Planning a Vegan Wedding: Plant-Based & Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

If you envision a wedding that celebrates your love and reflects your deep commitment to sustainability, let’s chat about how eco-conscious wedding favors can play a role! Whether you favor a little token of appreciation for your guests or not, the idea of favors is nothing new when it comes to planning a wedding. Choosing favors aligned with your values, though, might be a newer concept! Instead of purchasing something generic just for the sake of giving a favor, you can offer guests a meaningful memento to honor the celebration. Here are some of my favorite eco-friendly favor ideas that don’t disappoint!

Plantable Seed Packets

This one’s perfect for a garden/nature wedding venue or a couple who has a green thumb! Seed packets filled with flower or herb seeds motivate guests to grow their own plants, flowers, or herbs. Whatever your guests grow will offer a living reminder of your special day and a fun activity they can take home and try. This promotes a greener environment, a connection to the earth, and a personal touch that lives beyond your wedding day!

There are so many options from custom seed packets on Etsy to finding cute packets and adding your own label! As a fun alternative to this idea, my husband and I actually had plantable paper infused into our wedding invitations to start the party early! The ‘belly-band’ of our invitation that held all the pieces together was made from seed paper, so our guests didn’t just immediately recycle it!

Reusable Tote Bags

Eco-friendly tote bags with a custom wedding logo can replace single-use plastic bags, promoting sustainable practices among your guests. Each time your friends and family use these totes, they’ll be reminded of your commitment to the planet and your unforgettable wedding! For our wedding, we used our custom tote bags for our hotel welcome bags, so our guests were using them all weekend long!

Self-Care Products

Gifting plant-based lip balm, body lotion, hand cream, body sprays, room sprays, etc. is a wonderful way to pamper your guests! Ensure that these products are made with natural ingredients and are cruelty-free. Your guests will feel good using these products that align with your compassionate values.

Soy-Based Candles

Soy-based, cruelty-free candles are always elegant favors that guests love. Choose scents inspired by nature, like lavender or eucalyptus, and even package them in reusable containers! Candles are always versatile gift that your guests will enjoy. Plus, scent has such a way of transporting you back, so if you can find a scent reminiscent of your wedding weekend (maybe burning some of these scented candles during your reception), that’s a win-win!

Mini Potted Plants

Mini-potted plants like succulents and air plants are perfect gifts that require minimal care. These small plants can be placed in any home or office as a lasting keepsake from your big day. Grab a bunch of mini-potted plants at your local garden center!

Tea Leaves, Spices, or Coffee Beans

For cozy drink lovers, gifting tea leaves or coffee beans is a such a meaningful choice. Select high-quality, ethically sourced products and package them in reusable or compostable containers. Focus on local tea companies or coffee brewers for a personal touch. Around the holidays, a packet of mulling spices or simmer pot spices could be super cute, too! These favors are not only comforting, but also useful and practical long after the wedding day.

Vegan Treats & Snacks

Who doesn’t love a yummy snack?! Cookies, chocolates, donuts, your favorite candy, popcorn, pretzels, french fries, etc. are always a hit! This option is practical and reminds guests that vegan food is equally indulgent and satisfying. Plus, everyone loves a late-night snack after a wedding! Chat with your caterer about creating the perfect plant-based sweet or savory treat to end the night! My husband and I had vegan popcorn and Taco Bell burritos as our late-night snack! 🙂

Donation to Charity

For a favor that gives back, consider making a donation to an animal sanctuary or environmental charity on behalf of your guests. Provide a card explaining the donation and its significance to you and your partner. This gesture is very common for those who don’t want to increase waste with a physical favor and prefer to donate toward a great cause!

Charity Options

Thrifted Mugs

A truly unique favor is a thrifted mug or glassware. Set up a mug wall where guests can select a mug during cocktail hour that you handpicked for them – they can use it all night! This reduces waste and adds another personal touch to your wedding. These thrifted mugs make a useful keepsake for your guests to remember your wedding. Stop by your local thrift stores or flea markets to start stocking up early! PS – make sure they are thoroughly cleaned before using!!

Pictures

Polaroids or a Photobooth is a perfect favor! Your guests will come away with a little memory to frame or put on their fridge for years to come! If you want to go the extra mile, you can print out a photo or two from your wedding gallery and mail them with your thank you cards! That is a bonus favor a few months after the wedding, which is such a nice surprise!

Hand-Written Notes

If you’re sentimental and love a hand-written card, this option is perfect for you! Write a thoughtful note to each of your guests. This can be used as a seating chart or at each table! This is such a nice way to greet them and show your appreciation for their impact on your lives!

Favors are definitely not a must-have, but for those who want to include them, I hope this list sparks some fun ideas as you’re planning! Thoughtful, plant-based, and eco-friendly wedding favors promote sustainable and compassionate living that your guests will appreciate. Your loved ones will remember your wedding as a day celebrating love and compassion! <3

If you loved this post, come check out more details on planning a plant-based vegan wedding here!