• Category

    WEDDING FAVOURS

    Category

    Your wedding day is filled with moments that deserve more than photographs alone. From live painters capturing your ceremony as it unfolds to caricature artists creating keepsakes for your guests, wedding artists add a layer of creativity, entertainment, and meaning to your celebration.

    We spotlight some of the most sought after wedding artists in South Africa, each offering something beautifully unique.

    Live wedding painters

    Danielle Jordaan Studio


    Danielle Jordaan and her team are known for elegant live wedding paintings that capture key moments from ceremonies and receptions. Couples can choose whether they want their first kiss, vows, or first dance brought to life on canvas.
    Instagram: @daniellejordaanstudio
    Website: www.daniellejordaan.com

    Art by Sunel


    Specialising in watercolour live wedding paintings, Art by Sunel captures the softness and emotion of your day. Sunel also offers guest portraits that work beautifully as personalised wedding favours.
    Based in Centurion, Gauteng
    Instagram: @sunel_paintsweddings
    Website: www.artbysunel.co.za

    The Wedding Painter SA


    Focused on live wedding and event painting, Karen transforms fleeting moments into lasting artworks that become meaningful home pieces long after the wedding day.
    Instagram: @the_wedding_painter_sa
    Website: www.liveweddingpaint.com

    Caricature and portrait artists

    Cartoon portraits by Gary Carvalho


    Gary is a highly experienced caricature artist who creates quick, expressive portraits that entertain guests while offering a personalised keepsake. Ideal for cocktail hour or reception entertainment.
    Instagram: @livecartoonportraits
    Website: www.livecartoonportraits.com

    Ted Key Caricatures and illustration

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Ted Key Caricatures (@keycaricatures)


    Ted offers a blend of live scene illustration and caricature portraits, capturing both atmosphere and personality. His work adds a creative, interactive element to weddings.
    Instagram: @keycaricatures
    Website: www.keycaricatures.com

    Besmitten Caricatures by Karina van der Walt


    Karina’s lively caricatures are full of personality and charm. Her work can be incorporated as guest entertainment or custom illustrated wedding keepsakes.
    Instagram: @besmittencaricatures
    Website: www.besmitten.co.za

    Martinus van Tee

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Martinus van Tee (@martinusvantee)


    Known for his energetic and fast paced live caricature style, Martinus keeps guests engaged while producing fun, expressive artwork throughout the event.
    Instagram: @martinusvantee
    Website: www.martinusvantee.com

    How to choose the right wedding artist

    • Decide whether you want art as live entertainment, a keepsake for yourselves, or personalised favours for guests
      Consider the artist’s style and how it complements your wedding aesthetic
      Book early, especially for peak season dates
      Think about placement during the day, such as cocktail hour or reception downtime

    ALSO SEE: The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)

    The rectangular wedding cake trend (and why we’re loving it)

    Feature image: Danielle Jordaan/Facebook

    Zesty, pretty and totally wedding-ready, these lemon mojito lollipops are the perfect addition to any celebration. Pop them into jars, scatter them across the snack table, or gift them as fun take-home treats. If you’re after wedding favour ideas that are cute, refreshing and budget-friendly, this recipe ticks every box.

    Recipe

    Serves: Makes 9
    Cooking Time: 30 mins

    Ingredients

    10 mint leaves
    2 lemons, thinly sliced; some
    slices halved
    220g sugar
    120g liquid glucose
    60ml (4 tbsp) soda water
    1,25ml (¼ tsp) mint extract (find at
    baking supply stores)
    80ml (1/3 cup) white rum

