Opting for living plants as favors is an eco-conscious alternative to single-use or disposable items and has been a rising trend when gifting guests. Succulents are known for being drought-tolerant and relatively easy to care for, making them a gift that won't burden guests with high-maintenance demands. Their diverse looks allow them to complement various event themes, from rustic to boho. 

Many online and offline gift shops or succulent sellers have begun to offer more choices in succulent favors. If you are buying succulent favors for the first time, here is a comprehensive purchasing guide that includes succulent selection, ordering instructions, and follow-up care. It can help you choose the right succulent favors.

Preparations Before Buying Succulent Favors

1. The Theme of the Event Influences the favor of Design

The visual appeal of succulent favors largely depends on the event's theme. This includes the style of decoration and the colors of the succulents. The decoration style refers to the containers and decorative items used to display the succulents. The style and colors of the favors need to resonate with the overall theme and atmosphere of the event. 

For instance, pink and white are popular color choices at weddings or proposal ceremonies, often combined with tulle and clear glass containers for an elegant look. Fresh succulents in vintage-colored small iron buckets with green moss can enhance the natural and harmonious setting if the event is held outdoors on a lawn. Wooden containers convey stability and formality for corporate events, while minimalist white ceramic pots or golden containers work well for indoor gatherings.

When selecting succulent colors, it's essential to consider their compatibility with the decorative containers and alignment with the event's theme. If the event's theme color is red, opting for red or blue succulents would be appropriate. Conversely, if the theme color is white, consistent green succulents will suit the occasion better than a mix of colors.

2. The owner's preferences and vision for the event will influence the choice of succulent types. 

The lotus-shaped Echeveria succulent is an excellent option if the owner values symmetrical aesthetics or seeks elegance and refinement. Echeverias are commonly used in wedding table arrangements and business meeting favors. They are easy to maintain, but avoiding varieties like Romeo and Jingye during summer events is essential, as they struggle in high temperatures. If neglected, these succulents may wilt quickly, ruining your thoughtfully prepared gifts.

Hanging succulents offer a more agile and elegant look, adding a touch of freedom and romance that appeals to those with an artistic temperament. This type of plant is often chosen for events, such as café openings. However, for outdoor activities, hanging succulents may not withstand direct sunlight; they can become dehydrated and shrivel. Placing these favors in a cool area or under shade structures is crucial to keep the plants lush and fresh.

Lithops, which have unique shapes, are particularly popular among children. Their distinctive "butt" shape makes them an appealing favor for kids. It's important to note that Lithops require very little water, so including a reminder to water less alongside the favor can carry educational significance. Generally, cacti are not recommended for children's activities.

Crassula Jade family is more suitable for business-related events, as they symbolize wealth. Jade plant and Haworthia succulents also make excellent choices for corporate settings. Haworthia cooperi represents transparent wisdom, while Haworthia Duval succulents thrive in low light, making them outstanding decorative elements for indoor desks.

Things to Note When Buying Succulent Favors

1. Choose High-Quality Succulents for Durability

When selecting succulents as favors, the health and quality of the plants are crucial. Healthy succulents will last longer and be a thoughtful gift for your guests. If you purchase poor-quality succulents, they may not thrive, even if they are easy to care for. 

Buying a few pots as samples is advisable before making a large order. This allows you to assess the quality of the merchant's plants and minimizes the risk of supplier issues impacting your event. If you have a reliable succulent merchant you've been working with for a while, it's best to purchase from them for consistency in quality.

You can assess the quality of succulents based on several criteria:

• Check for pests and diseases on the plants.
• Ensure the succulents appear healthy and robust.
• Look for vibrant and fresh colors.
• Inspect the roots by gently removing the plants from their original pots to see if
• they are white, tender, and well-developed. 

If the roots are rotten or emit an unpleasant smell, it indicates that the plants are unhealthy, which could create challenges in their care after purchase.

2. Actively Communicate with the Merchants

The variety of succulents offered is often limited for most succulent favor sellers. If you have specific requirements regarding the types and colors of succulents, you should negotiate and communicate with the merchant before placing your order. Inform them of the number of succulents you need, the colors you prefer, and the desired delivery time. This helps the merchant provide you with tailored purchase suggestions and order services based on your location and delivery experience.

It's essential to discuss order timing. Many buyers place orders in advance without informing the merchant, which can lead to succulents being delivered prematurely, requiring additional maintenance. If you're uncertain about the timing, share your address with the merchant. They are typically more experienced in this area and will gladly assist you.

In addition to offering a variety of succulents, some merchants also provide customized services for favor cards. If you have a specific design in mind, such as your company logo or custom text, email these details to the merchant when placing your order. This streamlines communication and helps them accurately understand your preferences.

After receiving your succulents, promptly open the package to inspect their condition. If any succulents are rotten or have other issues, document the situation by recording an unboxing video or taking photos, and then contact the merchant. Generally, they will offer return, exchange, or refund services.

3. Pay Attention to the Content of Succulent favors

There are various types of succulent favors available on the market. In addition to the plants themselves, it's important to understand what other accessories may be included clearly. To enhance the visual appeal of their products, merchants often display abundant combinations to encourage customers to make a purchase. Therefore, reading the product description carefully is essential to know exactly what items are included in a succulent favor.

4. Suggestions for Creating an Enhanced Experience

• Hide a QR code card at the bottom of the pot; customers can scan the code to view a maintenance video.
• Seal the package with a wax seal featuring the event theme logo.
• Include a mini watering can to create a more personal touch.

A successful succulent gift strikes a perfect balance between aesthetics, science, and business logic. It serves not only as a beautiful table decoration but also as a "living blessing." As the recipient watches the succulent grow slowly, it will remind them of that special moment. Succulents provide a refreshing and unique alternative to traditional party favors, which are often forgettable. I hope this guide on how to choose and order succulent favors is helpful to you.