5 Unique Guest Favors for Toronto Weddings That Guests Actually Keep

Wedding favors are a small detail that can make a big impact. Unfortunately, many couples spend time and money on favors that guests leave behind — or worse, never use again. If you’re planning a wedding in Toronto, the key is choosing favors that are personalized, functional, and meaningful.

As a Toronto calligrapher and engraver, I’ve seen firsthand which favors get the biggest smiles and which ones actually make it home with guests. Here are my top five unique wedding favor ideas that your guests will truly treasure.

1. Personalized Perfume or Cologne Bottles

A scent is one of the most powerful memory triggers, making perfume or cologne bottles a timeless wedding gift. Imagine gifting your guests miniature bottles engraved with their initials, your wedding date, or a meaningful quote.

With live bottle engraving at your Toronto wedding, guests get to watch their favor transform into a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Not only is it interactive and fun, but it also ensures no two bottles are alike.

Pro tip: Choose a signature scent that reflects your love story — it adds an extra personal touch.

2. Hand-Painted Candles

Candles are already a popular wedding favor, but adding custom artwork or calligraphy elevates them to a keepsake piece. I often hand-paint floral patterns, initials, or romantic motifs directly onto the candle jar, turning a simple item into a decorative piece your guests will proudly display at home.

This option works beautifully for Toronto weddings with a luxury or romantic theme, as the designs can match your florals, stationery, or color palette.

Pro tip: Scented candles in calming fragrances like lavender or eucalyptus are always a crowd-pleaser.

3. Engraved Champagne or Wine Bottles

Nothing says celebration like champagne! For your wedding, consider gifting smaller bottles of champagne, prosecco, or wine — then personalize them with hand engraving on the glass.

Guests can enjoy the drink during your reception or take it home as a keepsake. For an extra special touch, engraving can include their names, your initials, or your wedding hashtag.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to engrave bottles, be mindful to avoid carbonated glass bottles under high pressure (such as sparkling wine) unless confirmed safe for engraving.

4. Custom Luggage Tags with Calligraphy

For couples who love to travel (or are planning a destination honeymoon), custom luggage tags make thoughtful and practical wedding favors. Guests will use them long after the wedding, and each trip will remind them of your special day.

I often hand-letter guests’ names or initials on high-quality leather or faux leather tags. This adds an elegant, personalized detail that elevates a simple item into a luxury gift.

Pro tip: Match the tag color with your wedding palette for a cohesive design.

5. Mini Works of Art – Live Engraving

Instead of pre-made favors, consider offering a live art experience during your Toronto wedding. Guests bring an item (like a fragrance bottle, wine glass, or keepsake box), and I engrave or paint it live on the spot.

This is more than just a favor — it’s entertainment and a memorable part of your reception. Guests love watching their keepsake being created right before their eyes, and because each piece is personalized, no one leaves theirs behind.

Pro tip: This doubles as a unique guest experience and wedding entertainment, which Toronto couples are increasingly adding to their big day.

Why Personalized Favors Work Best

Toronto is a city that loves creativity and uniqueness — and your wedding favors should reflect that. The reason these five options are so successful is simple: they combine beauty, personalization, and practicality.

Unlike generic favors, engraved bottles, painted candles, or hand-lettered luggage tags feel thoughtful and luxurious. And when created live at your wedding, they become more than gifts — they’re memories.

Live Event Engraving & Personalization in Toronto

Curious about bringing personalization to life at your event? With on-site hand engraving, guests get to watch their items transformed into one-of-a-kind keepsakes, right before their eyes.

Using a sleek, cordless micro-motor drill, I engrave each piece freehand — no bulky equipment, no loud machinery, and no complicated setup. The process is quiet, compact, and perfect for any venue.

From custom calligraphy to intricate designs, every detail is done live, creating an interactive experience that guests will remember long after the event. Best of all, they get to take home a beautifully personalized gift the same day.

It’s more than a favor — it’s an unforgettable experience for weddings, corporate events, and brand activations in Toronto.

👉 [Learn More About Live Event Personalization]