Selecting Bridal-Party Gifts

Giving gifts to members of the wedding and other special guests is a time-honored way of showing thanks and sharing joy. It's customary to present a token of appreciation to bridesmaids, ushers, flower girls, ringer bearers, readers and parents, as well as anyone else who helps make your wedding day special.

You may choose to give the same gift to all of your attendants--one for bridesmaids, another for groomsmen. However, you might decide to give each person their own unique gift. Another option is to present your maid or matron of honor and best man with something different or a bit more special.

Here's a short list of gift ideas to spark your imagination:

• porcelain, silver or crystal keepsakes
• picture frames
• trinket or accessory boxes
• cuff links
• wallets or money clips
• spa or beauty salon gift certificates
• jewelry to be worn for the wedding day--and long after
• silver or crystal vases
• candlesticks
• personalized stationery

If you're planning a theme wedding, think of a gift in keeping with the topic. Going nautical? Give seashell picture frames or golden knot cuff links. Marrying around a holiday? Wrap up elegant tree ornaments for a wintry wedding or cool sunglasses for one near the Fourth of July. (You get the idea.)

Many gifts lend themselves to monogramming--a great way to personalize your selections. Silver key chains, money clips and compacts are just a few of the shimmering items that can be engraved with the recipient's initials.

Some brides take into account that their attendants' wedding-related expenses can quickly add up--from a possible plane ticket down to a dress and shoes--and may offer to defray some of those costs by helping to pay for all or part of the outfit, hotel room, and so on. For many bridesmaids, that can be the most welcome gift of all.

Gifts are traditionally presented to the bridesmaids at a luncheon or party held before the wedding day. The groom usually gives gifts to his ushers at the rehearsal dinner. (Just go the route that works best for you!) And don't forget to tuck a personalized card inside each one. Happy shopping!

25 Cool Gifts for the Maids

If the women in your wedding already have enough imitation pearl necklaces and monogrammed jewelry boxes for this lifetime, we suggest you put your mind where your maids are-as in, spend the brain power and select gifts that reflect their personality and interests. (The gifts don't all have to be the same, you know.) Use this list of our 25 favorites for inspiration.

• Aromatherapy candles that fit in with each of their lifestyles (tranquility, energizing, de-stressing.).


• Beautiful hair jewelry, like a butterfly barrette or rhinestone bobby pins.


• A small box of decadent chocolates.


• Perfume and a dainty atomizer.


• All the fixings for a luxurious bubble bath. (Don't forget the rubber ducky!)


• A day of horseback riding (or kayaking or roller-skating, etc.).


• Gorgeous candlesticks and candles that fit their decor (there are so many out there to choose from!).


• Cooking, art or ceramics classes (fun for the creative types, and relaxing for those who are highly stressed).


• A pair of margarita glasses, a good bottle of tequila-and limes, of course!


• For a business traveler, a tiny blowdryer and mini sizes of all her favorite toiletries (or even the expensive ones she'd never buy for herself).


• A deluxe set of designer makeup brushes for the beauty aficionado.


• A fine linen handkerchief (for all those happy tears she'll shed at your wedding).


• A gourmet gift basket (include a tiny cookbook and all the ingredients to make a few recipes).


• Découpage a shoe box with memorabilia: old photos, ticket stubs from movies you saw together, snippets from letters. Fill it with sweets or another treat.


• Concert tix for a favorite band.


• Manicures and pedicures all around! (Great to give before the wedding.)


• A precious evening bag-and not necessarily one for the wedding.


• A subscription to a "___ of the month" club. From flowers to wine, there's one for every passion (and budget).


• Gourmet coffees or teas in a fun, jumbo-sized cup and saucer.


• A beautiful handblown vase or other artful objet.


• Lingerie (they'll never expect it).


• For a movie nut, a small collection of her favorite videos, some microwave popcorn and a video guidebook. (Don't forget the Junior Mints!)


• A lovely photo frame (or two)-and a promise for a wedding photograph of the two of you.


• Classy stationery-splurge on a monogram if there's time.


• Still stumped? How about a gift certificate for a day-spa treatment or two? It's a gift that never misses.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Coming Clean

Right now, one of the most popular bridal party gift ideas going is the beauty basket. It’s thoughtful, pretty, affordable, great-smelling and can be personalized in endless ways.

Most bath and beauty shops offer pre-packaged gift sets as well as tons of individual items that brides can mix and match. Look for bath gels, soaps, lotions, powders, potpourri, massage oil, candles, eau de toilette, hand cream and sunscreen, among lots of soothing products. What many brides really like about this pampering present is that they can customize it to their attendant’s tastes. Your maid of honor is a freesia fan? Select a boxful of items scented with their sweet smell. Got a sister who’s a good-skin fanatic? Put together a basket packed with jojoba and vitamin E.

Did we say basket? While a top choice for this gift bundle, there are lots of other imaginative "containers" you can go with. Try a hat box, fruit or vegetable crate, beach bucket, flower pot—you get the idea. Again, it’s all about personalization, so shop around. Some stores even have baskets geared just for gardeners and romantic aromatherapy kits.

And let’s not forget the men in your event. Though not nearly as extensive, grooms can also find stuff for the guys in their party. Shaving kits lead the hot-item list, followed by hair, shower and skin boosting products.

In your own city you’ll probably discover at least one "body boutique" to suit your Big-Day gift needs. Ones we like: Crabtree & Evelyn, Bath & Body Works, Aveda, Victoria’s Secret and The Body Shop.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Jewels Rule!

We gotta admit. We love the idea of giving spa certificates, basketball tickets and really good wine to wedding attendants. But the most classic of all bridal party gifts-- jewelry-- still rates way up there with us.

There's a reason great jewelry has remained such a popular gift idea over time. Lots of reasons, actually. For starters, appreciation is basically guaranteed. Who doesn't love receiving a beautiful pair of earrings or very cool cuff links. And, if you and your friends are at the age where weddings seem like a weekly event, this is the gift that will get lots of use.

Of course, if the bridesmaid look you're going for hinges on uniformity, giving them all the same pretty set of jewelry will also assure success. Even if your attendants' dresses all vary in style, identical pearl chokers can give just the right touch of unity. Also think bracelets, rings and lockets.

Grooms can get in on the act by giving cuff links that really complement a tuxedo--as well as other suits hanging up at home. The classic money clip (we like them engraved) is still a welcome accessory. And why not look into watches? Check for great deals in the months before the wedding--there are decent timepieces that won't break the budget. The bonus: Getting groomsmen to the church on time.

And don't forget any flower girls in the group. Delicate pieces of jewelry featuring a birthstone are popular with the younger set. A locket for a holding a favorite photo--perhaps one of the bride and groom for starters--is also a welcome present. And a special jewelry box (with a surprise inside?) is a must-have at this age. As for ring bearers, use the watch idea, but this time look for a digital version with a cartoon character or super hero in the design. He'll be the envy of the playground.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Delicious Gifts

Delicious Gifts

Everyone wants to give the members of their bridal party presents that won't end up in a drawer. There are lots of great gifts that both sides will love (see our archives!), but few are more useful than food and drink.

Zero in on the interests of each of your wedding members-- you may realize that one is really into fine wines, another is a chocaholic, and so on. Before you know it, a food theme may take shape. The most appreciated gifts are also those that show you put true thought into the giving. And your bridal party will love you for it.

Here are some more delectable-- and totally unique-- edible gift ideas. Most of them work well in a themed basket or bucket.

• Wine and beer. Special vintages and premium micro brews are high on the A list when it comes to wedding party presents.


• Teas and coffees. For those who prefer something more mellow, there are tons of gourmet teas and super-charged coffees out there with price tags that are gift-worthy.


• Martini or margarita sets. Very much in vogue, pitchers and the makings for these cool cocktails are perfect for parties--and you just may get invited.


• Chocolate heaven. Get the really good stuff and lots of it. Throw in hot chocolate mixes, chocolate-covered pretzels--you get the picture.


• Cooking class. Especially fun in metropolitan areas where big-name chefs often share their expertise at schools and restaurants. Friends can meet, cook and eat with some real culinary stars.


• Cookbooks. Whether they're currently wrapped up in a single cuisine or spend the weekend baking, there's a large collection of cookbooks out there to indulge any interest.


• Restaurant gift certificate. Don't know their way around a kitchen but have been to every restaurant within a 50-mile radius? Then a gift certificate (for two!) to an elegant establishment sounds ideal.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Strictly Tickets

Strictly Tickets

Looking for that one-size-fits-all, winner of a wedding party gift idea? Think tickets. They can be for one, two or an entire group. Personalize the presents by choosing different events for each attendant or invite everyone on the same outing. Either way, this is a bridal party gift sure to please both sides-- and here's a list to prove it.

• Concerts. Rock, classical, jazz, country, even opera--it's all music to our ears. From the band everyone's been waiting to hear at the big arena to that cool jazz club that's always seems to be sold out, these passes are a hit.


• Sporting events. Though the World Series and Super Bowl may be out of reach, local games, college bowls, hockey play-offs or even nine holes of golf at your town's toniest course is a great way to spend time together. (The guys might like it, too.)


• Museum events. Ah, the art of giving: If you live in or near a major city, important, temporary exhibits in it's museums often require advance ticket purchases--and costs can be right in line with gift levels.


• Movies/film festivals. How about a dozen movie gift certificates for the bridesmaids who see every one of Leonardo's films-twice? Or bestow a weeklong pass to the science fiction flick fair for the best man who's never missed a Star Trek episode.


