Do I have to gift my wedding guests?

Although it is a lovely gesture, it’s not a requirement—memories of the event and time together are also a huge takeaway from your big day. Don’t feel pressured to overextend yourself if wedding favors are not in the budget . It is recommended to gift something, however small, to people who have contributed the most time and resources to your event (the maid of honor, best man, and parents).

How can I gift my guests or wedding party on a budget?

Don’t feel the need to go all out—it’s truly the thought that counts. To save some money, consider DIY-ing some personalized gifts for your guests and wedding party. Handmade favors or baked goods can go a long way without breaking the bank.

How do I know what to gift my wedding party?

Consider gifts that reflect the style of your wedding theme . For instance, a beach theme might lend itself to rattan totes, customized seashells, elegant parasols, or monogrammed throw blankets. A barn wedding could feature homemade jams or rustic mason jar flower arrangements.

The 17 Best Wedding Gift Bags of 2023

Brides / Lecia Landis

Weddings are all about giving and receiving. You give your vows, and you receive vows from your partner. You register for gifts you'll inevitably receive from your guests and bridal party, and at some point along the way, you give your guests and bridal party something to show your appreciation.

"Gifting your wedding party is not always a must, but it is a super lovely gesture," says expert Alvania Lopez. "It's a way to thank your tribe for being by your side and giving them something they'll keep for years to come!" It's also important to acknowledge other important guests who may not be in the wedding party, from the mother of the groom to your great uncle who traveled across the country for your nuptials.

In addition to the wedding itself, gift bags are a great idea for some of the other events leading up to the big day, like the bachelorette or bridal party. Whether you're curating something personalized for a destination ceremony or gifting your bridal party some self care tools, we're here to help.

Read on for the best wedding gift bags.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to look for in a wedding gift bag
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Etsy

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Thank your flower girl for a job well done with this cute personalized tote bag. She'll love the sweet frills and ribbon accents and will no doubt be thrilled to carry it around long after her wedding ceremony tasks are over.

Price at time of publish: $21

ClementineWeddings Wedding Recovery Kits

Etsy

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Some weddings continue long after the DJ lights are turned off. For those, this hangover kit ensures your guests will have only happy memories of your wedding and the morning after.

Price at time of publish: $8 for 20 Stickers & Bags

Etsy

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Customize these super durable burlap tote bags with your last name, wedding date, or guests' names, and watch how often you see this bag pop up over the years. We love the idea of adding in a bandana or bow around the handle to tie in colors from your wedding palette.

Ottomanmarrakech Personalized Straw Beach Bag

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If you're having a beach wedding, we can't imagine a better gift bag to greet your guests with than this personalized woven tote. Add in a colorful towel, sunscreen, water, and snacks, so they'll have everything they need for a day in the sun.

Price at time of publish: $33

Etsy

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This stylish jelly bag is a perfect way to gift your party the most important bachelorette essentials, but it's also cute enough to tote on your night out or a trip to the beach. Fill with location-specific goodies like sunglasses and lip balm, and add everyone's name to the front for an extra special touch.

Price at time of publish: $14

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The dried flower trend is still going strong! This craft-colored gift bag features a boho-inspired boutonnière, and the attached label can be customized with your names and wedding date. Fill the bag with sweet treats like local honey, homemade granola, and jam for a gift that they'll definitely be taking home.

Price at time of publish: $116 for 25 Pieces, 4,33*4,33*1,96 Inches

Zazzlew

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It doesn't get more practical than a sturdy canvas tote bag. After the wedding, the mother of the groom can bring this custom bag to the grocery store, farmer's market, and more—and will be reminded of your special day every time she uses it.

Price at time of publish: $13

USALeatherShop Personalized Leather Toiletry Bag

Etsy

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Impress any group of guys with their own personalized leather dopp kit, filled with all the items they'll need for the big day (and beyond!). Have each one monogrammed with their initials, and they'll be sure to use it for years to come.

