choosing wedding favors & decoration ideas

8/3/2019 Choosing Wedding Favors & Decoration Ideas

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Table of Contents

Introduction.3

A Sweet Beginning.3

In Favor of Favors ..4

Ten Questions Every Bride Should Ask.4

Consider the Four Cs5

Concept

Color

Container

Cost

The Finances of Favors..14

How to Save Money on Favors

Do It Yourself Favor Ideas and Instructions

The Handy Candy Calculator

Wedding Favors for Kids23

Favor-Shopping Timeline...23

Seven Top Mistakes to Avoid..25

Tips and Advice26


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A Brides Guide to Finding the Favor of Her DreamsBy: Karen Sullen

When did choosing the right wedding

favor get so hard? I remember attendingweddings when I was much younger, and it seems

that all the bride had to do was to coordinate the

souvenir matchbook to the color of the wedding.

Other than picking the foil design that was going to

be on the cover, it was a no brainerunless, of

course, you couldnt decide between that and the

paper bookmark with the tassel on it or the

imprinted cocktail napkin. Ah, yes, those were the

days.

Now, with the vast selection ofunique weddingfavorsavailable, the task of choosing which favor will

best fit your style and budget and express your

appreciation can easily become a big wedding-day

worry for the bride and groom. Becoming more and

more elaborate and essential to the wedding

planning, wedding favors are no longer an

afterthought but an integral part of the celebration

that goes a long way to make the guests feel

welcome and appreciated.

A sweet beginning

Matchbooks, bookmarks and napkins once ruled the modern-day wedding scene, but before

that, brides had some very different choices. Many might be amazed to discover that it all

began with a sugar cube! Yes, sugar cubes are thought to be the very first wedding favors given

during medieval timesa gift shared among nobility. At the time, sugar was a rare commodity.

So to present guests with this token of appreciation in a crystal bowl or ornate box was a sign of

wealth and privilege.

Later, almonds were used in place of the sugar as a symbol of the well wishes for the bride and

grooms new life. Around the 13th century, sugar-coated almonds were introduced combiningthe two traditions of almonds and sugar into a single gift. The symbolism of this particular

combination became associated with the bitter sweetness often found in marriage. These

sugared almonds (also known as confetti, Jordan almonds and dragees) are usually presented in

wedding favor boxesor fabric in sets of five to represent the five aspects of marriage that are

wished for every couple:

Fertility
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Longevity

Wealth

Health

Happiness

It was not until much later that the custom of giving wedding favors was adopted by the masses,affording everyone the opportunity to give a small token, and it took even longer for it to

become the tradition that we know today. Today, wedding favors come in all shapes, sizes, and

materials, but they are still just as sweet as that very first sugar cube!

In Favor of Favors

In recent years, some well-meaning brides have opted to skip the favors altogether (gasp!) due

to budget constraints or the idea that theyre just not necessary. Well, Id like to make my case

in favor of favors. The choice whether or not to have wedding favors simply boils down to a

matter of etiquette. Its one of those little courtesies that make life a little nicer. Would you

enter a room where someone else is sitting and not speak? Would you see a person entering

the building behind you and not hold the door? Would you receive a birthday gift from Uncle

Joe and not say thank you? Well, you might, but it certainly wouldnt be nice.

Given the fact that favors are a couples way of saying thank you for sharing in their day, it

would almost seem impolite not to have themand that really has nothing to do with money

because even a simple poem or scroll that says thanks is still a nice touch. Since many of your

guests have provided a much larger gift for you, traveled from great distances to be there for

your special day, encouraged you, helped you, given advice and a host of other things for your

wedding and for your life in general, giving a wedding favor is a kind, heartfelt gesture that

expresses those two simple words as eloquently, classically, whimsically, creatively or however

else you choose to say Thank You!

10 Questions Every Bride Should Ask

Finding that perfect little something wonderful to give at the end of the wedding isnt always

easy. There are so many choices, styles, colors and trends; it could make your head spin. So,

before you rush to the wedding favor store, there are a few questions you should ask yourself

right up front. It will help you narrow your search and be smart about your options.

1. What is my budget for favors?2. Do I have a wedding theme? If so, would I like the favors to match?3. What is the mood of the celebrationformal, casual, fun, etc.?4. What are the demographics of my guests (age, male/female ratio, etc.)?5. Do I want one favor for all or a different favor for women/men, adults/children, etc.?6. Do children need favors?7. Whats my personal styleromantic, traditional, quixotic, cutting-edge trendy?8. Would I prefer an "at the table" or "on the way out" location for my favors?


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9. Edible, keepsake, useful, practical, whimsical or classicwhat kind of favor would Iprefer?

10.Do I have the time, creativity and/or energy to make the favors myself?The answers to these important questions will help make sure that you have some kind of idea

of what you would like before you get started, which will save you time and money. However, if

you find that your favor selections arent quite hitting the mark, take a moment to look at your

true personality. Many of us may thinkwere one way, when actually were another. If youre

early in the process, it might be helpful to take one of those personality quizzes to find out what

kind of bride you really are. Armed with that information, youll have better success at finding

the right favor and planning the wedding of your dreams.