• Stage plays--Broadway even. From top regional theater to the Great White Way (depending on your budget and location), the play can be the thing for everyone in the wedding.


• Ballet/dance. A little Swan Lake, the Nutcracker at Christmas time, or something more modern--think Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Twyla Tharp.


• Comedy clubs. Laughter's the best medicine, especially if it's wedding stress that ails you. Treat the whole gang to a great stand-up place and roll in the aisles together.


• Conventions. Is your city known for its flower show? Is the "X-Files" convention coming to your civic center? Events like these just might please the whole bridal party.


• Ski lifts. The slalom seekers in your crowd would probably appreciate lift tickets to their favorite slopes. Hot toddies, optional.


• Wine tastings. Oenophiles-- you know, wine lovers-- would jump at the chance to sample some fine vintages presented by an expert. It's a great way (for the single set) to meet people, too.


• Lectures. From cooking classes with a renowned chef to a series of chats featuring some pretty famous actors, attendance at these events can reach standing-room type numbers.


• Circus. Clowns, acrobats, elephants, the works. Some troupes are more sophisticated than others--but it's still for the kid in everyone.


• Day cruise. If there's water where you live, chances are you'll find companies who sail around the shores. This can be a tour that takes in Manhattan, a raft that roughs white water out west and everything in between.

Bridal Party Gift Ideas: Do the Spa Thing

Do the Spa Thing

Looking for that one-size-fits-all present that your bridesmaids will actually like? Go the spa route and indulge them with a gift certificate. Sounds good, but not sure what to get? Read on for a rundown of ideas.

First off, there are "away spas" and "day spas," each with an array of pampering services. If you opt for a destination spa, the experience can be completely soothing. A pre-wedding weekend getaway with the whole bridal party in tow makes a terrific group treat-- if it's in the budget.

Overnight stays at local spas can be affordable, especially if the establishment offers a wedding party package and your group is on the small side. Beyond beauty and body treatments, activities such as yoga, hiking and aerobics may also be on the schedule. Generally, everything from meals to massages are included, with the result being happy, relaxed bridesmaids and one very de-stressed bride.

However, not everyone is comfortable with constant hands-on attention. For them, day spas, where you can spend an hour or an afternoon, are good choices since they offer individualized services that can be given as gifts in any combination. Certificates are usually redeemable for up to one year so they can be used at the recipient's leisure. Costs for services vary greatly depending on where you live and the type of spa or salon you select. (And don't forget the guys: lots of places offer facials and massages just for gents.)

Here's a sampling of popular services offered at both destination and day spas around the country:

MASSAGE:
Types include Swedish, shiatsu, sports techniques and reflexology to relieve stress, soreness and tension.

FACIALS:
Deep cleansing and rejuvenating, facials feel soooo good--this gift will get you raves. Aromatherapy, herbal and fruit acid varieties are some top choices right now.

BATHS:
We all know how soothing a bath can be-- and spas have made a real splash in that department. You'll find options such as mineral soaks and hydro massages that put the power of water to work.

THE BODY:
Many treatments lavish attention on every inch of skin. Oils, sea salts, clay, seaweed, paraffin and even algae are used to slough off dead cells, polish the body and jump start circulation.

FINGERS AND TOES:
Sure, we want trimmed and polished nails for the wedding--and way beyond. But spas don't stop at expert manicures and pedicures. They often list hand and foot massages, soaks and warm paraffin treatments among their more luxe services.

Reception Style: Boat Receptions

Setting Sail: Boat Receptions

Karen's mother was dead-set against her daughter's wedding reception being held on a boat. The woman was not merely concerned, she was not simply unhappy-she thought it was a terrible idea. "All her friends' daughters had had beautiful wedding receptions at traditional places, like hotels, country clubs, and banquet facilities," Karen explains, "and she wanted me to have a similar event. Also, she was afraid it would rain. She was afraid the wedding party would get seasick. She was afraid there would be sharks! Luckily for us, my father thought the boat was a great idea, and he managed to talk her into accepting it."

The day of Karen's wedding dawned sunny and pleasant. Karen's mother boarded the yacht with a face set in grim displeasure, shaky on the high heels Karen had advised her not to wear. Four hours later, when the boat returned to the pier, the woman was in a very different mood. "She had taken off her shoes," Karen remembers, "and she was taking all the credit for having chosen a boat for the wedding reception-which was fine with me." Now, two years after Karen's wedding, her parents are planning a 30th wedding anniversary celebration-on the very same boat.

Karen believes her mother enjoyed the nautical celebration so much for a variety of reasons. "As soon as she climbed on board," Karen says, "all of her fears were laid to rest. There was no rain-and even if there had been, there was a ballroom below the deck that was just as nice as many of the traditional facilities we had visited. She realized that the deck was large and heavy enough so that no one was going to get seasick, and that even if there were sharks, they didn't pose much of a threat."

Of course, there is also the undeniable romance of a party that takes place on the water. When the boat pulls away from the dock, the wedding celebration is on its own private island. The scenery is terrific, and the cruise itself is exciting. Even a landlubber like Karen's mom could not resist such charms.

Considering a boat reception? Begin your plans by arranging to visit several different yachts and charter companies. Like traditional reception sites, boats have a variety of personalities, and no two are exactly the same. There are very modern, luxurious cruise ships that offer a sophisticated, streamlined atmosphere. And there are also historic restored riverboats and paddle wheel-powered vessels for nostalgic celebrations. For relatively small wedding receptions-and for brides and grooms who share a true sense of adventure-there are even clipper ships for a wedding celebration on a boat that actually sails.

Naturally, there are practical details to consider when hosting a wedding reception on a boat. Guests should be aware that the party will be on a boat so that they can prepare themselves by bringing along a jacket (the air is much cooler offshore), their sunglasses and shady hats, and by wearing comfortable shoes. On even the very largest cruise ships, shoes with heels are probably not the best footwear for the bride or her guests. If you feel that you must wear heels for your walk down the aisle, be sure to bring along a flat pair of shoes for the reception and dancing-ballet slippers are a great choice.

The food on the larger boats is usually similar to that of a hotel ballroom or banquet hall. Brides are usually offered several wedding packages from which to choose; they may include entertainment, flowers, and a wedding cake, as well as food and beverages. On the very smallest boats, kitchen facilities will consist of only a small galley, so food must be brought on board already prepared, which means that simple hors d'oeuvres or picnic-style fare is the best option. Some couples choose to highlight the nautical atmosphere by serving a seafood buffet, including a raw bar, of course.

Boats naturally suggest a nautical theme to the bride and groom, some of whom decide to weave the theme throughout all of the wedding details. You might let guests know from the instant they open their invitations that the wedding will be a special one by edging the invitations with gold anchors and printing the type in navy blue ink. Instead of sugar flowers on the wedding cake, ask if your baker can design sugar seashells. And choose favors that also reflect the nautical theme: Present each guest with a box of four perfect chocolate shells, a tiny ship in a bottle, or even a rubber duck.

Wedding Toast Tips

No wedding party is ever complete without the traditional toast to the bride and groom. Unfortunately, many of us are not the best public speakers. If hundreds of eyes should fall upon you for words of wisdom and congratulations, don't "uuuummmm..... aaaaahhhh....." and "well....," your way through the special moment.

Champagne toasts are cherished highlights and definitely merit special though. According to the experts, a toast is the perfect opportunity to express thoughtful sentiments that all too often go unsaid. With the following tips from Martini & Rossi, producers of the world famous Asti Spumante and Martini & Rossi Brut, your message will come through loud and clear - and, most importantly, from the heart:

• Think about what makes the bride and groom so special as individuals and as a couple;
• If you could make one wish of happiness for the couple, what would it be?
• Speak to other friends and relatives of the couple, get their input;
• Think about what the main message of your toast should be (love, commitment, relationships, etc.);
• Touch on a specific experience you have shared with the couple;
• Practice reciting the toast several times before the big day.

If you heed these few simple tips, toasting the newlyweds should be a joyful and memorable experience for all of the guests. Remember, too, that a toast should always end on an optimistic note - everyone should be able to look at the future with love in their hearts!

Flowers: Fresh Ideas

In this age of nontraditional weddings, one constant remains: flowers. Vivid, fragrant, exploding with color and fragrance, the flowers a bride carries and decorates with make as unique a statement as her wedding dress. They show off your personality, and make your wedding the memorable occasion you always wanted it to be.

It follows then that selecting flowers is an important task. With so many varieties to choose from, the decision-making process will no doubt be extensive. Still, if you keep in mind the overall theme and style of your wedding, the perfect flowers will jump out at you. Don't skimp on floral decorations, for these make your wedding uniquely "you."

Before you even speak to a florist, do your homework. Peruse flower books and bridal magazines to find types and arrangements that appeal to you -- and involve your fiance in these decisions.

At least two months before your wedding, call your florist to arrange a consultation. Look for trained professionals who specialize in weddings, and make sure that you speak directly to the person who will be creating your arrangements rather than one who is just taking your order.

When choosing a florist, you will need to ask certain questions. Find out when the flowers will be delivered, and if there is an extra charge for this service. Also find out how involved the florist will be at the ceremony reception site -- will he or she stay to arrange the flowers and light candles, or just drop off the flowers and leave? Will the florist transfer the arrangements to the reception site after the ceremony?

