Matchbook vs. Matchbox: What's the Difference?

Not sure whether matchbooks or matchboxes are right for your celebration? Both are personalized favors, but they have slightly different looks, styles, and uses.

What Is a Matchbook?

A matchbook is the classic folded paper style with matches tucked inside and a strike strip on the cover.

Matchbooks are lightweight, easy to display, and perfect for wedding favors, welcome bags, cigar bars, candle tables, and reception baskets.

What Is a Matchbox?

A matchbox is a small sliding box that holds individual matches inside. It feels a bit more substantial and gift-like than a matchbook.

Matchboxes work beautifully for place settings, favor displays, hotel welcome bags, and celebrations where you want the favor to feel a little more elevated.

Which One Should I Choose?

• Choose matchbooks if you want something classic and lightweight.
  They're easy to hand out, tuck into welcome bags, or place in a basket for guests to take.
• Choose matchboxes if you want something more substantial and gift-like.
  The sliding-box style creates a polished look that works especially well at individual place settings.
• Choose either one for cigar bars or candle displays.
  Both matchbooks and matchboxes can be used for cigar bars, candle tables, reception displays, and other celebration details.

Are Both Customizable?

Yes. Both matchbooks and matchboxes can be personalized using the options available for each design, such as names, dates, monograms, wording, colors, and fonts when offered.

All of our personalized products include a Live Preview Tool, so you can customize your design and see your personalization before placing your order.

How Many Should I Order?

The right quantity depends on how you plan to use them. If you're giving matches as individual wedding favors, you may choose one per guest. If you're placing them in welcome bags or giving one per household or couple, you may need fewer.

For display areas such as cigar bars or favor tables, consider your guest count and whether you'd like guests to take matches home at the end of the celebration.

Our Favorite Ways to Use Them

• At each place setting as a personalized favor
• In welcome bags for out-of-town guests
• Beside candles or a guest book table
• At a cigar bar or lounge area
• As part of a reception display
• In a favor basket near the exit

Ready to Choose?

Browse our personalized matchbooks and matchboxes, choose the style and design you love, and use the Live Preview Tool on the product page to personalize it for your celebration.