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Many couples love to include little wedding favours in the wedding day as a way to give guests a thoughtful little gift to thank them for being there with you. They are a lovely way to add a little personal touch to the day. However many typical wedding favours end up unused or, worse, in the trash.
Personalized trinkets can be cute, but they usually have a short lifespan. On the other hand, sustainable wedding favours not only show care for your guests but also the region you’ve chosen for your wedding, and the planet. And let’s be honest—when you’ve chosen such a stunning location for your destination wedding, why wouldn’t you want to give guests something special from the area.
Cover photo by Lauren McCormack
What Makes Something Sustainable?
What makes something sustainable or not isn’t black and white. When you’re trying to evaluate sustainable wedding favour options, here are some things to consider:
The Lifespan of the Item
Think about the whole lifespan of them item, starting from how it’s produced, to what happens to it when it reaches the end of its life.
Is It Locally Produced?
Is the item something that’s locally produced in your wedding destination? Choosing wedding favours that have been made locally in your destination help by contributing to the local economy by supporting small local businesses and reducing the carbon footprint on transportation costs.
What is it made from?
What materials is it made from? Are the recyclable? Compostable? Organic or synthetic?
Will It Actually Be Used Again?
There are so many things that are marketed as being sustainable because they are reusable, but put yourselves in your guest’s shoes. There are so many things that you could give someone as a wedding favour that is technically reusable, but be honest with yourselves about whether you think they are *actually* going to re-use it.
Some examples of things that people think are reusable but in reality most people won’t re-use them include:
- Tote bags
- Cups
- Homeware, such as drinks coasters, bottle openers
- Fans
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Key rings
Be really critical about your decisions – do you really think your guests want or need another resuable shopping bag, bottle opener or coffee cup? Do you genuinely believe they are going to re-wear an item of clothing that is personalised with your wedding details on it?

Our Favourite Sustainable Wedding Favour Ideas (that are suitable for destination weddings)
Local Dried Herbs or Spices Mix
Why not let guests take some of the flavors of your wedding menu home by giving them a small pot of a local dried herb or spices mix.
Plantable Place Cards
Why not combine your wedding decor with your favors? Plantable place cards are made from seed-infused paper, so once your guests are done using them, they can plant the paper and watch flowers or herbs grow.
Local Jams
Whether it’s cactus fruit jam from Malta or fig chutney from Italy, these make great favours. Your guests can enjoy them on toast, with cheese, or just by themselves. They’re a delicious way to remember your wedding. Just consider using small glass jars to keep things travel-friendly!

Local Sweet Treats
Consider gifting your guests locally baked treats like buttery shortbread from Scotland, almond biscotti from Italy, or delicate macarons from France. Package them in compostable or recyclable materials—think kraft paper bags tied with twine or small glass jars.
Olive Oil
High-quality olive oil is a staple across many European countries and makes for a sophisticated wedding favor. Choose small bottles of locally sourced, extra-virgin olive oil, and let your guests savor a piece of the Mediterranean at home. Bonus points if you include a simple recipe suggestion from the region where you tied the knot—like a classic Italian bruschetta.
Sea Salt
For a unique favor that’s both practical and luxurious, consider artisan sea salt. Whether it’s fleur de sel from France, flaky sea salt from Portugal, or smoked salt from Spain, this gift adds a gourmet touch to any kitchen. Package it in small glass jars or reusable tins, and your guests will think of your wedding every time they season their dishes.
Honey
Local honey is a sweet treat that embodies the charm of your wedding destination. Choose small jars of artisanal honey from local beekeepers, pairing them with a wooden dipper for an elegant touch. Honey is practical, long-lasting, and undeniably eco-friendly, making it a delightful favor your guests will actually use and appreciate.

Handmade Soaps
Handmade soaps are the epitome of thoughtful luxury. Look for soaps crafted from natural, locally sourced ingredients, like olive oil-based bars from Greece or lavender-scented soaps from Provence. Opt for zero or minimal packaging, such as biodegradable wrapping or kraft paper, to stay eco-conscious. Every time your guests lather up, they’ll be reminded of your special day—and smell amazing, too!
Beeswax or Soy Candles
Candles always feel like a treat, and beeswax or soy candles are a sustainable choice. Pick locally made candles infused with natural scents that evoke your wedding’s location—think citrus and olive for Italy, wildflowers for the French countryside, or fresh pine for the Alps.
Charitable Donation
Want to truly stand out? Forgo physical favors entirely and make a charitable donation on behalf of your guests. You could choose a cause that’s close to your heart or tied to your wedding destination, like reforestation projects in the Alps or marine preservation in the Mediterranean. Leave a handwritten note at each table explaining the donation—your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness and the impact.

Destination Wedding Considerations
Choosing sustainable wedding favours for a destination wedding should be approached differently to a wedding closer to home, as there are some additional factors that you’ll need to consider:
- Customs Regulations – are you gifting plant or food items that cannot be transported overseas due to customs and quarantine regulations?
- Size and weight – destination weddings often mean guests are taking international flights. Consider whether size and weight might be an issue when it comes to whether guests take it home with them, or leave it behind because their bags are already overweight. It’s also worth considering whether they are allowed in carry-on luggage or not.
- Climate & weather – this might sound a bit odd, but the local climate might be worth considering. For example, giving guests some locally made artisan chocolate might initially seem like a lovely idea, but if it’s being left out to melt in scorching temperatures, perhaps it’s not so great after all.
At European Elopement Guide, we’re all about creating meaningful moments while supporting local communities and leaving the lightest footprint possible on the planet. So, which of these ideas will make its way into your wedding day?