When you go for your initial consultation, bring pictures of flowers and arrangements you like, as well as a picture and swatch of your bridal gown. This will allow the florist to create a bridal bouquet that will complement instead of compete with your dress. Also bring a picture of the bridesmaids' dresses for this same purpose.

Before you and your florist even discuss flowers, you should visit the ceremony and reception sites together. If you can obtain floor plans, this would be a big help to your floral designer. Also at this time, find out about any decorating restrictions at either of these places. For example, many churches do not allow anything to be placed on the altar or pews.

Ask the officiant what time your florist is able to get into the church to set up before the ceremony. Don't forget to measure the aisle length so that your florist can supply the correct length of runner. Once these details are taken care of, you can begin to select your wedding flowers.

One rule of thumb in this endeavor: whichever varieties of flowers you choose, it is best to consider in-season flowers since these are cheapest and easiest to get in mass amounts.

Other than that, the choice is up to you. Brides are no longer relegated to carrying bouquets of white flowers and ferns, and there are many other beautiful options besides roses that will bring individuality to your decor. Many couples are after tradition, but don't limit yourself to only common flowers. With such a variety to choose from, your own personal tastes should be the greatest indicator.

Now you must coordinate your florists' services with those of the other vendors to create a unity in your decor. Many florists will be willing to work with caterers and cake bakers to provide decorations for the buffet table and cake table. Flowers on the cake, knife, goblets, and hors d'oeuvre trays are elegant details that can really make a difference. Centerpieces on the guest tables are decorative musts that can double as party favors when the night is through. One suggestion in determining this is that the guest at each table with the closest birthday has the honor of taking home their centerpiece.

Another way you can use flowers is as a "thank you" for each wedding participant. A corsage or boutonniere is a nice token of appreciation for the organist, soloist, guest book attendant, scripture reader, and anyone else participating in your wedding.

Also, mothers and grandmothers always receive corsages, and fathers and grandfathers boutonnieres. The groomsmen's boutonnieres should match the bridesmaids' bouquets, and the groom's boutonniere should consist of flowers used in the bride's bouquet.

These simple guidelines provide the background you need to create elegant and beautiful floral decorations for your wedding. Your florist is knowledgeable and has many terrific ideas, but your desires should be considered first. If you can communicate your ideas well, the wedding of your dreams will only be enhanced by the vibrant beauty of your flowers. The fresh radiance they bring to your wedding symbolizes your wonderful new union -- and the variety of flowers allows you to convey the uniqueness of your marriage.

Fun Favor Ideas

Personalized Pens
From Michelle

We used pens in our wedding colors( yellow and white ). They each said" This day I married my best friend" and also had our names and dates engraved on each. We placed them in a decorated basket next to the guestbook for each guest to use to sign and keep. We wanted something people could keep to remind them of our wonderful day. They were very inexpensive also. About $45 for 200. We have been married 2 months now and I'm seeing friends and family using the pens,so not only are they a reminder but they are also useful!

Brandy Sniffers
From Melissa

Most of the wedding is pretty original. I had the hardest time finding a centerpiece that was original and that was affordable. Here's my solution! I'm going to take a Brandy Sniffer, and put randomly colored sea glass (you could also use the colors of your wedding) filling the bottom of the Brandy Sniffer about an inch, filling it with water and putting a Siamese Fitting fish in each glass. Each centerpiece will cost about $9.00. It's original, fairly inexpensive, and you get a fish! Not to mention that the fish are very easy to care for and can live in the Brandy Sniffer forever if that's what the guest who takes it home chooses to do! I have only heard of this being done in about 3 other instances.

Handmade Paper Fans
From Anonymous

Because our wedding is in the backyard of our home during summer's day, I constructed lovely handmade paper fans with leaves and rose petals imbedded in them for the ladies. I tied the fans with green raffia and inserted a small silk rose at the top of the tied area. Each fan has a strand of raffia with a small sage green card at the end with our names, the date, and a tiny border of vines in olive ink which I ran off on my computer. The ink looks a bit like gold. The cards were cut out with a scalloped edge scissors. For the men I copped out-- They look wonderful. They'll get filled with candy or nuts. I have a six-year-old ring bearer who is going to pass them out to the guests as they arrive, then ask them to sign the guest mat and have their picture taken.

Blown-Glass Bonbons
From Anonymous

We really liked the colorful look of blown-glass bonbons (candies) and wanted to incorporate this as a wedding favor. We used tied 2 together with fine silver thread/ribbon and used them as napkin holders. Everyone loved them and will use them as ornaments on their Xmas tree or as decorations on a candy dish.

Pound of Cats
From Anonymous

I ordered a "Pound of Cats" from the Archie McPhee catalog. It's a pound of small plastic cats (5 styles), and we're going to wrap each one in tulle with a chocolate kiss. When my fiancé and I marry, we'll have five cats in our house! The kids in attendance can play with them, and toy cat favors certainly are memorable.

Little Bears
From Karen

I hunted quite a bit to find nice, inexpensive favors. I wanted something different than the traditional almonds, and something that (maybe) wouldn't get thrown out right away. I finally came across small (about 3" sitting) jointed teddy bears at the local craft store. They were very cute, plush, moveable, and on sale for $1 each! There were several different styles, so I got a shopping cart and filled it up! Each bear got a personalized ribbon, and some curly ribbon to match the wedding colors. We got one for each guest, and plan on having them hold the matchbooks.

Salt & Pepper Shakers
From Michelle

For my bridal shower, we bought 150 acrylic salt & pepper grinders, one for each woman. Dolled each grinder up with the most extravagant white ribbon and a card reciting "Showers of Happiness, Michelle & Andy". They were so incredible elegant at each place setting at the shower, not to mention how useful they will be for each guest later!

Fake Wedding Cake
From Anonymous

We are getting married in a special ceremony and will be taking our vows with 9 other couples. I have chosen to make my own favors and will actually be making two little figures (bride and groom) on top of a fake wedding cake. I am actually spending about $2.00 a piece. The "cake" is made up of three layers of foam flowers. I have hot glued a white and gold ribbon and gold pearl beads around each layer which act as the cake decorations. At the top of course are the bride and groom and a ribbon with our names and date of our wedding.

Charity Donation
From Anonymous

This idea came from my future sister-in-law, we are going to make a donation to "The American Cancer Association" in the names of all of our guests in memory of my fiancé's father, who passed away from Cancer 6 years ago. We thought about this for a long time and instead of giving out something that someone might just put away in the kitchen cabinet we would make a useful donation of what we would have spent on favors ($500).

Personalized Mugs
From Debbie

I gave great thought into what type of favors I wanted each of our guest to receive at our August 1999 wedding. I wanted them to be unique - not just candy, which would be eaten, and then be gone. So, we decided on personalized mugs. The mugs will be in White, with our names, date of our wedding, and 2 intertwined hearts all in our color theme. The mugs, although not inexpensive, are only about $3.50 each. Since our wedding is fairly small, we are able to order them in a 1/2 gross (72 pieces). I will put some white mints in white tulle tied with white ribbon into each mug, and then have them in some nice cellophane bags that I saw. They will be sitting at each place setting. We are also giving a Thank-You scroll to each guest. The scroll will be tied with white ribbon, and each scroll will have a heart-shaped seating place card attached to it, and they will lay across each place-setting. I've done all the tulle favors myself, picked up a large bag of mints & ribbon at the department store, and ordered tulle with my invitations - they were easy, and fun to do. I also did all the Thank-You scrolls on my computer - I went to a business supply store, bought some fancy flowered computer paper, spent most of my time deciding on the appropriate font, and printed them up in no time - they look great!

Handcrafted Soap
From Jacqueline

For our favors we're doing something unique, at last for the women guests. A girlfriend of mine makes handcrafted soap. Together, we have picked out a fragrance for my wedding. We're mixing vanilla & jasmine oils together. It smells heavenly! We're going to make small heart shaped soaps for my female guests. Something that they can use and hopefully the smell will remind them of our wedding day. Of course they will be wrapped in two shades of tulle (ivory & hunter green are my wedding colors) and tied with a personalized ribbon. The cost for them is about $2.00 each for everything! For the men(can't leave them out) my fiancée is known for loving a certain type of candy, sooooo he'll be passing out his candy to the men & kids. Also, for the kids we're thinking about doing a transparent soap with a toy in it. To incorporate the smell, I will be wearing a homemade perfume that has Vanilla and Jasmine in it.

Pez Dispensers
From Julie

My fiancé and I are giving our wedding guests various Pez dispensers (complete with candy). We both loved Pez growing up, and I saw on the news recently about the resurgence of interest in kids toys. Plus, we thought it would add a bit of fun to the reception when everyone gets to look and see what Pez dispensers others got.

Heart Shaped Cookie Cutters
From Melissa

My fiancé and I have chosen to give our guests heart shaped cookie cutters inscribed with our name and date on a recipe card for traditional sugar cookies. We have to assemble them with ribbon. Also inscribed is "truly cut out for each other". I thought this was a unique favor that I have not seen before. The cost is about $1.50 with cards, cutters, and ribbon included. Pretty good price for something the guests can actually use.

Water Globes
From Melora T.

At old Navy, they have water globes with snow in them. You can insert a picture and put something else on the backside. We are going to pick out a nice picture of the two of us and then put our date on the backside. They are 5.00 each, but over the summer Old Navy runs a sale and you can get them buy one get one free....

