Distributing favors
If you're opting for a favor like almonds or candy, provide one per guest. Pricier items like votive candleholders can be distributed one per couple.
Add to the decor
If you're having a theme wedding, offer a favor that echoes the motif. Think strawberry-flavored lobster suckers for beachside bashes, or personalized corkscrews for winery weddings. Check out blissweddingmarket.com (vineyard fetes) and shellsaplenty.com (beach bashes) for favor-making materials.
Making scents
Avoid setting scented favors on the table as they may interfere with the aromas of the dinner. Have them distributed by the waitstaff after dinner has been served.
Good cause
If you don't fancy the idea of favors, you can make a donation to your favorite charity in your guests' names. For a list of global charities, check out careusa.org.
Traditional touches
Celebrate your culture through your gifts. Think maracas or pewter chopsticks.
Hands on
Draw guests out of their chairs with a candy buffet or bakery cart. These interactive stations allow guests to fill favor bags (or pastry boxes) with the treats of their choice.
Doubly duty
Choose favors that also serve as place cards, or even centerpieces, to save money. Think small wrapped boxes of chocolate that you can stack as centerpieces, or labeled Champagne bottles that double as place cards.
Classic favorite
Cookies. Think cutouts that match a blossom in your bouquet. In many cases, these sweet bites can be designed by your confectioner.
Bridal bucks
Give your guests one more reason to be thankful for your friendship—slip lottery tickets into customized envelopes placed at each table setting.
Eco-friendly
Choose a favor that will help the environment. Think evergreen-tree seedlings. Visit greenworldproject.net to place your order.
Family bonding
Bake cookies with mom, enlist bridesmaids to help fill clear boxes with Jordan almonds, or craft Christmas stockings with grandma.
Win-win favors
You can never go wrong with chocolate. But don't forget less traditional (and less expensive) sweets that can make a lasting impression, such as taffy sticks or caramels. Buy the sweet stuff at candywarehouse.com. You can also customize just about anything these days. Check M&M's and you can also add your photo to other traditional chocolates.
Musical memories
Share your love of music by making customized CDs for each guest. (Download music from iTunes, itunes.com)
Dashboard departures
Ask the valet to place a rose on the dashboard of each guest's car with an attached thank-you note from you and your groom. This parting gift doubles as a favor.
Home cooking
What's better than mom's signature apple pie? Give each guest mini pies for a tasty treat.
Green thumb
Give guests a growing favor, such as potted herbs, to cook with at home.
Practical present
Shield guests from the sun, if you're marrying outdoors, with pretty parasols that they'll be able to use long after your wedding day.
Thanks to brides.com for these great ideas and tips. I hope they inspire you!
