting food or sweets, they may even be devoured before the first course is served at the breakfast or dinner.

If you’re looking to save budget, or it’s simply not something that interests you or fits with your style or theme of your wedding, then you shouldn’t feel pressured to provide favors simply to appease others or because it’s something you believe your guests expect – because they definitely don’t.

What’s the average cost of wedding favors?

In Canada, the average amount spent by couples on wedding favors is around $275 in total. While this might not seem like a large expense compared to your overall wedding budget (it’s roughly 2% of what couples typically spend on a venue), the cost can quickly climb if you’re opting for custom, handmade favors or inviting 120+ guests.

To keep costs down while still honoring the tradition, you could consider something simple like leaving a small packet of candies for each guest. For example, 250 packets of Love Hearts sweets could cost around $30, leaving you with plenty to spare for yourself!

What are some popular wedding favor ideas?

If you’re looking for some wedding favor ideas but you’re not quite sure where to start, the below guide will give you a rough guide for how much some popular wedding favors cost so you can gauge if they fit within your budget.

Edible favors

Retro sweets – You can find pre-made packs of retro candies or create your own by shopping for bulk sweets. Costs start from $1 each.
Honeycomb – Always a crowd-pleaser, honeycomb is not only visually appealing but also delicious. Costs start from $1.50 each.
Fudge – Creamy, luxurious, and perfect for satisfying your guests’ sweet tooth. Costs start from $2 each.
Hot chocolate kit – A unique favor that few can resist and can be creatively packaged. Costs start from $2.50 each.
Popcorn – A tasty, budget-friendly option that’s sure to be a hit. Costs start from $1 each.
Mints – Perfect for a refreshing and simple favor. Costs start from $1 each.
Jellybeans – Affordable sweet treats available in a variety of flavors. Costs start from $1 each.
Cake pops – A fun and convenient way to offer guests a taste of cake, especially if you’re skipping a traditional wedding cake. Costs start from $1.50 each.
Marshmallows – Sticky, sweet, and affordable. Costs start from $1 each.

Non-edible favors

Bubbles – Everyone loves bubbles! They’re fun, whimsical, and super affordable. Costs start from less than $1 each.
Personalized playing cards – A unique, personal gift that your guests will treasure. Costs start from around $5 each.
Second-hand books – A fantastic conversation starter and very budget-friendly. Costs start from around 50 cents each, or even less if you browse local thrift stores.
Pens, notepads, or pencils – Practical and thoughtful favors that everyone can use. Costs start from $2 each.
Jewellery charms – A sweet keepsake that can be used in various creative ways. Costs start from $3 each.
Wildflower seeds – A thoughtful, eco-friendly gift your guests can plant and cherish. Costs start from $1 each.
Charity donation – A meaningful and generous gesture. You can choose how much to donate on behalf of your guests.
Soap/hand sanitizer – A practical and unique favor, especially appreciated these days. Costs start from $2 each.
Scratch cards – Add a little excitement to your wedding! One of your guests might even leave richer (and hopefully share some with you!). Costs start from $1 each.
Personalized candles – A charming and universally loved gift. Costs start from $2.50 each.
Personalized coasters – A unique keepsake that will remind your guests of your big day every time they use it. Costs start from $3 each.
Personalized keychains – A practical and sentimental token. Costs start from $2 each.
Disposable cameras – A nostalgic and fun favor for your guests. While they’ve become more expensive, costs per camera start from around $15 (plus development costs). If you have the budget, it can be a delightful way to capture candid moments from your big day.

Is it cheaper to do DIY wedding favors?

If you’re on a budget, it can be much cheaper to do wedding favors yourself. However, if you’re looking for highly personal or customized favors, such as personalized playing cards, you may find the DIY approach more challenging. If you haven’t done anything similar before, there’s also the risk of inconsistent quality.

If you’re looking for something simple, such as a bag of retro sweets, you should be able to put this together with little effort and without much room for error. It should save you some money, too.

What factors can impact the cost of wedding favors?

When choosing wedding favors, as well as the type of favors you go for, there are several factors to bear in mind which can impact the overall cost.

Quantity – It may seem obvious, but the more guests you have the more you’ll have to spend on favors.
Personalization – Highly personalized wedding favors will cost more than something you can grab off a shelf or make yourself.
Vendor – A small, independent vendor may have higher prices than a large company with hundreds of employees. However, the level of care and quality is also likely to be better from a smaller vendor.
Quality – The higher the quality of materials or ingredients you use, the more expensive your favors will be. Remember, your favors are only a token gift to your guests and they won’t be expecting something premium.
Presentation – Marshmallows or honeycomb may be fairly inexpensive, but if you choose to package them in a fancy box with ribbon they may not be inexpensive for long.
Season – Depending on what you go for, the time of year may play a part in cost. For example, during peak periods when gift companies are in demand, costs may be much higher.

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