Consider the Four Cs

When purchasing diamonds, jewelers explain that the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are

important. But, when it comes to wedding favors, there are four slightly different Cs that you

should consider:

Concept

Color

Container (Packaging)

Cost

Concept (Theme)

Like the cherry on top of a delicious sundae, a well-matched wedding favor can be the perfect

finishing touch. Enhancing the theme down to the very last detail (literally, since its the last

impression theyll get of your special day), its easy to complement your wedding theme withfavors. Here are some examples:

Wine Wedding: Whether youre getting married at a charming vineyard or just have a love for

wine, complement the theme withwine favors, like decorative bottle stoppers and pourers,

corkscrews, personalized stemless wine glasses, cork and goblet place card holders, and

anything with grapes!
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Beach Wedding: When it comes to your wedding locale, sunny dispositions often lead to

tropical destinations. Thats whybeach wedding favorsare so popular, even if youre not

getting married with the sand between your toes. Its a beautiful accent for nautical weddings

and those held in an aquarium. Consider shell soaps, lantern tea light holders, bottle openers,

drink mixes, starfish bookmarks and bottle stoppers, mini Adirondack chairs, candles, coasters,

luggage tags and personalized bottles of water all with a beach theme.

Fairy Tale Wedding: Its your special day, and because your dreams are coming true, a fairy tale

wedding might provide the happy ending (to the courtship) and beginning (the marriage) youve

been looking for. If so, adding whimsicalfairy tale favors, like carriage favor boxes, enchanted

place card holders and Cinderella slippers, will help capture the magical mood.

Cultural Wedding: Celebrating your ethnicity is a wonderful theme for a wedding. From Asian,and Italian to Irish and African, there are plenty of culturally complementary favors to choose

from. Red and gold are popular for Asian weddings, as well as those with the double happiness

symbol. However, fans can be used for both Asian and Hispanic weddings. The same is true for

elephants, which can be incorporated into both Indian and African weddings.
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Seasonal Wedding: Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, no matter which time of year you choose,

theres a favor to match them all! Capturing the beauty of the season, favors that burst with

flowers are perfect for spring and summer, while snowflakes and fall leaves are excellent

choices for autumn and winter. These elements can be found on a variety of items, including

bookmarks, ornaments, bottle stoppers, coasters, place card holders, picture frames, soaps,

candles and unique favor boxes.

Eco-friendly Wedding: Your concern for Mother Earth shouldnt end with the ceremony. Let it

continue to bloom at the reception. Looking for every possible way to conserve and protect,

choosing biodegradable, eco-friendly wedding favors, like seeded paper note cards, reusableshopping bags, seed packs and bamboo coasters, can make a world of difference in our world.

In addition to choosing a theme that is based on your wedding, you can also select a theme

based on its symbolism. Exploring the deep meaning behind some of the more popular wedding

elements and themes, youll discover a lot more than what meets the eye.

Concept (Symbolism)

Weve discussed the profound symbolism of the Jordan almonds, but there are quite a few

other wedding favors that hold special meaning, too. Understanding and incorporating the

symbolism of these items may help you choose a wedding favor thats more meaningful.

Elephants: Whether you use a picture, a wood carving

or some other type of image, elephants, generally with

a raised trunk, are a symbol of good luck and are often

used, although not exclusively, as Indian, African and

Asian wedding favors. A Thai legend has it that a

marriage is like an elephant-- the husband is the front
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legs, that choose the direction, and the wife the back legs, providing the power as they work

toward a common goal! A symbol of power and strength, long life, patience, wisdom and good

fortune, the elephant brings good luck to both you and your wedding guests.

Fleur-de-Lis: French for the flower of the lily, this

elegant flower brings much more than just its beauty

to your wedding. Lilies are associated with the Virgin

Mary, and as a result the fleur-de-lis is closely

associated with Mary and her virtues. Suggestive of

the Holy Trinity, the three spikes have come to

represent a common trio of Christian values: faith,

wisdom, and chastity. A symbol of purity and Christian

faith, it also represents royalty. Around the 1200s, the

fleur-de-lis was adopted as a symbol by French

nobility, enforcing the idea that the French royalty

embodied the virtues suggested by the fleur-de-lis and that they were empowered by God. The

symbol also appears on crests from many other nations, including England and Scotland.

Hearts: When it comes to longstanding symbols of love,

romance and affection, the heart reigns supreme and is

the most common symbol used in weddings. Often

referring to the very core of humankind, the heart

continues to be used poetically to refer to the soul, and

stylized depictions of hearts are extremely prevalent

symbols.

Braided Knot (We Tied the

Knot): It isn't clear whether this expression derives from an actual

knot used in marriage ceremonies or whether the knot is merelysymbolic of a lasting unity, but the braided knot usually symbolizes

unbreakable pledges and dates back to the 13th century. Steadfast in

your love and commitment to each other, the knot has been used in

many marriage ceremonies, including the tradition of tying the wrists

of the bride and groom with twine or placing sashes over the couple's

wrists.