    Instructions

    1. Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone mat and grease with non-stick cooking spray. Place 3 different-sized (8cm-, 7cm and 5cm-diameter) round cookie cutters on the lined tray and grease them with non-stick cooking spray too. Position a wooden ice lolly stick underneath each cookie cutter to form the lollies’ handles, and arrange the lemon slices and mint leaves inside the cutters, as desired.
    2. Heat the sugar, liquid glucose and soda water in a saucepan over medium heat, allow to simmer until the sugar has melted, then increase the heat to high. Bring to a boil and cook, without stirring, 15 minutes or until the mixture reaches 120°C on a sugar thermometer.
    3. Stir in the mint extract and white rum, and boil, 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool down slightly to break down the bubbles.
    4. Working quickly, drizzle up to 30ml (2 tbsp) syrup into each prepared cookie cutter, covering the mint leaves and lemon slices. Allow the mojito lollipops to set completely on the lined tray, about 10 minutes. Lift the cookie cutters, remove the lollipops and set the lollipops aside, standing them upright in a jar. Repeat these steps with the remaining syrup, re-greasing the moulds and adding the lolly sticks each time. (If the syrup hardens during the process, simply return it to the heat to melt.)

    ALSO SEE: Embracing Moody Jewel Tones for South African Weddings

    Color & Mood Shifts: Embracing Moody Jewel Tones for South African Weddings

    Recipe from Food&Home.

    Choosing the right wedding favours is more than just a token of appreciation, it’s a way to extend your love, personality, and gratitude to your guests. Here are some thoughtful, on‑trend wedding favour ideas for 2025 that balance style, practicality, and sentiment.

    1. Mini Succulents & Live Plants

    Giving guests a living favour, like tiny succulents or herb pots is both eco-friendly and meaningful. These mini plants symbolize growth and lasting love, and guests can take them home and continue nurturing them.

    55 Creative Wedding Favors That Will Delight Your Guests

    • Why it works: It’s sustainable, decorative, and long-lasting.

    • Tip: Use small terracotta pots, concrete planters, or even custom-printed tags.

    2. Local Honey Jars

    Mini jars of honey, especially local varieties are a sweet and rustic favour that many couples love.

    • Why it works: Edible, thoughtful, and represents “sweetness” in your union.

    • Personalization: Add custom labels with your names, wedding date, or a fun message like “Meant to Bee.”

    3. Infused Olive Oil

    Infused olive oil (think rosemary, garlic, chili) makes a sophisticated and practical gift.

    • Why it works: Culinary lovers will appreciate it; it’s useful and elegant.

    • Presentation: Use mini glass bottles, and label them with flavor notes plus a “Drizzle with love” tagline.

    4. Mini Recovery / “Morning-After” Kits

    These kits are a playful yet practical favour, especially for weddings that end late or are very lively. Fill them with items like electrolyte sachets, mints, pain reliever, and maybe a sleep mask or sunglasses.

    • Why it works: It shows you care about your guests even after the party ends.

    • Design idea: Use small pouches or kraft bags, and attach a fun tag like “Dance now, recover later.”

    5. Handmade Soaps & Scented Candles

    Artisanal soap bars or scented candles are classic and elegant gifts that guests can actually use.

    • Why it works: They’re luxurious, personal, and can be customized to your wedding scent or color palette.

    • Custom touch: Personalize the labels with your wedding date or a message like “May this light your way.”

    6. Seed Packets / Botanical Favours

    Packets of flower, herb, or wildflower seeds are a beautiful way to symbolize growth and hope.

    39 Creative and Unique Wedding Favor Ideas Your Guests Will Love

    • Why it works: Guests can plant them later, creating a lasting memory from your day.

    • How to make it special: Include planting instructions or a note that says, “Watch our love grow.”

    7. Personalized Keepsakes & Trinkets

    Tiny keepsakes, like custom keychains, bottle stoppers, bookmarks, or magnets are practical and memorable.

    • Why it works: These items are useful in everyday life, so guests are more likely to keep them.

    • Ideas: Engrave initials, wedding date, or a small symbol that’s meaningful to you.

    8. Miniature Alcohol Bottles or Drinkables

    Small bottles of wine, champagne, or a custom cocktail make for charming and celebratory favours.

    • Why it works: It’s a festive touch, especially for a destination wedding or a couple that loves wine.

    • Tip: Add a custom tag or label with a pun or thank-you message.

    9. Tea Bags or Loose Leaf Tea

    Tea is a comforting, versatile gift. Consider packaging tea leaves in vials or test tubes, or giving tea bags with a decorative tag.