Sun Catchers
From Renee'

For our wedding, Michael and I are giving each guest a sun catcher.. Each suncatcher has a moon and 4 stars on it. Wrapped in each box is the attached note: Legend says that if you make a wish upon a star your dreams will come true. May the stars shine down upon you so that you too may find your dreams. Thank you for sharing in our special dream!!We spent 1.50 per sun catcher.

Zarape!
From Paloma

Jose and I spent a lot of time planning our wedding favors because we wanted them to go along with our wedding theme that is, "Jalisco." This is the state in Mexico where both our mother's are from. Our favors include, a small multicolored zarape, ribbon reading ("Paloma & Jose, Nuestra Boda 5-8"), a small white ribbon rose, a little terra cota cup or bowl, and a clear plastic base to set every item on. We used a glue gun and started from the bottom up. First, place the small 1" round base face down, gather the little zarape around the center and twist the small white rose stem around the center and glue it onto the plastic base so that the zarape stands up like butterfly wings. Glue the little terra cota bowl or cup directly in front of the propped up zarape and adjust the rose so that is complements the cups holder edge of bowl. Glue the ribbon in bow shape adjacent to the terra cota bowl/cup. The little Jalisco favor should stand up nicely with a personalize bow in front. It looks fabulous and with the help of Jose's mother, we've made 300 (one for each couple or family attending).


Embroidered Quilt Coasters
From Michelle,

My future Mother-In-Law spends her free time making heirloom quilts for her family and as gifts. She is making us quilted coaster squares for favors, 2 per guest. We purchased ribbons with our name and date on them to wrap each pair in. Very personal and different. Lets hope they go over well with our guests

Favorite Poems & Sayings
From Carol & Larry

We are printing (using our printer) small booklets with our favorite sayings and poems in it. We also plan to put the names of our wedding party, any special thank you's we have and our program of the ceremony. We will put our names and wedding date on the cover of the booklet. The ushers will hand these out to our guests as they arrive for our wedding. We will make extras and mail them to out of town guest that weren't able to be with us.

Minature Oil Lamps
Andrea & Todd Campbell, Ottawa, Canada

We are having two types of favors at our wedding. For the ladies, I found these little glass oil lamps (which will match the centerpieces) for $1! A steal! We'll decorate them with ribbon and a tiny flower to make a very pretty gift

Chinese Take-Out
From Jeff & Debbie, Los Angeles, CA

We are having a Chinese reception, complete with the traditional 10-course meal, in Chinatown. For the favors, we're using tiny Chinese take-out boxes we were able to buy at Smart and Final (a food service supply store). We bought 200 boxes for $16. We'll tie a ribbon with our names and the date on it to the handle and fill the boxes with red paper (construction paper fed through a shredder at work). Nested in the paper will be a fortune cookie we're baking ourselves and then dipping in chocolate. Our names and the date will be the fortune. Total cost should be about $.50 per person.

Hearts
From Jill Batey

My daughter just got married this past weekend (March 6) and I did most of the party favors myself, except of course for the matchbooks, match boxes, etc. I molded white chocolate into heart shapes, put 2 in a plastic bag and tied with a ribbon, put a plastic spoon (in the wedding color) with 2 Hershey kisses in a bag tied with a ribbon and with a saying: a spoonful of love, a couple of kisses, Mike & Casey are now Mr. and Mrs. (that was a favorite) and also bookmarks that I made on my computer. I also decorated heart shaped paper mache boxes with colorful fabrics the color of the wedding and used as centerpieces, people were fighting over them! They also held all the party favors. A lot of work, but also a lot of fun. The most expensive was of course the boxes, because the material cost more than anything else. Probably spent about $50, candy was very inexpensive as was the spoons because I bought them at an outlet party store.

Cold Day in...
From David & Wanda Burnell

My daughter is getting married in April of 2000. Before her and her fiancé ever met, they both had told their friends that it would be a cold day in "hell" before "I'll" get married. So, my sister is creating ceramic icicles - one for each guest with a ribbon attached with the bride and groom's name and wedding date. Then each Christmas, all their friends and family will think of them when using the icicles to decorate their trees.

Spice up your life...
From Julia Nucci, Plymouth, Michigan

My fiancé and I found wonderful 3-inch glass spice bottles at Crate and Barrel for $.60 apiece, and we're filling them with candy and tying them with satin ribbon to match our wedding colors. On the top of each cork, I'll write a message thanking our guests for being with us. The total cost of each favor (includes bottles, affray ribbon [3 spools for $.99], candy, marker) is $1.10.

Fabric Covered Hatboxes & Champagne Bubbles
From Allyson, Canada

My fiancé and I made the attached favors for the women (fabric covered hat boxes, about 2.5 inches across) and will fill them with the traditional candy-covered almonds. They cost about $2.85 CAD each. For the children, we bought champagne bubbles and will attach almonds in tulle to them. They cost about $1.15 CAD each. For the men, we will make seed packets and (again) attach almonds in tulle. They will probably cost about $1.15 also.

Rolled Bees wax Candles & Winnie the Pooh
From Christina & Steve,

We are making rolled bees wax candles. They will be wrapped in paper and have a Winy the Pooh sticker on each one. We are also having tulle wrapped love hearts with the little sayings so everyone gets something to nibble. I though of the candles because my MOH is very crafty and made them to sell at a craft fair one year. The Pooh stickers are to add something cute (Steve & I both love Winnie the Pooh) I believe it will only cost about 1 to 3 dollars as my MOH gets things at a wholesale price.

Personalized Keychains
From Mary Lynn & Curtis, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

We are having keychains made. On one side will be a double heart with our names, and on the other will be the date. The key chains will be made out of hard blue plastic, and the writing will be engraved, and show up white (I think the plastic is white with blue coating). A friend of ours is making them, so I think we are paying .75 to 1.00 Canadian for each. We are also having a lot of kids at the wedding, so planned on having a piñata (sp?). I would like to come up with a kids favor to put in their, but we will see

Charity Donation
From Kimberley & Mark, Stockbride, MA

We decided to make a donation to charity in lieu of favors. We're thinking something between $1 and $2 per guest to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital. St. Jude was my grandmother's patron saint, so it's also in honor of her. It's just our opinion, but we thought this would be more meaningful and useful than a "trinket."

Hearts in Glass
From Rebecca

I am getting married in September 1999 and my theme is hearts. My colors are red, white and silver. I have found a local artist who does stained glass and she is making me 275 hearts in red glass, textured clear glass and shiny white ones all trimmed in silver! They were $1 each so I couldn't beat it!

Marbleized Christmas Ornaments
From Melissa

Since ours is so close to Christmas (Dec. 17) we're making marbleized Christmas ornaments -- the ones where you start with a plain glass ornament and use 2 or 3 different shades of paint dripped into the inside and swirl it around. They turn out very pretty so if anyone wants directions, let me know! We're getting ribbons printed with our names and date to tie onto the ornament. We figured that way they would have something of our wedding on there, but if people want to take it off before they hang it on their tree, they can! I'm not sure how much they're going to cost yet, but it shouldn't be over $2 each.

Picture Frame Placecards
From Jennifer & Andrew

We've purchased wallet size picture frames for $3.75 each. We are then going to digitally scan our engagement picture and have each persons name and table number placed at the bottom of the picture. My father is in the photography business, so we're lucky in that the digital aspect isn't going to cost us anything. We're thinking of also getting some little Hershey's miniatures and using the personalized wrappers. These we would just scatter around the centerpieces on each table.

Botanical Greeting Cards
From Katie

I'm going to be using some of the "Garden Greeting" cards as "reverse place cards". (I'm doing a buffet brunch with no formal seating chart, but I want people to be able to pick up their cards as they walk in and use them to mark where they're sitting, so other people can choose seats accordingly.) The cool thing about these cards is that they have wildflower seeds mixed into the pulp, so people can take the cards home and PLANT them! I'll have to come up with some sappy verse to put on the card as a 'thanks for coming' message - something about love growing like the flowers, or vice versa. =) A package of five blank cards with machine-made envelopes runs about $12 US, so it ends up being about $2.50 a favour. But again, they're doing double duty, and I think the sheer novelty of it will make them go over well. I picked them out because wildflowers are going to be the major floral decoration at my wedding (it's a medieval theme), and because I couldn't come up with any medieval-ish favours that didn't look totally cheesy.

Watering Cans
From Dawn & Michael

Originally, Michael and I weren't going to do favors, but his aunt offered to do the favors for us since she's very 'crafty' and enjoys making things herself. So, since we're having the reception in a barn, she bought small galvanized watering cans from the Oriental Trading Company ... and is going to wrap candy inside tulle and place them inside the can. In order to save her money, though, we decided that we would only pass these out to the women at the wedding (I don't think men would care either way ;) -- I didn't want her to have to pay for 200 favors.

Christmas Ornaments & Stockings
From Heather & Graham

We are using blown glass heart shaped Christmas ornaments for the obvious reasons :o). We are attaching a ribbon with our names and date on the heart also. And we are attaching the same type of ribbon we are using for our names in the hole for hanging. We were also thinking of handing them out in little red Christmas stockings (you know the real tiny ones) with some kisses. Either that or little boxes wrapped in Christmas paper. That is still in the works. We will also be handing out the little wedding bells to our guests. But for the ornaments and stocking w/ candy (that's what I am leaning towards) will be about $2 ea (I think).