Box Fox

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Perfect for pre-wedding day prep, this curated gift box is just what your bridal party needs to relax and unwind the night before (or the day after!). The box comes packed with soothing bath salts, chocolate, a brightening pearl sheet mask, a silk sleep mask, and a prosecco rose-scented candle.

Zazzle

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Whether you're gifting your spouse's father or your own, a custom gift bag with his name and title (father of the bride) is a sweet enough touch to draw a tear from even the toughest dad. The black and white color scheme and tux motif make it perfect for a black-tie wedding.

Price at time of publish: $11

ThePaisleyBox Ring Bearer Security Backpack

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Make your ring bearer feel like the coolest kid around in this personalized 'ring security' backpack. Fill it with useful gifts like a custom water bottle, favorite snacks, and a fun book to read during wedding day downtime.

Price at time of publish: $19 for Personalized

EstablishedCoGifts Personalized Wedding Favor Bags

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This darling silk bag will make your guests swoon. Stay on theme with the spring vibe and pack with lavender sachets, fragrant soap, or wildflower seeds that guests can plant in their gardens when they get home.

Price at time of publish: $32

Peach Box Co.

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Whether you're celebrating your nuptials on the Amalfi Coast or are hosting a rustic Italian feast in your hometown, this Italian-themed box is exactly what you need to transport your guests to "la dolce vita." Featuring delicious treats like tiramisu truffles and luxe entertaining pieces, it's a splurge that will make a big impression.

Etsy

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Perfect for making your guests feel at home on your destination wedding weekend, a customized monogrammed duffle is a great carry-on for them to pack a trip's worth of souvenirs. The best part? They'll be sure to use it again and again for future trips, the gym, and everything in between.

Price at time of publish: $70 for Personalized without Foil

PicturePerfectPapier Treat Yo Self Goodie Bags

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If you're featuring a dessert or snack station at your reception, encourage your guests to take some for the road with a customized goodie bag. Have it embossed with your names and wedding date for a sweet touch.

Price at time of publish: $34 for 25 Bags

Meet the Expert

Alvania Lopez is the founder and CEO of PEACHBOX CO., a curated gifting platform

What to look for in a wedding gift bag

Let your wedding style be your guide. "We always recommend keeping the gifts aligned with the overall theme and feel of the wedding," says Lopez. If you're having a rustic woodland ceremony, go with a bag that's more natural in design and material, and add in handmade, local food items. For a beach wedding, look for useful gifts that your guests may have forgotten (think sunscreen, bug spray, or flip flops). And personalization is always a good idea, whether it's custom totes with your bridal party's names or favors that are tailor-made with the couple's monogram.

"We recommend going with timeless items that are useful in everyday life," says Lopez. The only question is, between dress shopping and cake tastings, when will you find time to handpick said gifts? Not to worry, we have it all covered.

FAQ

Do I have to gift my wedding guests?

Although it is a lovely gesture, it’s not a requirement—memories of the event and time together are also a huge takeaway from your big day. Don’t feel pressured to overextend yourself if wedding favors are not in the budget. It is recommended to gift something, however small, to people who have contributed the most time and resources to your event (the maid of honor, best man, and parents).
How can I gift my guests or wedding party on a budget?

Don’t feel the need to go all out—it’s truly the thought that counts. To save some money, consider DIY-ing some personalized gifts for your guests and wedding party. Handmade favors or baked goods can go a long way without breaking the bank.
How do I know what to gift my wedding party?

Consider gifts that reflect the style of your wedding theme. For instance, a beach theme might lend itself to rattan totes, customized seashells, elegant parasols, or monogrammed throw blankets. A barn wedding could feature homemade jams or rustic mason jar flower arrangements.

Why Trust Brides

Brides contributor Stephanie Montes has been testing the latest trends in beauty and gifts for over 10 years. Stephanie's bylines have also appeared on Elle, Byrdie, Who What Wear, Women's Health, Well + Good, and more. She keeps her finger on the shopping pulse, including the best in gifts at all price points.