Calla Lily: The calla lily is symbolic of marriage and purity because of its white color and its

trumpet-like shape, which is said to be similar to a woman's shape (go figure!) It is also the

symbol of rebirth and resurrectionappropriate since, in marriage, your individual lives fade

away as you begin your new life as one.


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Cherry Blossom: In addition to being a beautiful flower that covers the Asian landscape,

Japanese cherry blossoms also symbolize clouds due to their nature of blooming en masse and

are an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life. Forever fleeting, the blossoms come

and go quickly, reminding us to live each moment to the fullest. A beautiful addition to Asian

weddings, they are very popular spring wedding favors because of their simple beauty, which

transcends all cultures.

Butterfly: Overwhelmingly, cultural myth and lore honor the

butterfly as a symbol of transformation because of its impressive

process of metamorphosis. Similar to the calla lily, it can also

represent the rebirth of your union and your new life in marriage,

and makes a lovelyspring wedding favor.

Lovebirds/ Turtle Doves: Full of whimsy and romance, lovebirds

are colorful little birds that sit closely together in pairsassweethearts often do. It is commonly believed that these birds

cannot live without their mates. Mimicking the happy couple (or

vice versa), these inseparable doves are wonderful symbols of

fidelity and love because they mate for life.

Bamboo: Representing the spirit of summer and the tropics,

bamboo combines upright integrity with accommodating

flexibilitytwo things that should be found in any marriage. It has

the perfect balance of grace and strength, bending with the wind

during a storm and still standing strong when the storm ceases. The

ability to cope with adversity and still stand firmly without losing its

original ground is inspirational to many couples.

Bamboo also personifies the life of simplicity, which makes it an

excellent choice for eco-friendly weddings. However, because it

is typically found in tropical climates, its also popular as abeach

wedding favor. Surprisingly, there is also a reference to respect

for elders, as the young branches at the top of the bamboo trunk

will not grow at the same angle as the older branches below, in
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order to allow sunlight for their elders, providing wonderful symbolism of the family dynamic.

Color

Beyond simply choosing a favor to match the colors of your wedding, the color you choose can

say a lot about you and your expression of appreciation towards your guests. Using the rose

(which is the second most recognizable symbol of love and romance) as a guide, lets explore the

meaning of each color.

Red

Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a time-

honored way to say "I love you." The red rose has long symbolized

beauty and perfection. Red roses are the perfect way to express deep

feelings for someone special.

Read MoreMeaning of Red Roses

Pink

As a symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as an

expression of admiration. Pink roses can also convey appreciation as

well as joyfulness. Pink roses often impart a gentler emotion than their

red counterparts.

Read MoreMeaning of Pink Roses

Yellow

The bright, sunny color of yellow roses evokes a feeling of warmth and

happiness. The warm feelings associated with the yellow rose are often

akin to those shared with a true friend. As such, the yellow rose is anideal symbol for joy and friendship.

Read MoreMeaning of Yellow Roses

White

White roses represent innocence and purity and are traditionally

associated with marriages and new beginnings. The white rose is also a

symbol of honor and reverence, and white rose arrangements are often

used as an expression of remembrance.

Read MoreMeaning of White Roses

Orange

With their blazing energy, orange roses are the embodiment of desire

and enthusiasm. Orange roses often symbolize passion and excitement

and are an expression of fervent romance.

Read MoreMeaning of Orange Roses
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Lavender

The unique beauty of the lavender rose has captured many hearts and

imaginations. With their fantastical appearance, lavender roses are a

perfect symbol of enchantment. The lavender rose is also traditionally

used to express feelings of love at first sight.

Read MoreMeaning of Lavender Roses

Beyond the symbolism of the color, ifyouve chosen a dominant hue for your wedding, the

reception is an excellent time to focus on the accent colors. However, its best to stick to colors

of the same intensity, such as lavender and baby blue rather than royal blue with light brown.

When choosing your wedding favors, think about the feeling that is conveyed from each color

and match it to the mood of your reception. For example, an elegant dinner reception at a five-

star hotel or country club would warrant stately pairings such as burgundy and gold or black and

white instead of an overly happy color combination like lime and turquoise. The same is true

with your wedding favors. Although favors may be a small touch on the table, it can make a bigimpact in the aligning the color with the mood of the affair.

Container (Packaging)

People say that its not whats on the outside that counts but whats on the inside. Normally, I

would agree. But, when it comes to unique wedding favors, the outside is just as important as

the inside. Presenting your thoughts and wishes wrapped up in one little package, there are

literally hundreds of designs to consider. From do-it-yourself favor boxes to brilliant

embellishments, the flexibility to create exactly the look you desire is at your fingertips.

Personalized Wedding Favors: To personalize or not to personalize, that is the question! Whilemany people feel that having a personalized glass engraved with their names and wedding date

is an excellent memento for their special day, there are some who question whether a guest

would want an item with someone elses name and wedding date on it, likening it to a

promotional item youd get at a trade show.