Handmade Little Ring Bearer Pillows
From Sheila, 5-29, Vancouver, Canada

They are little ring bearer pillows. I wanted to do something a little different, and since I sew wanted to use my talent to create something different. I am giving one to each female guest. Half of the pillows I made have pink ribbons, and the other half have blue. They will have a nice scent to them too. I haven't picked out the scent yet but will be a nice little thing to hang in a closet or put in a lingerie drawer. They cost a little more the a dollar CAD. I finished them with confetti ribbons printed in blue.

Engraved Champagne Flutes
From Ande & Rob

We are giving away champagne flutes with our monogram and the date etched into them. They will be about $5 each. I have a friend who is a graphic designer who helped me design the monogram/ logo. It will also go on the ceremony programs, placecards and thank you notes. My fiancé chose the favors- he thought it was a cool idea, and we wanted something unique.

Twist Style Pens
From Gina & Nick, 5-1, San Jose, California

We purchased nice, metal twist style pens. They are navy, and have our names and the date along with a little sun in gold on them. They were about $1.50 each, I think they were a bit cheaper as the quantity went up. I was adamant about not getting something that people would just throw away or that would just collect dust (oh, the guilt I felt when 1 1/2 years later I threw away my MOH's favors... they were adorable white heart shaped boxes, with their names and the date on ribbon, with two rings and two doves sitting on them with a dove chocolate inside. Man were they dirty and dusty!!). We've gotten a lot of positive feedback about the pens - although one individual told me that it was a wedding not a bank grand opening... I imagine someone a few months after the wedding digging around in a purse or a glove compartment, pulling out my wedding pen, thinking, how convenient, thank goodness I threw this in there, what a great time that wedding was, Nick and Gina are so cool!

Dover Thrift Classic Books
From Rhiannon and Jim

We are giving Dover Thrift Classic books. They are around 80 cents a piece. We will put a sticker type bookplate in them that say something like "From the wedding of Rhiannon and Jim" with the date, then maybe wrap them with a pretty ribbon. We are also thinking of giving guests a small box of chocolates or fortune cookies. We'd like to do the fortune cookies, but aren't sure how expensive they'd be. We chose the books, because we both love to read and thought it would be appreciated by a lot of my English student friends. Also, the first time we met the conversation took off when we both discovered we loved medieval literature. We like the fortune cookie idea because the subject of marriage first came up when we both got the same fortune at a Chinese restaurant. It said: "You have a strong desire for a home and your family comes first".

Little Box Placecards
From Melissa

We're using little boxes as place cards. I will put (using handy gluestick) a little message from us thanking the guests for making our day special on the inside of the lid. I will put green (wedding color) tissue paper in the bottom of the small box and then will fill it with Hershey kisses. Flowers seem to be an okay gift for many occasions, why not for a wedding favor? I really want to do this, but I'm just not sure... I was thinking of putting a daisy at each guest's place setting with a tag saying "He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, WE TIED THE KNOT!" with our names and wedding date. This will serve as both a decoration and it will be like we're giving each guest a flower, and I love daisies!

Bubbles & Bells Favor Ideas

Sachets & Bells

For wedding favors, we've decided to give silver wedding bells with personalized ribbon, personalized miniature chocolates (about $2/guest) , rosemary sachets & placecards which symbolize fidelity and remembrance (about $1.25/guest)...and my favorite...wine glasses. Since we decided to buy local wine for reception, and luckily bought 72 classic style wine glasses for $45.00. They best time to find great deals is around inventory time (usually Jan and July). I'll decorate the glasses in a simple way to coordinate with the centerpieces, with some 1" lace or beading around the top of the glass with a tiny rose. Not only can we provide real wine glasses to use with the local wine, but our guests can take them home and remember use every time they toast each other !!

Jordan Almonds & Bells
From Amy

We're having five Jordan almonds wrapped in tulle circles tied with personalized ribbons of our names and wedding date. Also tied to the ribbon is a small card with one of about 10 different quotes from children about love and marriage (I saw these circulated via e-mail a year or two ago and thought they'd be fun to include). The quotes are things like "Love is great, but baseball's pretty good, too." The other thing we're doing is having small brass bells on the tables for people to ring in order to make us kiss. These will also have the ribbon tied at the top with a small poem about the reason for the bells on the tables. There aren't enough for everyone to have one (about 60 bells for 100 guests), but those who want to take them home may do so.

Bells, Wildflower Seeds, and a Brass Watering Can
From Kiwi

As we leave the church I have heavy cardstock die-cut hearts with two jingle bells tied on with ribbon with the phrase "As the bride and groom depart, ring the bells with all your heart" calligraphied, for all the guests to ring as we leave. At the reception I have little decorated envelopes of wildflower seed for each guest (will attach a phrase of some sort eventually) and also candied almonds for each guest wrapped in tulle to symbolize the bitterness and sweetness of life. The seeds ties into the whole thing because my wedding is on mayday and my centerpieces are brass watering cans filled with silky and little cream flowers. (I also have a miniature brass watering can for the top of the cake filled with flowers). The cost of the bell things: $12 (180 medium size bells - already had the cardstock - $.33 for a spool of ribbon) - Cost of seed things: $15 (Seed $2.5 a lb envelopes $5) - Cost of the almond things: $30 (tulle $3 - almonds $27)

Fabric Covered Hatboxes & Champagne Bubbles
From Allyson, Canada

My fiancé and I made the attached favors for the women (fabric covered hat boxes, about 2.5 inches across) and will fill them with the traditional candy-covered almonds. They cost about $2.85 CAD each. For the children, we bought champagne bubbles and will attach almonds in tulle to them. They cost about $1.15 CAD each. For the men, we will make seed packets and (again) attach almonds in tulle. They will probably cost about $1.15 also.

Bubbles, Frames & Gourmet Candy Apples
From Julie C

I'm doing 3 things: bubbles for the ceremony, frames for place cards, and gourmet candy apples! We are spending about 25 cents for the bubbles (including a new personalized label and a tag for what it's for, the frames with patterns of falling leaves are $1.50 each and I'm making the place cards myself, the apples I might buy if they can give me a deal in bulk...if it's over $3 each, I'm going to make them myself and then wrap them in cellophane with golden leaf designs and tie them burgundy and gold ribbons with a tag with our names. I have most of these things on sale! I choose bubbles since I don't want to worry about the cleanup of anything thrown, the frames and apples go with my autumn theme. The labels I'm making on the computer, the tags as well but will cut them with a paper cutter and then edge and shape them with a paper edger to look like a leaf and I'll use a leaf punch for the hole to string the tag to the bubbles and the apples. The apples are easy to make: I'd buy the huge red apples, dip them in melted caramel and then leave some plain, roll some in nuts, and drizzle some with chocolate.

Bubbles & Pumpkin Baskets
From Aimee & Brian, 10-17

We had undecorated bubbles, added a address label w/our name and date on them, wrapped a gold ribbon around the neck of the bottle and a small rose it the middle of the ribbon. The gold ribbon matched the address labels gold foil and roses. Bubbles at the time were $6 a box of 24, about 6 boxes, ribbon was 4.00 a spool 2spools. Roses were .99 a pack of 24, about 6 packs. Labels were 6.00 for 150. Glass slippers w/white circles tulle thingies w/candy almonds in them. Glass slipper were 45.00 for 150, circles were 1 something a pack 4 packs. Almonds were 1 something a pack, six packs. Pumpkin baskets were thought of on the whim, we were in the mall and saw whicker pumpkins and we bought one for each table at the dollar store, so you know how much that cost, and filled w/ Hershey's assorted chocolate bar minis in their autumn colors. 1 something at the commissary/military grocery store

Chocolate & Bubbles
From Vanessa & Chris, 8-14, Eagan, Minnesota

After changing my mind about a zillion times, I decided to give chocolates and bubbles. I couldn't decide which favor to do, so I'm doing both. I wanted to also have matchbooks until my MOH pointed out that it seems kind of silly to give out matchbooks when the banquet room is non-smoking! For the chocolates, I'm wrapping up 2 Dove Promises, 2 Nestle Treasures, 2 each of Hershey's Hugs and Kisses in green tulle and tying them with a white personalized ribbon printed in gold (or a gold ribbon printed in white if I can find them that way instead) and with a little card attached. The card will say something to the effect of how that today they witnessed us "promise" to "treasure" one another and "hugs" and "kisses" from us both. I haven't worked out the exact wording yet, though. Depending on how much I have to pay for the chocolates (I'm buying them in bulk from Sam's Club) it works out to be around $1 or so per favor. I'm a TOTAL chocoholic and this favor won't be tossed out and forgotten, just eaten! The bubbles will be wrapped in green tulle and tied with a personalized ribbon with an attached card, too. I would like our guests to blow bubbles during our first dance so the card will say something to that effect. The bubbles work out to be less than $1 each.

Sport, Theme & Hobby Favor Ideas

Snow Globes

Due to obligations with our jobs and other family and friends wedding schedules, we decided to marry near the end of January. As I sit at home writing this with our second blizzard this week (355 days until my wedding-same time next year) I think it's perfect what we chose for a favor/place card. Snow Globes, with the guests name and table setting inserted in the middle. On the other side, a personal note from my fiance and myself thanking them for their support and wishing them love. The internet enabled us to find small plastic globes for about $2.50 a piece. The guests can take the Snow Globes home and insert pictures of their own as a keepsake. Perfect, especially if it snows next year too!

