Postponed by the pandemic, weddings were back in a big way in 2022. The Knot estimates that 2.6 million nuptials took place last year – more than 7,000 a day.

The average wedding in 2023 will include 100-120 attendees and cost around $29,000 (up from $28,000 in 2022, largely due to inflation), according to Zola. Add it up and weddings are expected to generate over $70 billion in revenue this year alone.

But did you know the wedding industry recognizes both an engagement season and a planning season? According to studies conducted by The Knot, almost 40% of all proposals occur between November and February, so the company designated March 1 as National Wedding Planning Day.

By one estimate, planning a wedding takes 528 hours (22 full days!) from engagement to the big day, and promo can play a major part. Thoughtful branded giveaways can help wedding vendors tout their goods and services during the process, as well as thank couples for their business and congratulate them once they’ve said, “I do.”

Here are some practical products to help promote venues and services like caterers, florists, DJs, salons/makeup artists and more:

custom labeled candy dispenser

Remind potential wedding customers “how sweet it is” or that it’s “mint to be” with a custom-labeled Flip Top Candy Dispenser. Choose a small, medium or large container and one of 11 candy options, including chocolate covered sunflower seeds, M&Ms, Skittles and regular or sugar-free mints. (All mints made in the USA.) 

Midnite Snax / PPAI 113793, S3

 spiral notebooks with custom printer covers

A notebook or planner is a great giveaway to help the recipient keep track of appointments, to-dos, gifts and more. Feature a full-color photo of your client’s beautiful venue, bridal bouquet or wedding cake on the cover of a spiral-bound SimpliColor 5x7 Notebook (80 lined sheets) to keep them top of mind. 

Goldstar / PPAI 114031, S10  

metallic pens with laser engraving

A high-quality pen keeps your client’s brand in the hands of customers, whether it’s a bride, groom or complementary business (think a venue coordinator who might be asked for a recommendation on a caterer or DJ). The Phoenix Softy Metallic Pen features a soft-touch finish in rich, metallic colors with polished chrome accents, along with your client’s brand laser engraved in silver. Available in rose gold, gold, silver and gunmetal.

Goldstar / PPAI 114031, S10

Nature-inspired themes like “woodland wedding” and warm, earthy, romantic colors like rose gold and sage are particularly popular this year.

“Everything that color scheme is really big, and I think that’s going to be big for winter weddings, too,” says Salina Brill, CAS, North American marketing manager for Goldstar. “I would definitely recommend that color scheme, especially for any kind of weddings right now.”

Natural materials like cotton and jute are also popular for wedding décor and favors, and these also make great fabrics for durable, sustainable tote bags, which continue to be well-received promo items because they are so practical.

natural bamboo tote bag with zipper

This eco-friendly Midori Bamboo Fabric Tote features a zippered closure, inside drop pocket and adjustable shoulder straps. Gen Z is always on the lookout for sustainable goods, and bamboo is a fast-growing plant that thrives without fertilizer or pesticides, making it the perfect resource to harvest again and again. 

Gemline / PPAI 113948, S11

Natalie Aquila, owner of the So Sweet Party Shop in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, prints custom labels for a variety of products that can be used as wedding favors or promo giveaways, as well as gift tags and other custom pieces. She says custom cupcake toppers are her bestselling items and especially popular with corporate customers.

cupcake toppers printed with company logo

Showcase your clients’ brand with cupcake toppers customized with their logo, slogan or even a custom QR code. Sold by the dozen, each Logo Branded Cupcake Topper measures roughly 2 inches in diameter and 4 inches from top to bottom. These are especially great for caterers showcasing their wares at bridal shows, as they can pop one on top of a cupcake and hand out a product sample and business card in one. 

So Sweet Party Shop / PPAI 818221, D1

Planning a wedding tends to be a stressful endeavor, so personal care is also a savvy choice. Consider branded balm to soothe lips chewed in thought or frustration, as well as hand lotion, bath bombs or similar products. Custom-labeled hand sanitizer remains a trendy option, too.

“The hot thing when we were going through COVID was our sanitizer labels. I saw a lot of people giving those away as favors,” says Aquila. “Those are still fairly popular right now as a giveaway.”

hand sanitizer with carabiner

The Clip-It 1-oz. Moisture Bead Hand Sanitizer includes a carabiner clip to keep the gel – and your client’s brand – at hand. The citrus-scented 62% ethyl alcohol gel includes aloe and vitamin E moisturizing beads, and it is EPA approved. 

Ariel Premium Supply / PPAI 161650, S11

lip balm sphere EOS style

Beauty and personal care products are perfect giveaways for salons, spas and makeup artists. Help these clients make a lasting impression with this Wheat Straw All Natural Lip Moisturizer. Made in the USA of natural beeswax, the vanilla-flavored balm is perfect for customers at beauty shops, bridal shows and more. 

Mixie / PPAI 143213, S7

luxury toiletry trio - hydra stick, lip balm, hand sanitizer

This Luxury Kit, packaged in a stylish white organza bag, makes a great thank-you gift for bridal customers. Skin and lips get a major moisture boost with the Hydra Stick and lip balm (apricot, mint, vanilla or strawberry), while the hand sanitizer essential oil spray pen (lavender or citrus) helps keep hands sanitized. Each item is custom labeled with your client’s logo or message. 

Raining Rose / PPAI 232508, S7

Custom water bottles have long been a popular option for promo of all kinds, but as Gen Z gets married, it’s important to provide high-quality reusable products with an eye to sustainability. Drinkware is a great way to keep your clients’ brands in their hands for years to come.

shiny reusable tumbler with lid and logo

Keep wedding planners hydrated on the go with a drinkware gift like this Ambience 16.9-oz. double wall stainless steel thermal tumbler with copper vacuum insulation and threaded drink-through lid. The high-polish tinted finish imprinted with your client’s brand and the included gift box will make a lasting impression. Available in five colors (shown in silk). 

ETS Express / PPAI 135148, S11

custom wine tumbler gift set in box

Hotels and resorts, especially those near beaches with “no glass container” restrictions could give honeymooners this Stainless Steel Stemless Wine Glasses Gift Box Set upon arrival. The BPA free 10-oz. tumblers include a sip-through lid and can keep drinks cold for up to six hours. Available in four colors (shown in seafoam). The recyclable cardboard gift box offers multi-location imprint capability. 

Evans Manufacturing / PPAI 110747, S11

For more wedding promo information and inspiration, check out Win The Wedding Market from the January 2023 issue of PPAI Magazine.