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Page 1 of 28 Page 2 of 28 Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………….3 A Sweet Beginning…………………………………………….3 In Favor of Favors……………………………………………..4 Ten Questions Every Bride Should Ask………………….4 Consider the Four C’s…………………………………………5 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 Kids……………………………………23 Favor-Shopping Timeline…………………………………...23 Seven Top Mistakes to Avoid……………………………..25 Tips and Advice………………………………………………26 Page 3 of 28 A Bride’s Guide to Finding the Favor of Her Dreams By: Karen Sullen When did choosing the right wedding favor get so hard? I remember attending weddings 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 brainer—unless, of course, you couldn’t 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 of unique wedding favors available, 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 times—a 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 groom’s new life. Around the 13th century, sugar-coated almonds were introduced combining the 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 boxes or fabric in sets of five to represent the five aspects of marriage that are wished for every couple: Fertility Page 4 of 28 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 they’re just not necessary. Well, I’d 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. It’s 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 wouldn’t be nice. Given the fact that favors are a couple’s way of saying “thank you” for sharing in their day, it would almost seem impolite not to have them—and 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 isn’t 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. What is my budget for favors? Do I have a wedding theme? If so, would I like the favors to match? What is the mood of the celebration—formal, casual, fun, etc.? What are the demographics of my guests (age, male/female ratio, etc.)? Do I want one favor for all or a different favor for women/men, adults/children, etc.? Do children need favors? What’s my personal style—romantic, traditional, quixotic, cutting-edge trendy? Would I prefer an "at the table" or "on the way out" location for my favors? Page 5 of 28 9. Edible, keepsake, useful, practical, whimsical or classic—what kind of favor would I prefer? 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 aren’t quite hitting the mark, take a moment to look at your true personality. Many of us may think we’re one way, when actually we’re another. If you’re 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, you’ll have better success at finding the right favor and planning the wedding of your dreams. Consider the Four C’s When purchasing diamonds, jewelers explain that the 4 C’s (cut, color, clarity, and carat) are important. But, when it comes to wedding favors, there are four slightly different C’s 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 it’s the last impression they’ll get of your special day), it’s easy to complement your wedding theme with favors. Here are some examples: Wine Wedding: Whether you’re getting married at a charming vineyard or just have a love for wine, complement the theme with wine favors, like decorative bottle stoppers and pourers, corkscrews, personalized stemless wine glasses, cork and goblet place card holders, and anything with grapes! Page 6 of 28 Beach Wedding: When it comes to your wedding locale, sunny dispositions often lead to tropical destinations. That’s why beach wedding favors are so popular, even if you’re not getting married with the sand between your toes. It’s 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: It’s 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) you’ve been looking for. If so, adding whimsical fairy 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. Page 7 of 28 Seasonal Wedding: Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, no matter which time of year you choose, there’s 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 shouldn’t 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, reusable shopping 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, you’ll discover a lot more than what meets the eye. Concept (Symbolism) We’ve 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 that’s 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 Page 8 of 28 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 merely symbolic 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 resurrection—appropriate since, in marriage, your individual lives fade away as you begin your new life as one. Page 9 of 28 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 lovely spring wedding favor. Lovebirds/ Turtle Doves: Full of whimsy and romance, lovebirds are colorful little birds that sit closely together in pairs—as sweethearts 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 flexibility—two 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, it’s also popular as a beach 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 Page 10 of 28 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, let’s explore the meaning of each color. Red Red roses are the traditional symbol for love and romance, and a timehonored 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 More – Meaning 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 More – Meaning 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 an ideal symbol for joy and friendship. Read More – Meaning 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 More – Meaning 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 More – Meaning of Orange Roses Page 11 of 28 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 More – Meaning of Lavender Roses Beyond the symbolism of the color, if you’ve chosen a dominant hue for your wedding, the reception is an excellent time to focus on the accent colors. However, it’s 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 fivestar 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 big impact in the aligning the color with the mood of the affair. Container (Packaging) People say that it’s not what’s on the outside that counts but what’s 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! While many 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 else’s name and wedding date on it, likening it to a promotional item you’d 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, there’s a definite connection that makes a personalized favor more of a keepsake than a castaway, which is why personalized wedding favors are 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 Page 12 of 28 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. There’s no need to cover up the cuteness of these creative gifts. Here are some examples of fabulous favor packaging: Page 13 of 28 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 you’re looking for, you’ll 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 gift” for brides on a budget. Exchanging time for money, they allow couples to save by purchasing the elements individually and handing the assembly themselves. We’ll 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 Page 14 of 28 Cost Now, let’s look at the finances of favors, since that’s 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. That’s a wide range, I know, but the pricing will vary depending on the style, quality, uniqueness, personalization and whether you’d 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, we’ll 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 you’re at the end of your planning or the beginning, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of affordable favors, do-it-yourself wedding favors and other inexpensive tokens 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 Page 15 of 28 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 message Wedding bubbles Flower seeds Decorative soaps Personalized CD’s of the couple’s favorite songs Place card holders that also serve as wedding favors A single rose or flower for each family Of course, if you’re 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 Let’s face it, times are tough! But that doesn’t mean that you have to go without wedding favors. With these practical money-saving tips, you’ll 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 impact—less 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 provide bags 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 shop—the internet—they 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 you’re planning a year in Page 16 of 28 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, you’ll have to hold on to the products for a few months, but they’ll be perfect for: Beach weddings Seasonal weddings (winter, spring, summer and fall) Garden weddings Valentine weddings New