However, unlike those advertising chotskis, which are a dime a dozen, an elegant glass or tin of

candies is priceless because it carries much more meaning. Filled with wonderful wedding-day

memories, theres a definite connection that makes a personalized favor more of a keepsake

than a castaway, which is whypersonalized wedding favorsare still the #1 choice for brides.

They inevitably evoke fond memories each time the gift is seen or used by the guest.

Because of their universal appeal, the most popular personalized favors are:

Mint tins

Bottled Water

Lip Balm
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Glasses and jars

Chocolates and candies

Fillable favor boxes

Ink pens

Unique Containers: Moving well beyond the once-popular matchbooks and napkins, wedding

favor designers of today have given these mementos plenty of personality. From die-cut boxes

to whimsical themes and elegant packaging, there seems to be no limit to all the extra touches

that turn a simple package into the perfect present! Saving you the time and money of gift

wrapping or additional packaging, these unique wedding favors are wrapped and ready to go.

Theres no need to cover up the cuteness of these creative gifts. Here are some examples of

fabulous favor packaging:


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Be on the lookout for special details like die-cut designs, see-through packaging that enhances

the product inside, clever containers and other embellishments that make your favor stand out.

However, if favors are large or colorful, placing them on the reception tables can take up

precious table space or be distracting during the meal. Instead, you may opt to place large trays

(or a table) of favors in a hall or foyer where guests will exit. A tasteful sign -- "Please take one

favor per guest with our compliments and thanks!" -- will let reluctant guests know that it's okay

to pick up the gifts.

Do It Yourself Favors: The two main attractions for do-it-yourself containers are cost and

creativity. They give you the best of both worlds. From a creative standpoint, there are

hundreds of options that can be customized or matched to your wedding colors, theme, and

even your personality. You can choose something as simple as tulle or an elegant box with a

bow to a favor bags that resemble lace lingerie. No matter what youre looking for, youll find

favor packaging to match it.

On the other hand, when demand is high, but the dollars are low, DIY favors are the go to giftfor brides on a budget. Exchanging time for money, they allow couples to save by purchasing

the elements individually and handing the assembly themselves. Well discuss more about the

cost-saving elements of do-it-yourself favor packaging a little later, but for now, here are a few

examples to whet your appetite.

For ease of assembly and flawless presentation, some of the most popular favors you can create

yourself include:

Boxes

Bags

Favor Cakes

Tulle


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Cost

Now, lets look at the finances of favors, since thats probably a big concern for many of you as

you go down the list of wedding wishes doing your best to stay on task and within budget.

Barring any special sales, quantity discounts and eBay discoveries, you can generally expect to

spend anywhere from $1.00 to $5.00 for your wedding favors. Thats a wide range, I know, but

the pricing will vary depending on the style, quality, uniqueness, personalization and whether

youd prefer a premade or do-it-yourself gift.

The best advice is to set a budget for favors and do your best to stick to it, taking into account all

those little extras like shipping, personalization, ribbon, etc. In this next section, well look at

ways to save and how to get the most for your money.

The Finances of Favors

Admittedly, in the big scheme of things, favors are

probably the last thing to check off the list, as some

brides leave the purchasing decision to the end to see

what funds are left at that point. But, whether youre

at the end of your planning or the beginning, youll be

glad to know that there are plenty of affordable favors,

do-it-yourself wedding favorsand other inexpensivetokens that can be given to your guests that cost next

to nothing. There are some great tips on How to save

money on wedding favors later in the book. But this

quick list of budget-saving ideas is a great place to start

when looking for affordable favors:

Bookmarks
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Votive candles wrapped in tulle

Candy you can package in boxes or bags

Picture frames

Homemade goodies

Picture of the bride and groom

Scroll with poem or special messageWedding bubbles

Flower seeds

Decorative soaps

Personalized CDs of the couples favorite songs

Place card holders that also serve as wedding favors

A single rose or flower for each family

Of course, if youre having a large wedding with at least 100 guests or more, you can save by

taking advantage of quantity discounts offered by many companies.

How to save money on wedding favors

Lets face it, times are tough! But that doesnt

mean that you have to go without wedding favors.

With these practical money-saving tips, youll have

plenty of cash leftover for other things (or at least

enough to keep you within your budget.)

Tip #1: Skip the wrapping. A wedding favor is a

gift, but there is no rule that says it has to be in a

box all wrapped up and topped with a ribbon and a

gift tag. You can save so much time and energy by

presenting your gift unwrapped. Extra packaging

and enhancements can contribute heavily to your

budget. When you add in the cost of all of those

embellishments, it can instantly double the cost.

Reducing the amount of packaging you use also has

an environmental impactless waste!

Wedding favors that can be presented unwrapped:

A single rose at each place setting or given

as the guests leave

A picture frame place card holder

A candy or cookie buffet (simply providebags for them to package their own after the wedding.)

