Bird seed party favors are a fun and creative way to give your guests a little gift to take home after the party. The bird seed represents wishes for a bright future for the honored guest. Making the favors is easy and can be customized in many ways to match your party’s theme and colors.
What You Need
To make basic bird seed favors, you will need:
- Small cellophane bags, available at any craft or party supply store
- Bird seed, a mix or single type like millet or sunflower seeds
- Ribbon, raffia or curling ribbon to tie the bag
- Scissors
- Hole punch (optional)
- Tags, stickers or other embellishments (optional)
Fill the Bags
First, decide how large you want your bird seed favors to be. Tiny bags around 2 inches wide x 3 inches tall hold around 1⁄4 cup of seeds. For more substantial favors, choose bigger bags that can hold 1⁄2 to 1 cup of seeds.
Using a spoon and funnel if needed, fill each cello bag about 3⁄4 full with bird seed. The seeds will settle so don’t pack them too densely. Allow a little room at the top for tying the bag closed.
Seal the Bags
There are a few options for sealing the favor bags:
- Fold over the top of the bag and tie closed tightly with ribbon or raffia.
- Punch holes on both sides of the bag near the top and tie with ribbon.
- Use a glue gun to seal the bag.
- Use sticker seals or small stickers to close the top.
Make sure the bags are sealed tightly so the bird seed doesn’t spill out. Tying a pretty ribbon bow seals the bag and adds decoration.
Embellish the Favors
Here are some ideas for embellishing basic bird seed favor bags:
- Attach a personalized tag or label with the guest’s name, a thank you message, or wedding date.
- Glue on buttons, flowers, doilies or stickers to coordinate with wedding colors and theme.
- Use different colored ribbon for each table.
- Print or handwrite quotes, poems or blessings on tags.
- Use hole punch to attach multiple ribbons.
- Mix in dried flowers like lavender or rose buds.
Get creative with embellishments to make your bird seed favors special. The bags can be left plain for a more elegant look too.
Give as Favors
Bird seed favors can be set out in a basket or box for guests to take as they leave. Or place one at each table setting for guests to take home after dinner. Some ideas:
- Tie to napkins with ribbon.
- Set one on each plate or bowl.
- Arrange in the center of the table in bulk containers and let guests scoop their own.
- Insert one into a plant pot and use as centerpieces.
However, you choose to display them, the bird seed favors will be a fun surprise gift for guests.
Tips
Keep these tips in mind when making and giving bird seed favors:
- Choose non-GMO, high quality bird seed to avoid dyes and fillers.
- Give favors away from meal areas to prevent messes if opened early.
- Remind guests to open carefully over a garbage can or outdoors.
- Store favors in a cool, dry spot until the wedding.
- Be mindful of food allergies when choosing embellishments.
Creative Bird Seed Favor Ideas
Take your bird seed favors to the next level with these unique ideas:
Mini Bird House Favors
Glue a mini wooden bird house to the front of the favor bag. Fill the inside with extra bird seed. Adorn with raffia, ribbon, flowers and more.
Bottle Favors
Recycle tiny glass bottles from essential oils, perfume samples or spices. Remove the labels, clean well, then fill with seeds and embellish.
Tea Bag Favors
Fill small muslin tea bags or tiny organza drawstring bags with the bird seed mixture. These look elegant and are easy to tie closed.
Personalized with Names
Use a label maker or printable round stickers to add custom guest names to each bird seed bag favor. It adds a personal touch.
Themed Shapes
Find paper bags or treat bags in fun shapes that coordinate with your wedding theme, like hearts for a valentine wedding or stars for a night sky theme.
Attach Memories
Print out tiny photos from your time together as a couple and glue one to each favor. Guests will love the personal wedding photo.
Poetic Tags
Add a short poem or romantic quote about love, hope or blessings to the favor tags. Handwritten calligraphy is a nice touch.
With Scent
Infuse the bird seed with gentle scent by mixing in a few drops of essential oils like lavender, vanilla, orange or mint.
Packets
For very small favors, create tiny seed packets using scrapbook paper folded into little envelopes or pouches. Embellish with stamps or stickers.
Wedding Themes
Bird seed favors can be designed to match all different wedding themes:
Rustic Wedding
Use burlap bags, twine, lace and vintage buttons for a homespun look. Earth tones and prints like buffalo check fit a country wedding.
Beach Wedding
Choose tropical seeds like hibiscus and sunflower. Add starfish and sand dollar charms. Use raffia ties in sand and ocean colors.
Winter Wedding
Frosted pearl beads and snowflake charms make elegant winter favors. Glittery ribbon in icy blues, whites and silvers sets the seasonal mood.
Fall Wedding
Warm autumn hues like burgundy, orange and yellow pair nicely with bird seed favors. Use maple leaf embellishments for a seasonal touch.
Spring Wedding
Pastels and delicate flowers say spring. Lavender and rose essential oils also fit the season. Greens, pinks and sunny yellows make colorful favors.
Summer Wedding
Choose bright pops of color like coral, citrus yellow and seafoam blue. Nautical charms like sailboats, anchors and shells fit a summer wedding.
Packaging and Display
The packaging and display for your bird seed favors can be simple or elaborate. Here are some more ideas:
Cardboard Boxes
Reuse petite cardboard boxes from jewelry, office supplies or crafts. Cover with patterned scrapbook paper or paint to match your colors.
Woven Baskets
Arrange favors in rattan, bamboo or woven baskets for a natural yet elegant display. Weave in flowers and greenery for more texture.
Cones
Make custom paper cones to hold a few favors each for guests. Roll card stock into cones and tie off with baker’s twine.
Lanterns
Group favors inside glass lanterns for a glowing effect. Use candles or string lights to illuminate them.
Vases
Fill clear, colored or patterned vases with favors for a unique presentation. Cluster several vases together for impact.
Crates
Wooden crates create a vintage feel. Stain or paint crates to match wedding colors. Display favors in crate with other decor.
Alternative Uses
Bird seed favors don’t have to be just for weddings! Adapt them for other special events:
- Baby shower – Change tags to baby wisdom and poems. Use stork or baby carriage charms.
- Bridal shower – Give to guests with wedding date and bride/groom names. Use engagement ring beads.
- Bachelorette party – Sayings like “woman of the hour.” Add pink or metallic beads. Use shot glass bottles.
- Engagement party – Change tie closure to mini clothespins with notes. Add mini engagement photos.
- Anniversary – Date and message about hope, growth and commitment. Use heart charms.
- Christmas – Holiday ribbons and bows. Red berries and pine cone embellishments. Nestle in evergreen branches.
Repurpose materials on hand or thrifted finds to make favors for any occasion more unique.
Conclusion
Homemade bird seed favors are an easy, affordable way to provide guests with a memorable keepsake from your special event. With an assortment of packaging options and endless embellishment possibilities, you can create favors that reflect your own personal style and wedding theme.
Filled with symbolism about life and good fortune, these thoughtful gifts will delight your guests. The bird seed favors will not only look lovely at the party, but also bring joy for years to come as the seeds attract beautiful birds outside the windows of your family and friends.