
Winter weddings have their own unique magic—twinkling lights, cosy venues, and a romantic chill in the air. To make the season extra special for your guests, consider gifting jar-based wedding favours that capture the essence of winter. From soothing scents to sweet treats, here are some ideas to help you create meaningful keepsakes that everyone will love.
1. Spiced Hot Chocolate Mix
Why It Works:
A jar of hot chocolate mix is a classic winter treat—nothing beats a warm mug of cocoa on a frosty evening. Guests can take home individual jars, complete with layered cocoa, sugar, and marshmallows.
How to Make It Special:
- Tie a small cinnamon stick or candy cane to each jar.
- Add a personalised label or tag with brewing instructions and a sweet note from the happy couple.
2. Homemade Mulled Wine Spices
Why It Works:
Mulled wine is a quintessential winter drink. Give your guests the power to recreate the cosy aroma and taste in their own homes by gifting them a jar of pre-measured spices (like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise).
How to Make It Special:
- Include a recipe card on how to use the spices with red wine or even apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.
- Dress up the jar with a burlap or lace bow for a rustic, wintry look.
3. Fragrant Bath Salts
Why It Works:
Winter often calls for self-care and relaxation. Bath salts in a charming jar let guests pamper themselves after the festivities wind down.
How to Make It Special:
- Mix Epsom salts with dried lavender or eucalyptus for a calming scent.
- Add a few drops of essential oil (like peppermint or rosemary) for an extra wintry touch.
- Include a wooden scoop or small spoon for an elegant finishing detail.
4. Honey or Jam from Local Artisans
Why It Works:
Support local producers by giving a small jar of artisanal honey or jam—perfect for drizzling over toast or stirring into tea on chilly mornings.
How to Make It Special:
- Choose unique winter flavours like spiced orange marmalade or cinnamon-infused honey.
- Personalise the jars with custom labels featuring your wedding date and a meaningful quote or message.
5. Candles in Reused Glass Jars
Why It Works:
Candlelight adds an undeniably romantic glow to winter events. Small jars filled with soy or beeswax candles create a warm ambiance that guests can bring home.
How to Make It Special:
- Opt for wintery scents like pine, vanilla, or cedarwood.
- Decorate the jar with ribbon or dried greenery for a rustic winter feel.
- Attach a tag that says something like, “Light this candle and think of us.”
6. DIY Cookie Mix in a Jar
Why It Works:
Nothing says “comfort and warmth” like freshly baked cookies. Assemble the dry ingredients for your favourite winter cookie recipe into layers in a glass jar.
How to Make It Special:
- Include a printed recipe card so guests know exactly how to bake them.
- Top each jar with a fabric circle in a seasonal pattern (like plaid or snowflakes).
- Tie it all off with twine and a personalised label.
7. Infused Olive Oil or Vinegar
Why It Works:
For the couple who loves to cook (or the foodie guests who appreciate unique flavours), a jar of infused olive oil or vinegar is an elegant option. Think rosemary olive oil, garlic chilli oil, or fig balsamic.
How to Make It Special:
- Add a sprig of fresh herbs or garlic cloves for a visually appealing presentation.
- Include a note on suggested recipes, like winter salads or roasted vegetables.
8. Mini Succulent or Herb Gardens
Why It Works:
Winter might be bleak outside, but a little greenery in a jar can bring life to any windowsill. Succulents and herbs are low-maintenance and add a pop of colour to cold days.
How to Make It Special:
- Label each jar with the plant’s name and care instructions.
- Decorate the lid or rim with washi tape or ribbon that matches your wedding theme.
- Consider adding a short message like, “Watch our love grow.”
9. DIY Soup Mix in a Jar
Why It Works:
A hearty soup on a cold evening is pure comfort. Layer dried beans, lentils, spices, and bouillon cubes in a jar for a quick-and-easy meal.
How to Make It Special:
- Add instructions with cooking times and suggestions for adding fresh ingredients like chopped vegetables or meat.
- Choose winter-themed spices (think thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves) that evoke a sense of warmth.
10. Customisable Trail Mix or Granola
Why It Works:
Fuel guests for the season’s outdoor activities with an energy-boosting trail mix or granola blend. Perfect for winter hikes or cosy movie nights in.
How to Make It Special:
- Include a mix of nuts, dried cranberries or cherries, chocolate chips, and seeds.
- Name your blend something whimsical like “Snowy Day Snack” or “Winter Wonderland Fuel.”
- Finish it off with a simple label and ribbon in your wedding colours.
Packaging & Presentation Tips
- Personal Touches: Personalised labels or tags that include your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote will make the favours memorable.
- Seasonal Accents: Add small winter motifs like snowflakes, pinecones, or a sprig of evergreen around the jar to tie the theme together.
- Stylish Storage: Place the jars in a rustic wooden crate or line them up on a decorative table with a wintery backdrop for an eye-catching display.
A winter wedding is the perfect opportunity to celebrate warmth, romance, and togetherness. With these jar-based favour ideas, you’ll not only charm your guests but also send them home with a piece of the season’s magic. Whether it’s a comforting treat or a way to bring a little greenery indoors, these cosy mementos will keep the spirit of your special day glowing long after the last dance.