A digital photograph of each guest at the wedding as a souvenir (hire a photographer

that can print them on the spot at the reception.)

Tip #2: Shop out of season. To find the best prices, everyone knows where to shopthe

internetthey just miss out on the when to shop. Just like with other items, there are certain

products that may be heavily discounted as they go out of season. If youre planning a year in


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advance, you can take advantage of favors that are at the end of the season now but will be

back in season by your wedding. Sure, youll have to hold on to the products for a few months,

but theyll be perfect for:

Beach weddings

Seasonal weddings (winter, spring, summer and fall)

Garden weddings

Valentine weddings

New Years Eve/Day weddings

Tip #3: Buy group gifts. Who says that each person has to have a gift? Whether you have an

extremely large guest list or just short on funds, placing a group gift on the table for guests to

share can help cut the costs when compared to traditional favors. Consider a bowl of candy,

teas, cookies or other treats on the table as a centerpiece that they can enjoy during the

wedding.

Tip #4: Look for double-duty items. Theres nothing wrong with requiring your centerpieces,

favors, place card holders or other wedding items to serving more than one purpose. With a

little creativity, you can combine several elements and save. Here are a few examples from

wedding expert, Janet Verra:

One great suggestion is to use wine bottles with a personalized message on the label, in

either small or full sizes. Although their main purpose is to serve as wedding favors for

the guests to take home, grouping them together creates an instant centerpiece. They

can also be used as table numbers during in the reception by replacing the labels with

table numbers or even printed menu choices. (Note: the same can be done with a

grouping of pillar candles.)

Mini pots can also serve as wonderful centerpieces of your reception tables. From afar,they look like solid box of flowers but if you will look at it up close, you will see that the

container actually holds flowered mini pots that your guests can take home as souvenir

of your wedding.

Votive candles in a glass holder are a very versatile

item that can serve as escort cards with the table

assignments, place card holders with the guests

names and, of course, wedding favors by simply

adding an elegant gift tag.

Tip #5: Save the tax by shopping out of state. We all know the benefits of shopping online, like

free shipping and online-only deals that sometimes make it cheaper than purchasing items in

the actual store. But you might not have thought about targeting stores in other states to save.

If you do, you can avoid the sales tax because interstate commerce across state lines is tax

exempt in most states. If you live in a state that tacks on 7%, spending $1,000 would save you

$70. Its a win-win!


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Do-It-Yourself Favors

When it comes to saving money on wedding favors (and bridal shower favors, too for that

matter), the number one way to save is to make them yourself. Whether you choose to create

them from scratch or use a semi-DIY, assemble-and-fill kit, you can take advantage of the

savings. And if youre a shrewd shopper, you can save even more by taking capitalizing on sales,closeouts and discounts. In addition, there are some other advantages to DIY favors:

Bonding Activity: One of the hidden advantages of homemade wedding party favors

that often goes unnoticed is the process of preparation. Whether youve recruited your

family, bridesmaids or fianc to help with the task, the time spent making or assembling

the favors creates an opportunity for you to bond with those closest to you. Make it a

fun time, and the memories will be priceless.

Personalized Gift: When you make the favors yourself, its almost like giving your guests

a part of you! Even if you dont include your name and wedding date on the gift, its a

very personal and special memento that shows your personality and creativity. Go

aheadbake something, write something, create something. Either way, youll be

adding a personal touch to a present that is truly unique.

Flexible Budget: Because youre making the gifts yourself, you dictate how much you

want to spend, giving you the power and the opportunity to unleash your creativity.

Only have a dollar or even .50 cents to spend per favor? Ill bet you can come up with

something fabulous in whatever price range youre working within. From the simple to

the sensational, youre in control.

Favor Kits Do You A Favor!

From cooking and crafts to photography and poetry, if youre creative, you can turn just about

anything into a fab favor. But for those of you who need some inspiration or are all thumbs

when it comes to creating a gift, a wedding favor kit can be very helpful.

Designed to enhance a variety of themes, these semi-homemade sets typically include the

packaging, pre-measured ribbons and embellishments and may even offer an opportunity for

personalization. With a price tag that starts at a little less than a dollar, all youll need to do is

decide on the candy or filler. From a simple box to a myriad of unique containers, they take the

guesswork out of making favors. Stylish, elegant and fun, let these examples of favor kits inspire

you.


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Easy DIY Ideas & Instructions

Although favor kits can make creating favors a lot easier, there are a lot of creative gifts you can

quickly make from scratch. Adding a personal touch to your wedding is easy with these do-it-

yourself favor projects. Assembling in a jiffy, using easy-to-find items, these inexpensive

wedding favor ideas from Pallavi B. Mahanta allow you to save money and timeand you dont

have to be a creative genius to do it.

Wedding Favors # 1: Rose Petals in Organza Sachet

Materials:

Dried Rose Petals Potpourri

Organza Bags

Instructions: Freeze-dried rose petals make the perfect

wedding favors. Fill each organza bag with dried rose petals.

