Start With the Event and the Serving Style
Before you choose jars, decide how the favours will be used. A seated wedding in Stellenbosch may call for one jar per guest at the table, while a larger celebration in Cape Town might work better with one jar per couple or family. If the jars are part of a goodie table, you can usually keep the portion a little smaller and focus on presentation.
For most events, it helps to write down three things first: guest count, date, and how the jars will be handed out. That gives you a clear starting point for quantity and packaging. If you are planning in the busy season, order early so there is time for labels, proofing and courier collection too.
Choose a Jar Size That Suits the Menu
Mini jars are usually the best choice for favours because they are neat, easy to pack, and suit most budgets. They also work well when the preserve will be paired with bread, cheese, crackers or a small grazing box. For richer tables, a small jar can be enough because guests often use it as a tasting portion rather than a full pantry size.
- Small jars suit weddings, showers and baby celebrations where the favour is one part of the table setting.
- Mid-size jars work better for corporate gifts, hospitality hampers and family events where the jar is meant to be used at home.
- When in doubt, think about portion size, packing space and courier weight for deliveries to Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban or Gqeberha.
If your event is in a coastal town like Cape Town or Somerset West, keep packaging tight and dry so the jars travel well in humid weather. A snug fit also helps when the boxes are stacked for collection.
Pick Flavours That Fit the Occasion
Favour jars should feel like a small gift, not just a sample. Sun-dried tomato preserves are a strong choice for savoury spreads, cheese boards and brunch menus, while pickle preserves work well with grilled meats, cold meats, sandwiches and picnic tables. If your event menu leans toward lighter food, choose a flavour that will sit comfortably with bread and cheese rather than overpowering it.
For weddings, many couples choose one signature flavour that matches the menu. For celebrations with mixed guests, a mix of two flavours can be useful. That gives people a choice without making the order too complicated. Marli and the recipe team often suggest keeping the flavour line-up simple, especialy when the jars need to be packed in quantity.
Label Details That Make the Gift Feel Finished
Labels are worth the time because they turn a practical jar into a keepsake. At minimum, include the event name, date, flavour and a short thank-you message. If you are giving the jars as wedding favours, many couples also add names or initials. For business events, a simple message and the company name is usually enough.
- Use a label size that leaves the lid and glass visible.
- Keep the wording short so it stays easy to read.
- Check spelling before printing, especially names and dates.
- Choose a colour that suits the table linen, flowers or gift boxes.
For humid venues and summer functions, make sure the label adhesive is suitable for chilled or room temperature handling. If the event is outdoors in Paarl or the Cape Winelands, ask for a sample first so you can test how it looks on the day.
Work Out Quantities Without Wasting Stock
The safest method is to count confirmed guests and then add a small buffer for last minute additions, suppliers and breakages. For weddings, that buffer is often a good idea because seating plans and RSVP numbers can change near the final week. For corporate gifting or stockist orders, it helps to allow a few extra jars for display or replacement.
Use this simple checklist when planning quantities:
- Final guest count
- Backup jars for extra guests
- One or two samples for the planner or venue
- Extra labels for last minute changes
- Spare boxes or trays for safe transport
If the order needs to go by courier to multiple towns, sort the cartons by destination before dispatch. That makes it easier for your team and for the venue organiser on arrival.
Pack Favours for Transport and Table Setup
Good packing matters, especially when the delivery is going from Paarl to cities across South Africa. Jars should be packed upright, with enough separation so they do not knock against each other in transit. If the favours are going to a venue in Durban or Gqeberha, keep in mind the heat and humidity, then use cartons that hold their shape and protect the labels.
For table setup, separate the jars by table number or guest list before the event. That saves time on the day and helps the team place everything quickly. If the jars are going into gift boxes or hampers, add soft fillers only where needed so the lid stays visible and the jar does not move around.
A Simple Ordering Checklist for Weddings and Events
Once you know the size, flavour and quantity, the ordering process becomes straightforward. The enquiry form on the contact page is the best way to share the event details, whether you need favour jars for a wedding in Stellenbosch, a family celebration in Somerset West, or a company function in Johannesburg.
- Event date and venue
- Guest count and backup quantity
- Preferred flavour or flavours
- Label wording
- Delivery town and deadline
- Any special packing or hamper notes
After that, the production team can line up the order with the courier schedule and the customer care team can follow up on details. Lindiwe, Jaco, Ayesha, Thabo and Siphesihle each handle their part so the order moves in good order from farm sourcing to final dispatch.
