At the end of a Ghanaian wedding reception, guests leave with something in their hands: a branded fan, a mug, a notebook, a towel. Some of these gifts end up in drawers for years. Others are forgotten in the car.
Souvenirs are a way of thanking guests for coming. They also remind people of the day long after the food is gone.
Choose useful items
The best souvenirs are things people use. Popular choices include hand fans, which are useful at the reception itself in the heat; mugs and water bottles; umbrellas; notebooks and pens; towels and handkerchiefs; tote bags; and small household items such as kitchen towels or trays.
Food items, such as packs of biscuits, chocolates or small jars of honey or shito, are also popular and never go to waste.
Branding
Many couples print their names, wedding date or hashtag on souvenirs. Keep the branding small and elegant, so guests can use the item without feeling like a walking advertisement.
Budget
Souvenirs can take a large share of the budget, especially for big weddings. Decide how many you need, allowing for extra guests, and get quotes from several suppliers. Order early, since printing takes time.
Tiered gifts
Some couples give different souvenirs to different groups: a special gift for the wedding party, parents and VIPs, and a standard gift for other guests. This is common and acceptable, as long as it is done discreetly.
Distribution
Decide how souvenirs will be handed out: at the entrance, on the tables, or by ushers at the end. Handing them out at the end ensures that guests stay for the whole reception, but it can create crowding. Assign reliable people to manage distribution so that items are not taken in bulk.
Eco-friendly options
Consider reusable items, locally made crafts or plants. Plastic items with printed names are the most likely to end up in the bin. Some couples donate to a charity instead of buying souvenirs and tell guests on a card at each table.
Local craft
Ghanaian-made items such as small kente bookmarks, beaded keyholders, woven baskets or locally made soaps support artisans and give guests something distinctive.
A souvenir costs a few cedis. When it is useful, it keeps the couple’s names in a guest’s kitchen or handbag for years.
