Wedding Favors

by Eileen C. Dalby

Generally the last on a bride’s list are the wedding favors. The budget’s been busted but you still want your guests to take something home as a token of your wedding.

With a little creativity and a little help from theknot.com, bride’s can give every guest a nod of their appreciation.

When money’s not an option, then wedding favors can be outrageous and extravagant. But since that’s not the case outside of Tinseltown, a creative, useful and affordable favor is usally the preferred choice.

Personalization is a wonderful way to bring everyday items in as your wedding favors. Personalized coffee packets run about $1.50 a packet and are popular with most guests. Personalized runs the gamut from hot sauce and barbecue sauce to sparkling cider mini bottles and water bottles.

Imported heart-shaped French soaps will make your guests feel extra special when they leave your wedding or shower. Made from moisturizing shea butter, heart-shaped soaps can be purchased for a not-so-imported price of $1.16 a soap. Have guests take home a bit of the beach with under-the-sea gel candles that double as wonderful table accents. Seashells and starfish rest at the bottom on sandy pebbles inside each glass votive candleholder. At a $1.50 a candle, they serve double duty on the table and in your budget.

Cookie cutters presented within white tented cards feature a cut-out heart to reveal a heart-shaped cookie cutter tied with organza ribbon - and a yummy sugar cookie recipe with the message, “Enjoy - while remembering the sweetness of our wedding day.” (A special recipe for a lifetime of happiness is also cleverly incorporated into the cookie recipe.) Pen your own special message to guests on the outside of the cards, or leave blank for an elegant presentation at each place setting on reception tables. At a $1.50 per favor, the price makes them beautiful, delicious and affordable.

But before purchasing anything, always consider your friends and family. Is there an artistic aunt or cousin who would love to help but isn’t a part of the wedding? Give them a budget and put them in charge. You’ve delegated a task off your shoulders and saved some hurt feelings.

Find everything you need in our Professional Wedding Directory.