As a special accent, tie it off with ribbon that is personalizedwith the name and wedding date of the couple (which can be

purchased at many wedding and craft stores). Or, you can

write the name and date on some ribbon in gold or silver and

place the ribbons inside the sachets. Guests can place this useful favor in a drawer or in the car

and enjoy the aroma all year long.

Wedding Favor # 2: Glass Votive Holder

Materials:

Satin ribbons 1/4" wideClothespins

Pearl bead picks or sprays

Tulle circle

Silk flowers (optional)

Favor fillers

2-1/2" Votive candle holder


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Instructions: Fill the votive holder with candies, a votive candle, bath salts or other treat. Place

the holder in the center of the tulle, gather the edges of the tulle and twist it directly over the

holder. Secure the tulle with a clothespin. Take the satin ribbon and tie it around the holder, just

below the clothespin. Remove the pin and make a shoelace bow

with the ribbon. For the finishing touch, place a pearl bead pick or

silk flower in the center of the design to flare from the top. You

can also create a tag with the couple's name and date of the

wedding on a piece of paper. Use ribbons to tie the tag to the

favor.

(Note: For a candle alternative, wrap two taper candles in tulle

with satin ribbon bow and place several pairs in a tall decorative vase as a centerpiece that

guests can help themselves to after the wedding.)

Wedding Favors # 3: Wine Glass Favor

Materials:

Small plastic wine glasses

Tulle

Satin ribbons 1/2" wide

Favor filler (i.e. Mints, Jordan almonds, candies,

etc.)

Instructions: Fill the glasses with your favorite treat.

Place the glass in the center of the tulle. Gather the edges and twist the tulle directly over the

glass. Secure the tulle by making a bow with the satin ribbon. Add a custom hang tip for a

personalized favor. (Note: Champagne glasses can also be used.)

Wedding Favors # 4: Hot Chocolate Mix

Materials:

Glass bottle with cork top

Funnel

Ribbons and tags

Hot chocolate mix

Instructions: For this fall wedding favor idea, you can either make

your own chocolate mix or you can buy pre-mixed cocoa powder

from the market. Pour the cocoa mix in the bottle by using a

funnel. Now dress up the hot chocolate! Use a striped ribbon and tie a 'scarf' round the bottle.

Add a nametag or a simple message like "Jason & Ashley's Hot Cocoa" or "Something sweet for

all our sweet friends."

(Note: Use this idea to package anything from cookie mix to steak rubs for a unique wedding

favor for your guests.)


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Wedding Favors # 5: Fragrant Bath Scrub

Materials:

4 cups Epsom salt (or coarse sea salt)

1 cup olive oil or almond oil

Essential oils (grapefruit or lemon)

Glass container

Instructions: Measure the salt and pour it in a large

pot. Pour the almond oil into the salt, stirring

constantly. Add the essential oils and stir well to combine. You can mix and match the essential

oils to create a unique and refreshing scent. Add two drops of food coloring to the mixture. You

can use clear glass containers for your body scrub. Write the names of the couple and the date

on a tag. You can also list the ingredients of the body scrub. Attach the tags to the jars with

bright colored ribbons.

Wedding Favors # 6: Eco-friendly NotePads from Paper Towel Rolls

from Do It Yourself Weddings

Materials:

Paper towel rolls

Scrap paper

Stapler

Tacky Glue

Decorative Stamp

Instructions for the eco-friendly mini-

notebook favors:

For each paper towel roll, you'll get three, 3" wide mini-notebook favor covers. Flatten the rolls,

measure and cut. Then cut along the fold line on one side.

Measure your scrap paper to be about 3" by 2" to fit inside the covers. (Tip: Collect

scrap paper throughout the year and cut it using a rotary paper cutter.)


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Put several sheets of the paper inside under the tiny flap and staple in place. To keep

the staples from showing on the outside of your wedding favor, staple the inside bundle

of paper and then glue it inside the paper towel roll holder.

The construction is done! Now time to decorate and personalize your eco-friendly

wedding favors!

Stamps are just about the easiest way to decorate these and if you select non-toxic inksit will still have a very low footprint. A variety of letters and themed stamps can be

found at just about any craft store.

Guestsand Mother Naturewill appreciate this unique, eco-friendly favor. Theyll keep it

handy in the car, at home or on the go for quick notes.

One final note: In addition to making the gifts yourself, you can also have your guests do it

themselves with Make and Take Favors. Whether youre short on time or want guests to pick


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exactly what they want, having a candy bar or buffet is a great way that your guests can make

their own wedding favors to take with them. Youll save money on individual giftsand youll

love eating the leftovers!

Candy Calculator: Estimating the Edibles

Now that youve decided to make your own wedding favors,

theres one more thing to considerhow much candy will fit

in that tiny box? Its a question that has perplexed brides

over the years causing them to end up with way too much or

not enough. As frustrating as it may be, it doesnt have to be.

Calculating the amount of candy it takes to fill those 2 x 2

boxes varies, largely depending on the type of treat.

