Original Wedding Guest Gift Ideas
Cigars, keychains, purses… the usual favours repeat at every wedding and often end up forgotten in a drawer. Here are ideas that are handmade, have a story and serve a purpose.
Four questions before you decide
Before buying blind, run each option through this quick filter.
Is it unique?
Something not everyone already has or that repeats at every celebration.
Can it be used or worn?
A favour that is useful at the event itself gets far more use than one that is put away.
Does it tell a story?
Where it comes from, who makes it and what it is for turn an object into a keepsake.
Is it easy to hand out?
Light and flat, easy to transport and distribute with no fuss.
Five meaningful gift ideas
1. Handmade African fans
Handmade in Benin, useful at summer or outdoor weddings, and each one is unique. It is what we have given most at weddings. See volume prices.
2. African-inspired buckles or cufflinks
A gift for the gentlemen. At other events we have offered African-themed tie clips and cufflinks: available on request and with enough time.
3. African fabrics and crafts
Colourful fabrics or handmade pieces for a special gift. Stock can be limited: take a look at our shop.
4. A gift with a personalised card
The card explains the meaning of the gift and is personalised to your event’s theme. It turns any detail into a keepsake.
5. Different gifts for ladies and gentlemen
At our first event we put together more than 150 fans: African fans for the ladies and African-inspired buckles for the gentlemen.
Different gifts for different guests
You do not have to give everyone the same thing. At our first event the fans went to the ladies and the African-inspired buckles to the gentlemen, and it all depended on the hosts’ taste.
Another option is to keep a special craft piece for close family or witnesses, and a shared favour for everyone else. That keeps the budget under control and makes the main gift feel personal.
African fans in use
What to expect from each option
| Gift | Availability | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| African fans | What we normally have in stock; minimum order of 25 units | Summer or outdoor weddings and events |
| Buckles and cufflinks | On request, with enough time | A gift for the gentlemen |
| Fabrics and crafts | Limited stock: check the shop | A special gift for a few people |
Everything is handmade, so colours and prints vary. Shipping is from Benin.
How to present the gift
A good gift gains a lot from context. We leave a card with each gift explaining where it comes from and which project it supports: sales of the fans help fund our beach clean-ups in Africa. We personalise it with the couple’s names and the wedding theme.
The card from our first wedding invites guests to tag @Mondo4Africa in their photos, so the gift also tells what it funds.
More models to choose from
Prints we usually have; availability may vary.
Common mistakes when choosing gifts
Choosing by habit
Repeating what you see at every wedding makes the gift forgettable.
Forgetting stock
Beyond fans, stock can be limited: if you want something specific, ask in good time.
Not telling the story
Without context a gift is just an object. The card is what gives it meaning.
Leaving it to the end
Lead times include shipping from Benin. Better to order early.
How our first wedding went
It all began with a bride asking to give Benin fans as favours. We put together more than 150 fans for all the guests, with African-inspired buckles for the gentlemen. Guests almost fought over their favourite colours, because every piece is different.
To see the full story and the collection, visit Give Africa as a Gift to Your Guests.
Frequently asked questions
What can I give my wedding guests that is not the usual?
Something handmade with a story: for example, African fans and, for the gentlemen, African-inspired buckles or cufflinks, with a card explaining their meaning.
Can I give different gifts to ladies and gentlemen?
Yes. At our first event the ladies received fans and the gentlemen African-inspired buckles. It depends on the hosts’ taste.
What about stock?
Fans are what we usually have. Other items have limited stock, so if you want something specific write to us with enough time and we will try to source it.
How many fans do I need?
It depends on your number of guests. We explain it in our guide.
Where does the money go?
We are a non-profit: payments go towards economic development and our beach clean-ups in Africa.
How much do wedding fans cost?
From €8.50 per unit for 25 to 49 fans, €7.50 between 50 and 99 and €6.50 from 100, VAT included; shipping is extra. More detail on wedding fans.
How far in advance should I order?
Between three and four weeks from confirmation. For a specific piece, as early as possible.
Shall we talk about your wedding?
Tell us the date, the number of guests and your ideas and we will point you in the right direction.
Prefer the form? Write to us here.