Favours for every occasion: birthdays, showers and corporate events

Favours aren't only for weddings. A small handmade thank-you works just as well at a christening, a baby shower, a birthday party or a company event. This guide walks through the most common occasions and how to choose a favour that suits each one.

Why give favours at all?

A favour is a simple way to say thank you for coming. It gives guests something to take home that reminds them of the day, and it adds a finishing touch to your table styling. Handmade favours feel more personal than shop-bought ones, especially when they come in your colours or carry a name or date.

Weddings

Weddings are the classic occasion for favours. Boxed candle favours, rose wax melts in a gift box and shell dishes that double as place cards all work well at a wedding breakfast. Choose colours that match your flowers or bridesmaid dresses, and consider personalised tags with your names.

If you're not sure how many to order, see the guide on how many wedding favours you need.

Baptisms, christenings and communions

For religious celebrations, guests often appreciate something gentle and meaningful. Cross candle favours with flowers in your chosen colours, or a small white angel figurine with a gold heart, make a lovely keepsake for godparents, grandparents and family. These pieces also work as a memento of the day for the child to keep as they grow up.

Baby showers and bridal showers

Showers are usually smaller and more relaxed, so favours can be a little more playful. Rose-shaped candles in soft colours suit a "baby in bloom" theme, and boxed flower candle favours look pretty on a gift table. For a bridal shower, a favour in the bride's wedding colours is a nice nod to the big day ahead.

Birthdays

For a milestone birthday, such as an 18th, 30th, 50th or 70th, a favour turns a party into something guests remember. Boxed flower candles or rose candles in the birthday person's favourite colour work well, and a personalised tag with their name and the occasion makes each favour feel made for the party.

For a children's birthday, choose favours for the adults, or skip candles altogether and pick something without a flame.

Corporate events and office gifts

Favours also work for businesses: client events, staff parties, conferences and end-of-year thank-yous. A small candle or decoration with your event colours is a warm alternative to branded pens and tote bags.

At Christmas, bauble candles and rocking horse ornaments are popular for teams and offices, and both are available for bulk orders. Take a look at the Christmas collection for festive ideas.

How to choose the right favour

Think about your guests. Candles and wax melts suit adults. For mixed ages, choose something without a flame.
Match your colours. Many favours come in a custom colour, so they can match flowers, balloons, table linen or a company palette.
Add a personal touch. Tags with names, dates or a short message make a favour feel made for that day.
Consider how guests take it home. Boxed favours with ribbon are easy to carry and travel well.
Plan your numbers. Start from your final guest list and add a few spares for last-minute guests.

Ordering for a group or event

Handmade favours are made in small batches, so it helps to plan ahead, especially for larger numbers or personalised details. The easiest way to check options for your event is to message me on Etsy with the occasion, your guest numbers, colours and the date you need them by. I'll reply with ideas, and can set up a custom listing for your order.