Wouldnt it be helpful if there was a little favor guide to help

you with the calculations? Well, here it isa Goodie Guide

for the do-it-yourself bride!

Not only is it helpful, but using a candy calculator can save you money! You dont have to waste

money buying extra candy just in case that you might not be able to return, and you can keep

things consistent, so that every guest has the same amount in their box.

Youll need to know how many candies to put in the box, but also how many candies are

typically in a pound (so youll know how much to buy). Based on the most popular wedding

chocolates and candies and a standard 2 x 2 box, heres a guide to make sure you have an

ample amount for your guests:

Description Amount/Full Box Avg. Quantity/lb.

Dutch Mints: 36 delightfully minty pieces 210Jordan Almonds: 15 sweet crunchy almonds 120

Hershey Kisses: 11 silver bells 100

Melty Mints: 12 smooth mints 100

Conversation Hearts: 30 sweet-talking hearts 150

M&Ms: 90 chocolaty pieces 530

Butter Mints: 62 after-dinner mints 270

Jelly Beans: 75 bouncing beans 400

Two things to keep in mind:

1. These amounts completely fill the boxes to the rim, which you dont have to do.Dividing the amounts in halves or even thirds to partially fill the box is perfectly fine (and

more economical). In fact, most brides only use five Jordan almonds in their boxes.

2. Favor packaging comes in bags, envelopes, pouches and all sorts of shapes, which canmake getting the right amount a little challenging. Be sure to make a sample before you

purchase the items in bulk.


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Wedding Favors for Kids

While wedding favors for children might seem like a luxury, theyre actually a necessity when it

comes to appreciating the youngest wedding participants or just keeping them from getting

bored at the day-long affair. With plenty of fun items providing the necessary distraction, they

are less likely to get restless and cranky, which can potentially disturb the wedding ceremonyand other guests.

Designed with the child in mind, here are a few ideas that theyll surely appreciate:

The best wedding favor for children would be something that could keep them engaged

during the wedding and the subsequent reception. You can give them tote bags filled

with activity and coloring books, crayons, stickers, a bottle of bubbles for the reception,

building sets, key chains, etc.

Although wedding favor boxes typically hold sweet treats, they can also be customized

for kids. Fill the boxes with gender-specific items and color code them so you can

differentiate them. For instance, you can have boxes filled with little dolls, stuffed

animals, chains and bracelets made of beads, etc. for girls, and for boys you can have

small cars, action figures, whistles, yo-yos, etc. If you know theyll have the Nintendo DS

or other handheld game, you can also include a new video game for them to try.

For older children and tweens, keeping them preoccupied is not as important, so you

can provide other items, like banks, wedding Frisbees, colorful highlighters or markers,

lip balm, key chains, wedding bubbles or mini notebooks.

One point of advice when choosing wedding favor for children, try to avoid sugary treats as they

tend to make the little ones hyperactive.

Favor Shopping Timeline

Some days it may seem like your calendar is on

fire! With so many details to take care of, it

can be hard to keep up with everything.

Although the favors wont typically be

purchased until youre closer to the wedding

date, there are months of research that will

precede that decision. To make sure that yourplans dont go awry, this favor-shopping

timeline is a good guide for keeping things on

schedule.


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6 months to 1 year Do preliminary research.

Dont purchase anything, just keep a list ofwhat you like or

bookmark sites online (unless, of course, you spot a tremendous

deal.)

(Tip: Its important to note the size of the favors, as they may

appear bigger or smaller because of graphics. Be sure to read

the specific product details, and dont hesitate to take

advantage of the customer service offered on the website.)

4-6 months Order samples.

Check for quality, color, consistency, size, etc. Arrange them on

the table the way guests would see them and consider the

visual impact of each.

(Note: Where you buy your wedding favors is as important as

what you buy. When shopping online, sometimes it's not easyto see the quality of the merchandise or colors. Online retailers

that specialize in weddings will be very clear about showing you

exactly what to expect. Not only should there be thumbnails of

the favors but an enlarged photo with specific details should be

available, as well.)

2 4 months Order favors.

Buying them too far in advance can cause you to have too many

or too few because you really dont have an accurate guest

count until shortly before the wedding. For most brides, 60-90days is a comfortable window in which to purchase favors to

allow for any out-of-stock or discontinued products or shipping

delays. If its something thats truly unique that you cant get

anything similar by a long shot, 3-4 months might be necessary.

Delivery Details

Allow enough time for delivery. All too often, frazzled and hurried brides and grooms don t

allow adequate time for delivery of their favors. Be sure to plan ahead and try to incorporate a

bit more time than you think youll need, just in case. Order as soon as you've made the decisionand don't put that decision off. Keep in mind that personalized items may take a longer delivery

timeup to six weeks depending on the manufacturer.

Buy more than you think youll need. You don't have to go overboard, but guest lists do have a

tendency to increase as the wedding day approaches. Youll also be covered in case theres an

inevitable mishap to occur during shipping, assembly or even on the way to the reception. It's

less costly to order a few extra that to pay overnight shipping at the last minute.