    • Why it works: Guests can enjoy a relaxing brew at home and remember your day.

    • Twist: Pair with a heart-shaped tea infuser or a personalized spoon.

    10. Personalized Bookmarks or Luggage Tags

    These are particularly great if your wedding has a travel or literary theme.

    • Why it works: Useful, light to transport, and easy to personalize.

    • Design idea: Have your names, date, or even a short quote printed or engraved.

    Pro Tips for Choosing & Presenting Wedding Favours

    1. Match to your theme: Let your favours reflect your wedding style, rustic, modern, botanical, cultural, etc.

    2. Keep it functional: Guests appreciate items they can actually use, not just pretty decorations.

    3. Add a personal touch: A tag, note, or custom label makes even simple favours feel intentional.

    4. Mind your budget: Focus on what matters. Some practical items (like seeds or tea) can be budget-friendly and very meaningful.

    5. Eco-conscious choices: Opt for reusable, plantable, or consumable favours to reduce waste and make a positive environmental statement.

    Examples of Popular Favour Products

    Here are a few actual products to inspire or use for your wedding favours:

    • Shiny Sphere Lip Balm: A cute, practical favour in a rose-gold sphere, perfect for a pastel or glam wedding.

    • Wedding Wish Message‑in‑a‑Bottle: Tiny glass bottles with a note or charm make sweet keepsakes.

    • Wedding Favour Petit Fours: Edible, elegant, and perfect for guests with a sweet tooth.

    • Bulk “Cheers to Love” Shot Glass Favors: Fun, reusable shot glasses for a lively celebration.

    • Boho Macrame Keychain Set: Practical keepsake-style favour with boho charm.

    • Custom Tea Bags (Handmade): Personalize the tea flavour and packaging to your wedding style.

    Wedding favours don’t have to be afterthoughts, they can be beautiful, meaningful, and genuinely appreciated by your guests. Whether you go eco-friendly with succulents, share the sweetness of local honey, or offer practical keepsakes, your choices can reflect your story and style. Choose favour ideas that feel authentic to you, and add a personal touch that makes your guests feel truly thanked.

    Featured Image: Canva

    Creating Instagram-Worthy Tablescapes for a Pink Gin Inspired Wedding

    The tradition of wedding favours dates back centuries, symbolising gratitude and hospitality to guests who share in the couple’s special day. While traditional sugared almonds once dominated reception tables, today’s couples are embracing more personalised tokens that guests can have fun and double up as the centrepiece of breathtaking tablescapes themselves.

    Musgrave Pink Gin minis have emerged as a stunning choice for modern wedding styling. Their blush-toned hue naturally complements wedding aesthetics, creating an immediate visual impact that’s perfect for today’s social media-savvy celebrations. When artfully arranged with complementary elements, these miniature bottles transform ordinary tables into photograph-worthy settings that captivate both in person and online.
    Source: Teagan Smith Photography

    When Crafting Your Pink Gin-Inspired Tablescape, Consider These Design Principles:

    • Begin with crisp white linens as your canvas, layering natural woven chargers to add textural interest. This neutral base creates an organic backdrop that allows the delicate pink of the gin bottles to become a focal point rather than competing with busy patterns.
    • To create botanical harmony, use the botanicals found in the gin itself and to display this you could wrap eucalyptus sprigs gently around each bottle, scatter rose petals in varying shades of pink across the table, tie small bundles of dried botanicals with fine ribbon and use miniature fresh flower arrangements featuring complementary blooms.
    • To add a personalised touch attach handwritten name cards to each bottle. Add custom tags featuring the couple’s monogram and wedding date. Wrap the bottles with vellum paper inscribed with a personal message and position them atop individual guest menus.

    In today’s wedding landscape, where every detail contributes to an immersive experience, Musgrave Pink Gin minis stand out as favours that beautifully combine aesthetics, functionality, and sophistication. They create tablescapes worthy of endless photographs while offering guests a meaningful keepsake of the celebration.

    For more inspiration and information about Musgrave Pink Gin, visit www.musgravespirits.com

    Images: Provided, Teagan Smith Photography