Post # 1
Member
1981 posts
Buzzing bee
We will have favors for all the guests, but my fiance also wants 3 door prizes with scratcher tickets. We are planning on spending 100-150 per item, but we need more ideas. I thought a Kate Spade purse, and FI wants to get a go pro hero- would you be excited to get those? We don’t have a clue about a third option. So, what would you like to get as an extra special favor at a wedding? We are also having a hard time deciding what the “losing” tickets should say, so wording advice for that would be helpful too! Thanks bees!
Post # 2
Member
5206 posts
Bee Keeper
HeartsandSparkles: IMO it’s a waste. Your wedding is not a carnival, and your guests aren’t there to win prizes. Are you having any children there? Why not use that money to get special favors geared towards them instead?
Post # 3
Member
586 posts
Busy bee
I think it’s an awesome idea. Better than giving people candles or candy or something else they won’t use. Who doesn’t like to be excited about the possibility of getting free stuff? I would try to stay gender neutral though, as I would be really mad if my SO had the winning ticket and he won a Kate Spade purse vs. a Go Pro (because I’m not girly at all, and I’d be dying to get my hands on the cam). I love this idea, I might steal it for my wedding!
Post # 4
Member
8650 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
As mentioned, a wedding is not a carnival or a children’s party with the need to give consolation prizes to those who realize that all the attention is not focused on them. IMO it’s not just that it’s unnecessary, it’s inappropriate to the occasion.
Post # 5
Member
91 posts
Worker bee
I went to a wedding this year that had a variation on the door prizes like you describe. They used gift baskets, each based on a hobby of theirs. for example one had a bunch of different board games and a few different types of candy, one had a handful of dvd movies and popcorn, and one had various outdoor gear since they both enjoy running/hiking. With something like that you could pick a theme and then fill it to whatever budget you have.
Post # 6
Member
723 posts
Busy bee
Eh. This sounds like more effort than its worth and comes off a bit random and awkward in the middle of a wedding.
But, I guess if you have money to burn…..
Post # 7
Member
512 posts
Busy bee
HeartsandSparkles: I think it’s unnecessary. I don’t think door prizes and raffles are something that’s expected or required at a wedding. That is something that I would expect at my company Christmas party. I think it’s a big expense you could save one. But, that’s just me.
Post # 8
Member
2517 posts
Sugar bee
HeartsandSparkles: What about a top shelf bottle of liquor or wine? Or maybe a spa package. Event tickets? (Sports game, concert, comedy club…)
Post # 9
Member
6806 posts
Busy Beekeeper
HeartsandSparkles: How about instead donate the funds you are going to use for the “door prizes” to charities or someone in need. I agree with PP this is a wedding not a carnival.
Post # 10
Member
722 posts
Busy bee
Before you think about a budget for door prizes, can I ask, are you providing your guests with the finest food and drink? Are you providing your guests with all applicable pleasantries, i.e. door to door transportation, climate items (shawls, fans, sunscreen, bug spray), etc.? Are you paying your bridal party’s expenses? Have you given an extra special donation to your church or religious officiant, if applicable? Have you put aside money for generous vendor tips? Is everyone absolutely well fed, comfortable, and well compensated?
Post # 11
Member
4046 posts
Honey bee
jamb: I absolutely agree. Reminds me about my response to most favors; I’d rather have the money spent on the food, room fans, chair cushions, etc.
P.S. Some people give out prizes to the lady who catches the bouquet, and man who catches the garter, rather than to have him put the garter on the lady’s leg, or avoid an awkward dance together.
Post # 12
Member
110 posts
Blushing bee
I’ve been to weddings where there are tons of games that the guests play and it’s like Wedding Olympics with lots of prizes or gift cards. It’s always been fun in my opinion. How about a gift card for that amount or a Keurig maybe? I absolutely don’t think it’s a waste if it’s what you want and can make it happen. I would LOVE the Go Pro but I’m pretty selective with purses and for such a pricey item, I feel like that could be hit or miss. What about a Clarisonic? People love those.
Post # 14
Member
1981 posts
Buzzing bee
Wow, I am surprised by so much negativity. Tough crowd!! I thought it would be a fun surprise. We saw it a wedding and thought it was such a nice idea. A HUGE thanks to the bees who offered helpful advice!! I guess some bees just don’t like fun! If you think it’s a waste, that’s fine, but I didn’t ask. I only asked for gift ideas. sheesh.
jamb: Everyone will be more than comfortable, thanks for asking! We have tons of food/drink upgrades, parasols for the ceremony, bathroom baskets, dancing flip flops if they want to change their shoes, the reception is climate-controlled with upgraded chairs/linens/uplighting, we are pampering the bridal party (and my non-religious officiant), everyone will have great tips, and everyone will receive home-made infused olive oil regardless of who has the winning scratchers. So to answer your question, everyone will be well-fed, comfortable, and compensated. And we are already donating all our flowers to a local charity. And we don’t have “money to burn” but we planned for this and included it in our budget because we wanted our guests to feel appreciated.
Post # 15
Member
450 posts
Helper bee
HeartsandSparkles: I think this is a great idea and I know the guests will enjoy it. It’s a little Different and exciting! I would make a chocolate basket? or snacks? Or fancy food and oils from William sonoma maybe? Go for it!! and if a guy got the girly purse, it will go to his date or the closest female I’m sure.
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