Santa's Toy Sack

I have purchased a few meters of pre-starched fabric which I am going to wet and shape into tiny sacks. (like Santa's toy sack) When they dry my MOH and I are going to paint them the color of the bridesmaids dresses (Navy blue) tie a piece of cording around them and fill them with mints in tulle. Along with that we are having tiny terra cotta pots painted Navy on the outside and either Gold or Ivory on the inside and fill them with flower seeds wrapped in tulle.

News Story

I am a writer, so I am writing a single page newsletter, Our Wedding Times, for the guests. It will have a brief "editorial" thanking everyone for attending, a "news story" detailing the story of my fiance and I, a "This Day in History" section which lists memorable events in history, music and sports which occurred on the same day as our wedding, a "Horoscope" section, giving a romance horoscope for every sign and a "Feature" section giving odd bits of wedding trivia such as how certain traditions came to be. I'll print these out on my computer, roll them up scroll style and slip a dime-store wedding band around each one. They'll be placed at all the tables for the guests at the reception.

Lake Superior

Jay and I are getting married in august 2000. We are having an outdoor reception off of Lake Superior. Our tables are going to be named after bays and harbors around the lake, with the head table being 'Lake Superior'. The tables names will be written on heavy paper that will be held in place with a large lake rock that we are having scored on top to hold the paper upright. In order to incorporate more of this theme, the place cards are going to be small, flat, smooth rocks with people's names written on each using a silver paint pen. Fortunately these place cards and table names cost nothing except the paint pen and some paper!!! The look of the wedding is simple, casual and elegent.

Hockey Pucks

We are using hockey pucks. we got engagment pictures done and we are putting one of the pictures on the pucks. our guests can use them as paper wieghts or just as a keepsake. i forgot to let you know how much we are spending on each puck approx. 3.00 per puck. we chose pucks because we are big hockey fans. we have a wedding consultant and with her and our phohtgraphers help they should turn out great.she thought it was an awesome idea. thanks for taking the time to share in our ideas.

Fish Hooks

My beau and I have talked about giving large "good luck" fish hooks. Eagle Claw I think they're called. He is an AVID fisherman and has even got me to enjoy wading a river looking for these slippery things! I have thought about attaching personalized ribbon that says "catch of a lifetime" with our names on it. No one will have to guess why we chose these as favors! They guys can wear them on their ball caps and the ladies can put them in their cars on the visor for good luck. It's a different idea and will go with my other ideas of having fishing creels w/ gummy fish and worms in it to munch on during the reception. I really like the idea of having both of our "tastes" reflecting on our special day b/c every other frilly thing will certainly be my idea!! I think they are only about a dollar a piece, plus the expense for the ribbon and I can buy them just about anywhere.

Court Jester
From Carolyn, Montana

Our favors are going to be jesters on a stick. I will be making them so that they can be spun between your hands and bells on the collars will ring. A good time to kiss, don't you think. Each jester will have an attached "Thank you" for sharing our special day. "Laugh Often". My fiance is a real jokester. He is always making someone laugh. I felt it only appropriate to put these jesters on each table to reflect Jerry's sense of humor. I found clown heads that are used on birthday cakes, and I will make the three pointed jester hat and attach it with beads on each point. Then a gold ribbon with the bells and the thankyou note will hang from his collar. Glue the head to a six inch dowel and you are set

Cinderella

Well for my daughters wedding shower her theme was Cinderella so I thought I would stay with the theme. I took little plastic pumpkins and inside I put miniature mantel clocks and then decorated the outside with leaves and ribbon. I attached a little note that had the bride and grooms name on it and said thanks for sharing your time with us. Then on each table in the middle I was able to get pumpkin candle coaches. I put a mirror under the coaches so the light from the candle would flicker off the mirror, I sprinkled confetti leaves around on the table. Around the room I put pumpkins of all sorts some decorated with fall flowers and others just pumpkins. It looks so nice and since she is getting married in the fall it took both themes fall and Cinderella. On the tables I found pumpkin candy dishes and filled them with candy and peanuts for everyone to nibble on. Hope you get some more good ideas

Chocolate Golf Balls
From Becky C

We gave out chocolate golf balls to each guest. I placed a golf ball (wrapped in silvery/while foil with dimples on it) on blue Easter grass, inside a square plastic box (with gold hearts all over it), along with 2 tees with our names and date on them. The boxes came shipped in a plastic bag type wrap, then I tied them together with a blue ribbon with our names and date on that as well. They were a hit! Each guest thought this was a great idea. My husband and I are both avid golfers, hence we had our reception at a local country club. In addition, my shower was held at a country club as well.

Bird Houses

From Allan & Christine, Aurora, Ontario Canada I really wanted something different for favors and centerpieces. I wanted to use the theme that the marriage isn't about the wedding day itself but a lifetime of up's and down's. ( yes, I'm a social worker! ) So I had planned to make bird houses as replicas of different places included in a village, church, corner store doctor's office...ect. The idea of, it takes a village to raise a child. However, I stumbled upon these bird houses at a local warehouse sale for only five dollars each (Canadian). Instead of candles I have bought small mini lights to decorate the edges of the roof. As favours I am having, you guessed it bird seed to be gently tossed at us outside of the museum we are being married at and tiny white doves adorn hand made he and she are married hershey bars.

Chocolate Dog Bones
From Christine and Steve, Minnetonka, MN

We are both animal lovers, as all of our family and friends who are coming to our wedding know, and share our home with quite a few pets, including 3 dogs, one of whom we adopted from a rescue operation. We decided that we would make chocolate dog bones, from a candy mold and melted chocolate from Michaels craft shop. We will decorate these with a ribbon, and tag which will indicate that we have made a donation in memory of all of our loved ones who are sharing our special day with us to the Canine Rescue operation which we adopted our dog Sabrina from, so that they may help other abandoned and abused animals find loving homes. We will either have these at each place at the tables, or may have them in a basket by our guest book.


Christmas Ornaments
From Sharon

We are having a Christmas wedding and the favors were very hard to decide on because there is so much you can do for holidays, but we decided we are going to take Christmas ornaments and put our names and date of wedding on them with gold stickers. I am getting married on October 23, 1999. I am going to make 400 long stem chocolate roses to give out as favors. To do this I am buying the candy molds and melting chocolate wafers and pouring it into the mold and inserting long lollipop sticks in to the chocolate. After all are made I am going to wrap each one is a small bag and make an arrangement with them in a basket.

Golf Tees
From Jackie Hicks

My fiancé and I are having golf tee sets made up with our name and wedding date on them. They look like a matchbook and have 4 tees and a ball marker in it. We are both avid golfers and our reception is at a country club so we thought that would be a little different!!!

Golf Balls
Andrea & Todd Campbell, Ottawa, Canada

We are wrapping up golf balls and golf tees with our names and wedding date engraved, tied with the Campbell tartan ribbon. Todd and his family are avid golfers, and this favor will also tie into the Scottish theme of our wedding (the guys are wearing kilts and all)!

Book-like Favors
From Kathy & Bill, 5-22

We purchased favor boxes that sort of look like little books. They have a top that opens up like the cover of a book to reveal the opening in the box. By the "binding" of the book, we put a navy ribbon personalized with our names and date in gold. To hold the "cover" of the book closed, we used a small light yellow satin rose. We are going to print the guests name and table number on a clear address label and put it on the front of the box to look like the "title". Inside the box will be personalized candy conversation hearts. They will say "Kathy Loves Bill", "Bill Loves Kathy", "May 22nd 1999", "DBmahn and DBmaan" (nicknames of sorts) and "Lady and Chubbs" (our "children" - (pets)). We chose books because we sell books on the internet off our own web page and on eBay. It is our side business. The cost of the boxes, ribbon, roses and candy is about $2.50-$3.00 each.

Political Buttons
From Angela & Chad, 3-11-2000, Shreveport, Louisiana

We are using elephants for the theme at our reception and we are both into GOP politics so for the favours we are making "political" buttons. They will have both of our pictures and our wedding date on them. I think we will probably make them into magnets because nobody will really wear a button. As far as cost, I am not sure yet. We are making them ourselves.

Chocolate & Crossword Puzzles
From Betsy

We were thinking of using Stephany's Chocolates, maybe wrapped in tulle. We're getting married in Denver, and they're a Denver company whose signature chocolate is the Denver Mint, so I'd thought I'd use those. I also thought about doing a personalized crossword puzzle. All the answers could be about us (how we met, where we were born, etc). I thought we could put them at the dinner tables, and they could be ice breakers for people sitting with those they don't know. Since we will have people at the wedding from all different parts of our lives, not everyone will know each other, and at least this would spark conversations at dinner. I'm really into crossword puzzles, so that makes it fit too.

Gumball Machine Toy Rings
From Crystal & Adam

We're planning (although we haven't purchased them yet) on giving gumball-machine toy rings as favors. Before we were officially engaged but after we knew we *would* be at some point in the future, Adam starting getting me these little rings out of the red gumball machines that are inside the doors of grocery stores and discount stores (Wal-Mart, etc). He'd pop a quarter in and then do a grand proposal for me in the parking lot, or he'd bring it home and slip it into my hand without saying a word...in any case, I now have an entire jewelry box drawer full of these little plastic bubbles with cheap-o rings that turn my fingers green. I know that no-one will keep them (except maybe the kids!), but it's something very special and fun and sweet. We'll also probably put some sort of a note inside each bubble about how a ring is the "eternal symbol of love" or some such sentimental goobley-gook. And the MC will tell the story behind them so everyone isn't confused. Haven't figured out yet exactly how to distribute them -- we're not having assigned seating, so do I enlist my small cousins to hand them out? Do we actually put some gumball machines inside the doors (this would be cute, wouldn't it?). I think that the rings will run us about 12 cents each if we buy them in bulk from a party-type store (the same places where grade school carnivals get their favors).