Year’s 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. There’s 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 guest’s 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. It’s a win-win! Page 17 of 28 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 you’re 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 you’ve recruited your family, bridesmaids or fiancé 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, it’s almost like giving your guests a part of you! Even if you don’t include your name and wedding date on the gift, it’s a very personal and special memento that shows your personality and creativity. Go ahead—bake something, write something, create something. Either way, you’ll be adding a personal touch to a present that is truly unique. Flexible Budget: Because you’re 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? I’ll bet you can come up with something fabulous in whatever price range you’re working within. From the simple to the sensational, you’re in control. Favor Kits Do You A Favor! From cooking and crafts to photography and poetry, if you’re 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 you’ll 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. Page 18 of 28 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-ityourself 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 time—and you don’t 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 personalized with 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" wide Clothespins Pearl bead picks or sprays Tulle circle Silk flowers (optional) Favor fillers 2-1/2" Votive candle holder Page 19 of 28 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.) Page 20 of 28 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 Note Pads 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 mininotebook 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.) Page 21 of 28 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 inks it will still have a very low footprint. A variety of letters and themed stamps can be found at just about any craft store. Guests—and Mother Nature—will appreciate this unique, eco-friendly favor. They’ll 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 you’re short on time or want guests to pick Page 22 of 28 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. You’ll save money on individual gifts…and you’ll love eating the leftovers! Candy Calculator: Estimating the Edibles Now that you’ve decided to make your own wedding favors, there’s one more thing to consider—how much candy will fit in that tiny box? It’s 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 doesn’t 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. Wouldn’t it be helpful if there was a little favor guide to help you with the calculations? Well, here it is—a Goodie Guide for the do-it-yourself bride! Not only is it helpful, but using a candy calculator can save you money! You don’t 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. You’ll need to know how many candies to put in the box, but also how many candies are typically in a pound (so you’ll know how much to buy). Based on the most popular wedding chocolates and candies and a standard 2” x 2” box, here’s a guide to make sure you have an ample amount for your guests: Description Dutch Mints: Jordan Almonds: Hershey Kisses: Melty Mints: Conversation Hearts: M&M’s: Butter Mints: Jelly Beans: Amount/Full Box 36 delightfully minty pieces 15 sweet crunchy almonds 11 silver bells 12 smooth mints 30 sweet-talking hearts 90 chocolaty pieces 62 after-dinner mints 75 bouncing beans Avg. Quantity/lb. 210 120 100 100 150 530 270 400 Two things to keep in mind: 1. These amounts completely fill the boxes to the rim, which you don’t 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 can make getting the right amount a little challenging. Be sure to make a sample before you purchase the items in bulk. Page 23 of 28 Wedding Favors for Kids While wedding favors for children might seem like a luxury, they’re 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 ceremony and other guests. Designed with the child in mind, here are a few ideas that they’ll 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 they’ll 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 won’t typically be purchased until you’re closer to the wedding date, there are months of research that will precede that decision. To make sure that your plans don’t go awry, this favor-shopping timeline is a good guide for keeping things on schedule. Page 24 of 28 6 months to 1 year Do preliminary research. Don’t purchase anything, just keep a list of what you like or bookmark sites online (unless, of course, you spot a tremendous deal.) (Tip: It’s 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 don’t 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 easy to 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 don’t have an accurate guest count until shortly before the wedding. For most brides, 60-90 days is a comfortable window in which to purchase favors to allow for any out-of-stock or discontinued products or shipping delays. If it’s something that’s truly unique that you can’t 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 you’ll need, just in case. Order as soon as you've made the decision and don't put that decision off. Keep in mind that personalized items may take a longer delivery time –up to six weeks depending on the manufacturer. Buy more than you think you’ll need. You don't have to go overboard, but guest lists do have a tendency to increase as the wedding day approaches. You’ll also be covered in case there’s 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. Page 25 of 28 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. You‘re not a procrastinator, it‘s just that you‘re not sure how many wedding favors to order because you‘re waiting for the RSVP‘s to come in to give you a better idea of how many guests will be attending. But if you wait that long, you‘ll 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. You‘re 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, that‘s 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 couldn‘t attend. Mistake # 3 – Spending 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 shouldn‘t have to spend more than a few dollars for this gesture. Mistake # 4 – Buying favors that are not useful or functional. There is such a wide variety of wedding favors on the market today, so you‘re 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 # 5 – Selecting favors that don‘t reflect your personality. Your favors don‘t have to be bland and generic. If you‘re 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? Page 26 of 28 Mistake # 6 – Waiting too late to be creative. Making your own favors is always a great idea—that 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, you’ll 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 you’re down to the wire, it might be worth the extra money to purchase professionally made favors. Just think of all the time you‘ll have on your hands. Mistake # 7 – Not giving out favors at all. No, it‘s 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, there’s a lot that goes into the decision of what favors to have at your wedding. From A-Z, we’ve tried to cover it all. But, there are a few pieces of advice I think you’ll find helpful when it comes to your wedding favors and with your wedding planning, in general. 1. You can’t please everyone, but you can please yourself! Sacrificing your wishes while trying to please other people isn’t a good idea for any phase of your wedding planning, so don’t start now. Keep your goals, budget and desires in mind and stick to it. After all, it’s your wedding! 2. Check your wedding timeline frequently and be sure that you have enough time to get everything done. Be flexible and have a back-up plan—you’ll likely need it. 3. Make sure your favors make sense. Don’t have your guests scratching their heads wondering what you were thinking when you chose the gift. Pick a gift that flows with the occasion. You wouldn’t give seed packets at an urban city wedding—where would the guests plant them? Nor would you give bottle stoppers or wine-themed gifts to family and friends who really don’t drink. 4. Pictures can be deceiving. Know exactly what you're getting. Sometimes more than one favor is shown together online. Or the favor is shown in packaging that's extra or the packaging 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 can mean there could be rain, which may ruin paper favors or cause streaking or running Page 27 of 28 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! Editor’s 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. Page 28 of 28
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