Alright, friends. Someone has to ask it; should we do wedding favors?

This is quite a popular quandary amongst today’s couples. As wedding prices soar: budgets get sliced. While you and your sweetheart should budget for the most pertinent elements of your big day, it’s equally as important to “consider your crowd.” Though wedding favors aren’t mandatory, they serve a lovely purpose: a take-home reminder of your wedding day! For those lucky couples getting married in Santa Barbara, incorporating favors into your reception is a fantastic way to show some love to the locals—what could be better?

As today is Small Business Saturday, it’s the perfect time to take your pick and support your local faves! Are you and your sweetie big on gardening? Maybe you’re more of a day-at-the-spa duo? Check out our list of amazing offerings, all local to Santa Barbara, to consider for your guests!

For the Bath & Body Crowd:

Scented Soaps – Santa Barbara Company

Planning a wedding is stressful. Attending a wedding is… okay, less stressful—but hey, we could all use some extra self care! Gift your guests an at-home spa day with these luxurious scented soaps. Select from Lavender Vanilla, Orange Blossom, Eucalyptus Cedarwood, and beyond (or, why not mix and match?)

For the Gourmet Chefs:

Citrus Herb Olive Oil – Il Fustino

Spice up your loved ones’ pantries! This scintillating blend of cilantro, lime, and jalapeño is an excellent way to add a “kick” to a meal. Plus, the citrus flavors lend a west-coast vibe to every dish—just remind out-of-towners to toss the bottle in their checked luggage!

For the Cultured Drinkers:

Wine Country Letterpress Coasters – Santa Barbara Company

This gift marries two distinct sentiments: “we’re a thoughtful couple” and “let’s party!” These gorgeous cotton coasters depict a Santa Barbara wine country scene in deep letterpress. They’re the perfect addition to any coffee table: no matter where your guests are coming from.

For the Bespoke Design Lovers:

Custom Thank-You Notes – Folio Press & Paperie

You may not be sold on the wedding favor idea, but we doubt that will stop your guests from gifting you something from your registry! We recommend working with this local paperie to create beautiful, custom thank-you notes to match your wedding style—it’s an easy process and the results are incredibly unique.

For the Snackers:

Mandarin Crisp Slices – Santa Barbara Company

Who doesn’t get a little snack-happy at the end of a wedding? These little morsels have a tangy kick to them—sure to satisfy any nibbly guest. Of course, they could wait ‘til they get home; the crisps are excellent additions to salads, yogurt bowls, and even the occasional whiskey neat.

By: Megan Simpson

FOLLOW US: @SANTABARBARAWEDDING