Floral & Tree Favor Ideas

Wild Flowers & Tulip Bulbs
From Jami & Marvin

Since we're both working in agriculture, and we're having a relaxed outdoor reception under a picnic pavilion, we decided to give favors that will return to grow year after year. I found 2x3 1/2 inch wood chip baskets for $0.29 each at the local craft store. We're going to put a little Spanish moss and two tulip bulbs (for a fall wedding...lily bulbs could be used in spring) in each one. On each handle, we'll tie some thin satin ribbon (bought on sale for $0.50 per 10 yd spool) in various colors to complement the wildflowers used throughout the wedding arrangements. On a little business-sized card with a floral background, we'll have a special verse printed, and then attach wildflower seeds in small envelopes or jewelry-sized (2x3 inch) Ziploc bags to the back. The final cost should be ~$1.00 each. There's a company in bridal magazines that sells little white boxes with Spanish moss & two bulbs in each one, and it comes complete with a printed card. They cost ~$3.00 each, I think, and then you still have to buy ribbon to tie around the boxes (which they also sell, conveniently, for $20 per 50 yds, I believe). This is much more unique, and much cheaper.

Sunflowers

My daughter and her fiancé are both reside in Kansas but will be married in the brides home town in Pennsylvania. Since the groom is a native of Kansas we decided to bring "little bit of Kansas" to PA in sunflower favors. We cut one hundred 5 inch sunflowers out of 1/2" pine. They were stained on the back and sides. The fronts were painted in with simple tole-paint shading. Two opposite petal were drilled and coiled wire was used as the hanger. A stem of wheat will be threaded down through the wire coil after they are placed on the table. I tried to attach jordan-almond / tulle to the wire but it made the flower top heavy; so instead, the candy will sit in front of the sunflower. (white candy, white tulle, dark green ribbon). A fancy "Thank you from Scott and Julie" label was placed on the back. The cost of these was less than 50 cents each. If you can get scrap wood, the only expense is the paint, candy, netting, ribbon, and wheat. These would make beautiful fall favors.

Potpourri & Soap
From Julie

I used a bar of soap, a rose shaped floating candle, potpourri, sheer ribbons, and a bottle of gold spray. I lucked out on getting all the materials on sale. The soap originally was $2.50/piece at Bath & Body Works but I got them for $.99 on sale. I got the floating candles from Michael's craft store for $.50/piece on sale which cost $1.50/piece originally. The potpourri were also from Michael's which cost $1.50/2.4L bag on sale and cost $3/bag originally. The spray cost about $2.50 and I used it to add sparkle on the candles. I got 160 soap of different flavors from Bath & Body Works at their spring sale. Since I bought so many, they gave me 200 clear rectangular plastic bags, ribbons, and little gift cards. I tied the already beautifully wrapped soap with a matching color sheer ribbon and put it in one side of the bag. I put a handful of matching color potpourri on the other side and a candle on top of the potpourri. I tied them up with a thin ribbon and the gift card. The gift cards were beautiful, all I needed to do was writing our names and wedding date in side. It looked like a $5-7 favor but only cost $2. Everyone loved it and thought it was very useful.

Herb Favors

As I am an avid herb gardener and had a summer wedding, I chose to make herb vinegar as a favor. I bought 15-4 liter jugs of regular vinegar. I used herbs from my garden. For bottles, I went to the recycling depot and bought different styles of wine/ice wine bottles for $0.25/each. I borrowed a wine corker from a friend. Then I bought wine corks, small canning labels, canning wax, peppercorns and lemons. I heated the vinegar to sterilize, cooled slightly and added the herbs. The vinegar sat in a dark room for 2 weeks. I then strained the vinegar to ready it for bottling. I sterilized the bottles, added the strained vinegar, added a fresh branch of a herb, a few peppercorns and a string of lemon zest for decoration. The bottles were corked, and then the top of the wine bottle was dipped in melted wax (mainly for decoration). Ribbon the color of the wedding party was added around the neck and added the canning label which had our names and wedding date scripted. This project requires a bit of planning and time. I had to plan 4 months in advance for my herb garden. I spent 4 hours sterilizing the vinegar, 3 hours scrubbing the used wine bottles, 4-5 hours (with the help of my attendants) sterilizing bottles, corking and added decoration. The effect was worth it. Cost per favor, around $1.

Hearts will Grow
From Deborah and James

Home made (environmentally safe) favor and seat card combo from Deborah and James I combined a lot of great ideas I gathered from all my wedding favor searches. I plan to make my own wedding favors that also are my seating cards. I have an old cookie cutter in the shape of a heart (about $1, after Valentine's Day they will probably be on sale) and I have a recipe for hand made paper (took shredded paper out of recycling bins at work so it's free). While making the paper I will add lavender seeds (lavender is my wedding colors and scent) to the pulp then put the pulp into the mold. Your end result is your own botanical, environmentally safe, ready to plant heart. Hot glued to the middle of the heart is a small strip of paper that with my computer I will add the person's name and table number (in a nice fancy font of course). The heart needs to sit in some type of stand so I made that out of card stock ($$ ?). The card is folded in half and stands upright like a t-pee. I will print on the front of the card a poem: A marriage is a relationship which needs proper nurturing and love much like these precious seeds. To represent the life long commitment we have made to each other, please plant and care for these flowers so it, too, will grow and thrive as our love will. On the back of the card: instructions- We hand crafted this heart and the lavender seeds are with in the paper so please just tear the heart in several pieces to spread our love all over and plant 1/4 in. below soil. Water it and watch it bloom. Thank you for sharing our special day and remember this joyous event when you smell the sweet lavender! To attach the card stand to the heart, simply just make an incision to the middle of the top of the card stand. Now insert the bottom of your heart and there you go. A free standing, poem attached seating card that also serves as an original favor!

Bed of Roses
From Inna, San Diego, CA

I am making little bead roses. When we were having our long-distance relationship, my fiancé always brought me a single dark rose. Now that we live together the roses are not so frequent, though I don't mind since we share the budget. The wedding will be wine in color, so I am using wine seed beads for the petals and green seed beads for the leaves, on red and green wire. The stems are wrapped in green embroidery floss to hide the wire, and a small thank-you note is attached by matching ribbons. The flowers are easy to make if you know basic bead-weaving.

Simplicity of the Flower
From Andrea A

We had a small champagne picnic brunch at our wedding in February this year. We didn't have tables set out with names etc, my mother made several large padded calico picnic blankets for the guests to sit on. One of the blankets was used as a guestbook (we had a permanent marker there for messages from our guests). The whole wedding was centered around my love of daisy's and the simplicity of the flower. I purchased some flowering daisy plants and planted them in medium sized terracotta pots. The pots were placed around the blankets and the food server. For favors for the guests I found some spice-bottle size bottles and filled them with gourmet jelly beans. I then hung these around the sides of the daisy pots by poking sticks in the dirt and tying them with raffia. Each bottle had a little card attached to it saying "It takes a bride and groom to make a marriage, but it takes family and friends to make a wedding. Thank you for your company, gift and good wishes on our wedding day". It was a wonderful day that started early and continued on into the wee hours of the next morning. I wouldn't change a thing about my wedding day, even the fact that I had no bridesmaids


Favor and Centerpiece Combination
From Luanda Diaz

I browsed dollar stores until I found something I couldn't believe. For 99 cents each I bought a pretty frosted glass thin vases. I chose the red frost to coordinate with my fall wedding theme. My neighbor gave me a jar of gold acrylic paint. I used the paint to add small details to the vases. I put some inexpensive silk flowers in the vase. At a table for ten if these favors are put closely together the flowers blend in beautifully and create an attractive and inexpensive centerpiece.

Terra Cotta Pots & Wildflower Seeds
From Emily

In keeping with our outdoor wedding and in an attempt to give a practical favor, we are using little 1 1/2 inch terra cotta pots (from Michaels $0.39 each), which will have little bags of wildflower seeds inside (I am buying seeds in bulk and using little craft baggies). The whole thing will be wrapped in a tulle circle (from the Ultimate Wedding Mall- about $11 for 100) and tied with ribbon. We will make little tags for them on the computer and print them on card stock- the front of the tag will say "Thank you for sharing our special day" and our names/date, the back will have planting instructions. Total cost of each favor will be about $0.85 to $0.95.

And the Seed Becomes the Rose
From Kristy and Brent, May 1999

I ordered two pounds of mixed cosmos and poppy seeds on-line ($40). Bought six 6-in. x 25 yard rolls ($3.00 @) of tulle in lavender, pink and white and 3 rolls of 144 ft. curling ribbon ($3.00 @) in same colors plus silver. (Colors for wedding are lavender and silver.) Cut tulle into 6-in. x 6-in. pieces. Using three pieces of tulle overlapped and in various color combinations, wrapped one teaspoon of seed and tied with two varying colors of curled ribbon. Finally, tied to "packet" of seed was a verse from "The Rose" printed on heavy stock light lavender paper:
Some say love, it is river that drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is razor that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless, aching need
I say love, it is a flower and you its only seed.
(Plus our special note.) Thank you for sharing this special day with us. Plant these seeds and think of special times in your life while enjoying the beauty of cosmos and poppies.

