Surprise capsules for weddings: ideas to delight your guests

The classic wedding favour often ends up forgotten on the table. Surprise capsules turn it around: each guest turns the handle, a capsule drops out and they discover what they have won. It is a moment of play, laughter and photos, and it works as well with the children as with the grandparents. Here is how to use surprise capsules at your wedding, what to put inside and which machine to choose.

Why they work so well at weddings

• Everyone wins something. It is not a game of skill: turn the handle and there is always a prize.
• They create a moment. Guests come over in groups, compare what they got and show each other.
• They decorate. A gumball machine with your names and the date is a photo spot in itself.
• They are quick. Each capsule comes out in seconds, so no queues build up even with lots of guests.

What to put in the surprise capsules

The capsules are 9 cm across, so plenty fits inside. Some ideas we have seen work:

• The wedding favour: a keyring, a bracelet, a magnet with your initials, a small candle or seeds to plant.
• Notes from the couple: a handwritten note for each guest, or lines about your story.
• Party dares: “ask grandma to dance”, “toast with someone you don’t know”, “take a photo with the couple”.
• Table numbers, as a fun way to assign seats on arrival.
• Special prizes: a few capsules in a different colour with a bigger prize, such as a bottle or a dinner.
• For the children: small toys, stickers or wrapped sweets.

The capsules open and close with a little pressure. You can fill them yourselves a few days before or ask us to do it.

Which machine to choose for your wedding

Giant gumball machine

The showstopper. It stands about 180 cm tall, has an 80 cm globe and holds about 250 capsules. It is the option for weddings with lots of guests and for couples who want it visible from anywhere in the garden. It is white, so it suits almost any decor. More on the giant gumball machine.

Surprise capsule machine

The elegant one. It measures 82 × 50 × 50 cm and holds about 50 capsules. It sits on a table, on the gift table or on our stand. Ideal for intimate weddings or for placing several, one in each area. More on the surprise capsule machine.

And for a bit of play: the claw machine

If you would like guests to earn their favour, the wedding claw machine can be filled with the same capsules or with plush toys. We set it to the easiest level so nobody leaves without a keepsake.

How to personalise the machine

• Giant machine: 4 stickers with your initials, a full body wrap or a wrap on the globe itself.
• Surprise capsule machine: the stand or the whole machine.
• The capsules: clear or coloured (green, blue or red, subject to stock) to match your decor.

A catchy line, your names and the date are all you need. We need the artwork about two weeks before the wedding.

Ideas for the wrap wording

The line on the machine is what shows up most in photos. A few that work well:

• “Take a little piece of our wedding home”.
• “Turn, be surprised and raise a glass to us”.
• “One capsule, one memory”.
• “Your surprise starts here”.
• Your names, the date and a simple motif, such as intertwined initials or an olive branch.

If you like the style of your invitations, we can use the same typeface and colours so everything matches.

Ideas to tie it in with the rest of the wedding

• Next to the photo booth, so the photo with the capsule in hand becomes part of the memory.
• In the children’s area, with capsules prepared just for the little ones.
• Beside the guest book: sign, then turn the handle.
• With a small sign explaining that each guest can take one capsule, so nobody misses out.

When to bring it out during the wedding

• On arrival, if the capsules hold table numbers.
• During the drinks reception, so guests gather while you have your photos taken.
• At the party, if the capsules hold dares to get the dance floor going.
• On the way out, as a farewell favour.

The practical side: space, power and timings

• Power: the giant machine needs a standard socket nearby. Ask the venue where one is.
• Outdoors: it can go outside at your responsibility. If rain is forecast, it must be under cover.
• Set-up: we arrive before the guests, set it up, show you how to load it and come back for it at the end.
• Staff: not needed. Anyone from the caterer or venue can top up the capsules.
• Timings: artwork two weeks before. In wedding season, book early.

Frequently asked questions

How many surprise capsules do I need for my wedding?

One per guest, plus a few spares. The giant machine holds about 250 and the surprise capsule machine about 50, and both are easy to refill.

Can we fill the capsules ourselves?

Yes. They open and close with a little pressure. If you would rather not, we will do it for you.

Do you cover weddings outside Barcelona?

Yes, anywhere in Spain. You can request a quote here.