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The Top 7 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Admittedly, every wedding and every bride is different. But, there are certain lessons learned in

the process of getting married that will benefit anyone. When it comes to purchasing wedding

favors, we can learn a lot from Linda Kling, as she shares the top seven wedding favor mistakes

and tips to avoid them.

Mistake # 1 - Waiting too long to order.

Youre not a procrastinator, its just that youre not sure how many wedding favors to order

because youre waiting for the RSVPs to come in to give you a better idea of how many guests

will be attending. But if you wait that long, youll have less options available. Custom,

personalized wedding favors can take longer to create. If you postpone ordering until almost

the last minute, you may not have enough time to get just want you want. You might have to

settle for something else.

Mistake # 2 - Not getting the right amount.

So, how do you plan in advance and get the right number of wedding favors? First, decide

whether you want to give one favor to each of your guests, or one to each couple. Youre

probably safe in assuming that at least 80% of those on your guest list will be able to attend.

Then, make sure you have extras.

What happens if you have too many favors? Well, thats better than not having enough. If you

have favors left over after the wedding, you can always give them out or mail them to those

who couldnt attend.

Mistake # 3Spending too much money.

Wedding favors are tokens of appreciation to your guests for sharing your special day. They are

not meant to be costly gifts. You shouldnt have to spend more than a few dollars for this

gesture.

Mistake # 4Buying favors that are not useful or functional.

There is such a wide variety of wedding favors on the market today, so youre no longer limited

to tulle-covered dust collectors. Send your guest home with something they can use, such as

personalized candles, bottle stoppers, chocolate bars, frames, coasters, bookmarks, packets of

seeds or heart-shaped cookie cutters, to name just a few. Otherwise, you might end up with a

lot of gifts that were left behind, and that would really be costly.

Mistake # 5Selecting favors that dont reflect your personality.

Your favors dont have to be bland and generic. If youre shopping on the internet, there is an

endless array of unique wedding favors available. Why not choose something that highlights

your hobbies, interests, or passions?


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Mistake # 6Waiting too late to be creative.

Making your own favors is always a great ideathat is, until you wait until the last minute.

Then the best-laid plans can easily fall apart. Sitting there two weeks before the wedding gluing

a ribbon on the 83rd favor, youll be thinking of all the other millions of things you have to do to

get ready for your wedding. The same goes for food favors or other perishable items that

require special handling or can only be made a day or two before the wedding. The money you

thought you saved by doing it yourself will be easily eaten up in frustration and aggravation. If

youre down to the wire, it might be worth the extra money to purchase professionally made

favors. Just think of all the time youll have on your hands.

Mistake # 7Not giving out favors at all.

No, its not absolutely necessary to have wedding favors. But they are such a nice way to say a

little thank you to your guests for sharing their love, support and friendship. They are not only

a thoughtful addition to your reception, but will remind everyone of your wonderful wedding.

Tips & Advice:

As you can see, theres a lot that goes into the decision of what favors to have at your wedding.

From A-Z, weve tried to cover it all. But, there are a few pieces of advice I think youll find

helpful when it comes to your wedding favors and with your wedding planning, in general.

1. You cant please everyone, but you can please yourself! Sacrificing your wishes whiletrying to please other people isnt a good idea for any phase of your wedding planning,

so dont start now. Keep your goals, budget and desires in mind and stick to it. After all,

its your wedding!

2. Check your wedding timeline frequently and be sure that you have enough time to geteverything done. Be flexible and have a back-up planyoull likely need it.

3. Make sure your favors make sense. Dont have your guests scratching their headswondering what you were thinking when you chose the gift. Pick a gift that flows with

the occasion. You wouldnt give seed packets at an urban city weddingwhere would

the guests plant them? Nor would you give bottle stoppers or wine-themed gifts to

family and friends who really dont drink.

4. Pictures can be deceiving. Know exactly what you're getting. Sometimes more than onefavor is shown together online. Or the favor is shown in packaging that's extra or thepackaging doesn't include the candy that it's shown with. Remember, favors are usually

shown completely assembled but aren't delivered that way. It takes extra time to fold

boxes, open bags, or place the favor in the packaging, so be sure to consider those little

extras in your planning.

5. Keep the location of the reception in mind when ordering favors. Outside weddings canmean there could be rain, which may ruin paper favors or cause streaking or running


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colors. Delicate favors can blow away, and chocolate can melt. Heavy favors won't blow

away, but the weight can increase the shipping cost, especially if there are several

hundred favors that have to be transported and set out.

Hopefully, keeping these tips and information in mind will help you in your search for the

perfect token the expresses your sincere appreciation and personality. Best wishes on your

wedding and much success on finding the favor of your dreams!

Editors Note: All pictures have been gathered from various sources around the internet.

Some were submitted by their original photographers. If any of the images are

copyrighted, and you are the owner of these pictures, please do not hesitate to contact

me. They will be removed or credited, if you so desire.

choosing wedding favors & decoration ideas

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