Say Goodbye to Sugared Almonds and Hello to Boozy Bees: Upgrade Your Wedding Favors with Mead and Honey
- Sarah Singleton
- May 18
- 4 min read
If you’re planning a wedding and still thinking about those tiny, sugary almonds wrapped in tulle, it’s time for a reality check. Wedding favors don’t have to be boring or predictable. In fact, they can be downright buzzing with personality. Imagine handing your guests a small bottle of mead or a jar of local honey instead of the usual sugared almonds. Not only does this upgrade your wedding favors, but it also adds a local, authentic touch that guests will remember long after the last dance.
Let’s dive into why mead and honey make the perfect wedding favors, how to present them with style, and how to keep your guests smiling (and maybe a little tipsy).
Why Ditch Sugared Almonds for Mead and Honey?
Sugared almonds have been the wedding favor default for decades. They symbolize good luck and fertility, sure, but let’s be honest: how many guests actually eat them? Most end up in a purse or forgotten on a table. Here’s why mead and honey beat sugared almonds hands down:
Local Flavor
Mead and honey can be sourced from local beekeepers and meaderies. This means your favors carry a story about your region, supporting small businesses and celebrating local craftsmanship.
Unique and Memorable
When was the last time you received a tiny bottle of mead at a wedding? Exactly. It’s unexpected and fun, making your wedding stand out.
Tasty and Useful
Honey is a kitchen staple, and mead is a delicious, historic drink that guests can enjoy. Unlike sugared almonds, these favors won’t just sit on a shelf.
Eco-Friendly Option
Many mead bottles and honey jars come in reusable glass containers, reducing waste compared to plastic or paper packaging often used for sugared almonds.
How to Choose the Perfect Mead and Honey Favors
Not all meads and honeys are created equal. Here’s how to pick the best ones for your wedding:
Mead Selection Tips
Go for Small Bottles
Aim for 100-200 ml bottles. They’re the perfect size for a single serving and easy to carry home.
Pick a Flavor Profile
Mead comes in many varieties: dry, sweet, spiced, or even sparkling. Choose one that matches your wedding vibe. For example, a spiced mead pairs well with a fall wedding, while a floral mead suits spring.
Check Alcohol Content
Most meads have 5-14% alcohol. If you want to keep it light, pick a lower ABV option.
Honey Selection Tips
Local and Raw
Raw honey from local beekeepers offers unique flavors depending on the flowers bees visited. Plus, it’s less processed and healthier.
Packaging Matters
Small glass jars with cute labels or tied with twine add charm. You can even add a tiny wooden honey dipper for extra flair.
Consider Flavored Honey
Infused honeys with lavender, chili, or cinnamon can add a gourmet touch.
Presenting Your Boozy Bees with Style
Presentation is everything. Here are some creative ways to showcase your mead and honey favors:
Personalized Labels
Add your names, wedding date, or a funny message like “Bee Mine” or “Sip Happens.” This makes the favor feel personal and special.
Themed Packaging
Use burlap sacks, wooden crates, or vintage trays to display your favors at the reception. It adds to the local, rustic vibe.
Pair Them Together
Offer a combo pack: a small bottle of mead paired with a jar of honey. Guests get a taste of both worlds.
Include a Recipe Card
Share a simple cocktail recipe using mead or a honey-based dessert idea. It encourages guests to enjoy the favors creatively.
Funny Ways to Announce Your New Wedding Favors
Why not have a little fun with your favors? Here are some ideas to get your guests chuckling:
Signage Ideas
“Forget the almonds, we’re sweetening your day with mead and honey!”
“Bee-lieve us, these favors are the buzz!”
“Drink responsibly, dance irresponsibly.”
Toast with Mead
Kick off the reception with a mead toast. It sets the tone and gets everyone curious about the favors.
Honey Tasting Station
Set up a small honey tasting table with different varieties. Guests can sample and pick their favorite to take home.
Tips for Ordering and Budgeting
Order Early
Mead and honey can take time to source and package, especially if personalized. Start planning at least 3-4 months before your wedding.
Buy Local
Supporting local producers often means better prices and fresher products.
Bulk Discounts
Many meaderies and beekeepers offer discounts for large orders. Don’t be shy to ask.
DIY Labels
Save money by designing and printing your own labels. There are plenty of free templates online.
Upgrading your wedding favors from sugared almonds to mead and honey is a sweet move that guests will appreciate. It adds a local touch, a bit of fun, and a lot of flavor to your big day. So next time you think about wedding favors, remember: why settle for plain when you can go buzzing with boozy bees?
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