Bells, Wildflower Seeds, and a Brass Watering Can
From Kiwi

As we leave the church I have heavy cardstock dye-cut hearts with two jingle bells tied on with ribbon with the phrase "As the bride and groom depart, ring the bells with all your heart" calligraphied, for all the guests to ring as we leave. At the reception I have little decorated envelopes of wildflower seed for each guest (will attach a phrase of some sort eventually) and also candied almonds for each guest wrapped in tulle to symbolize the bitterness and sweetness of life. The seeds ties into the whole thing because my wedding is on mayday and my centerpieces are brass watering cans filled with silky and little cream flowers. (I also have a miniature brass watering can for the top of the cake filled with flowers). The cost of the bell things: $12 (180 medium size bells - already had the cardstock - $.33 for a spool of ribbon) - Cost of seed things: $15 (Seed $2.5 a lb envelopes $5) - Cost of the almond things: $30 (tulle $3 - almonds $27)

Candles in Terra Cotta Plants
From Nicole, 6-5

We made candles in mini terra cotta pots. They cost just over $1 each including all supplies. We spray painted the inside of the pots with gold to accent the candle flame, then turned them over and spray painted the outside various colors. We then painted details on them individually (flowers, squiggly lines, vines, etc). Then placed a wick holder over the hole in the pot with a piece of clay to plug the hole, melted paraffin wax and added scent and poured them into the pots. We chose these because we are having a country garden theme.

Botanical Greeting Cards
From Katie

I'm going to be using some of the "Garden Greeting" cards as "reverse place cards". (I'm doing a buffet brunch with no formal seating chart, but I want people to be able to pick up their cards as they walk in and use them to mark where they're sitting, so other people can choose seats accordingly.) The cool thing about these cards is that they have wildflower seeds mixed into the pulp, so people can take the cards home and PLANT them! I'll have to come up with some sappy verse to put on the card as a 'thanks for coming' message - something about love growing like the flowers, or vice versa. =) A package of five blank cards with machine-made envelopes runs about $12 US, so it ends up being about $2.50 a favour. But again, they're doing double duty, and I think the sheer novelty of it will make them go over well. I picked them out because wildflowers are going to be the major floral decoration at my wedding (it's a medieval theme), and because I couldn't come up with any medieval-ish favours that didn't look totally cheesy.

Watering Cans
From Dawn & Michael

Originally, Michael and I weren't going to do favors, but his aunt offered to do the favors for us since she's very 'crafty' and enjoys making things herself. So, since we're having the reception in a barn, she bought small galvanized watering cans from the Oriental Trading Company ... and is going to wrap candy inside tulle and place them inside the can. In order to save her money, though, we decided that we would only pass these out to the women at the wedding (I don't think men would care either way ;) -- I didn't want her to have to pay for 200 favors.

Wildflower seeds in a glassine envelope
From Angela & Jeramy

I am making our favors...wildflower seeds in a glassine envelopes (ordered from back of Martha catalogue). I am folding the opening over, punching two holes, and tying an organza ribbon through the holes. We bought a bulk bag of seeds, so they are running approx. 75 cents apiece, with bags and ribbon. I am putting them in a basket by our guest book with a poem next to them on an easel:

Our Gift to You
Take a packet of seeds to plant in a row
Just as our new life begins They too will grow
They will see a lot of sun and just as many showers
And as our love blooms so will they flower
Thank you for sharing the joy of our day

Starter Flowering Houseplants
From Andrea & Ralph, 9-4, Alberta, Canada

We are using starter flowering houseplants. They will be about 1$ each after ribbon and that tag thingie. It was my idea since Ralph has such a green thumb. We are buying them from a garden center.

Bonsai Trees
From Jenny & Rodger, 5-29

our ceremony will be in a state park - I found little juniper bonsai trees in ceramic rectangular trays with rocks for $5 each. We'll do one per couple. If people don't want to hassle with a bonsai, at least they have a juniper bush to plant in the front yard

Candy & Chocolate Favor Ideas

Heart Shaped Cookies

I am thinking about making heart shaped sugar cookies with a tiny hole in the upper right hand corner, so I can put a personalized ribbon through them that has our name and wedding date. The ribbon will be the color of my bride's maid's dresses and attached to the ribbon will be a tag with the ingredients that "little girls and boys are made of" . I would like to put sugar on top of the cookie in the color of my bride's maid's dresses, however they are going to be "pewter" so I don't think that will look good...(if you are using red or pink though, that would be ideal). I will probably buy some of those little silver candy beads. It will probably cost under $2 per guest to make these favors and my mother and I can have fun making them together.

Chocolate Dog Bones
From Christine and Steve, Minnetonka, MN

We are both animal lovers, as all of our family and friends who are coming to our wedding know, and share our home with quite a few pets, including 3 dogs, one of whom we adopted from a rescue operation. We decided that we would make chocolate dog bones, from a candy mold and melted chocolate from Michaels craft shop. We will decorate these with a ribbon, and tag which will indicate that we have made a donation in memory of all of our loved ones who are sharing our special day with us to the Canine Rescue operation which we adopted our dog Sabrina from, so that they may help other abandoned and abused animals find loving homes. We will either have these at each place at the tables, or may have them in a basket by our guest book.

Chocolate Daisies

Use daisy seeds and write a note that says "He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me! We tied the knot." I could not find daisy seeds in bulk so instead I molded chocolate candy daisies in lavender with a yellow center. We tied them in clear , pearlized cellophane and attached the saying along with their names and wedding dates. They were tied in lavender ribbon. The chocolate cost 10cents per favor and the cellophane and ribbon was minimal.

Candy Bar Mementos
From Susan , Kitchener Ontario

I really wanted to give something to my guests that they would be able to enjoy and is unique. After going through many ideas with my mother, I finally decided chocolate bars. I had the wrappers designed and printed in colour at my work, so it cost me nothing. I had childhood picture of me and my fiancé scanned and placed on it along with a little poem thanking them for sharing our day. On the back, where the ingredients usually are listed, I put all the people that were involved in the wedding as the ingredients. So it would list: Bride: Susan, daughter of Susan & Leslie Cheko, Groom: Raymond, son of ... etc. Because I am Hungarian and my fiancé is Iris, we also included a saying in Gaelic and Hungarian to incorporate our cultures. The cost is very low - usually $.75 to $1.00 per chocolate bar (CDN), and the wrappers can be made and printed on a personal computer - even in black & white. Everyone that has seen the wrappers or heard of my idea, thought it was great.... and everyone has a snack they can eat - and the wrappers can fit in a scrap book if desired for a memento. No dust collector here!!!

Huggs and Kisses

For our informal, outdoor ceremony/reception, I have made/will complete the following favors in ivory & burgundy with "wedding bell" theme: "Huggs & Kisses," (not totally made yet) I'll wrap a Hershey's HUGG & a KISS or 2 (approx. 24 pcs. of candy/bag @ $2.89 - $3) in tulle (using alternating colors of tulle (1.99/pkg of 50) & curling ribbon (100 ft roll @ $0.50/roll). Tie the tulle with ribbon (leave approx. 1/4 inch of ribbon), then tie verse "Huggs & Kisses from the new Mr. & Mrs." (made of narrow place cards cut in half - 50/pk @ $2.59/pkg; then apply pre-printed label (extras from box purchased @ office supply store for my return address on envelopes - approx $6 -- 33 labels/sheet) - with verse I composed; apply label to right end of halved place card; use hole punch on upper right end of card (make sure saying /verse is right-side up); then pull ribbon extending from tied tulle bundle through card & tie; use scissors to curl ribbon ends. Scrolls: From paper supply catalog, purchased "theme" paper (preprinted w/lacy background, strand of pearls entwined around rose stem) box of 100 - on sale for $10.00 - orig. price $15.95/box of 100) -- composed verse thanking everyone for sharing our special day ... printed verse on paper, rolled long-ways and secured w/gold band (144/pkg @ $1.79) and placed in decorated basket to be handed to guests as they arrive. Scroll Alternatives: tie rolled scroll w/curling ribbon and add decorative i.e.: wired flower, rings) -- purchase plain/colored paper and, using PC, incorporate boarder, wedding clip-art. then print with a personalized verse. Gold Bells: purchased 2 boxes gold bells (approx 1 1/2" high) 25 bells/box @ .$0.25/ea bell - used green floral wire (18 or 22 gauge) cut into 3" pieces (can cut approx. 3 pieces from each wire -- 24 wires/pkg @ 1.89); make loop and attach to bell'; hot glue flower to top where wired. Attach pre-made label (same as that of Huggs & Kisses) and insert curling ribbon through hole in top of bell, then tie verse label. Wedding Programs : from paper supply catalog, purchased 3-panel blank brochure papers (100/box @ 21.00) that matched scroll paper -- Using word processing on PC, set up 3-column margins, composed/printed "welcome" statement, verses (front & back), ceremony sequence (including music - song title/artist), members of wedding party/relationship to bride & groom) and memorial statement for those who are no longer among us. Included "Our Wedding Ceremony," names of bride & groom & date on front cover. These were folded into thirds and placed in decorative basket to be handed to guests as they arrive. Program alternative: Using PC, purchase plain 28 or 38 lb. paper - incorporate boarders, floral pattern; compose verses, etc. Can set up 2-column margins & print, then fold paper in half.

Chocolate Golf Balls
From Becky C

We gave out chocolate golf balls to each guest. I placed a golf ball (wrapped in silvery/while foil with dimples on it) on blue Easter grass, inside a square plastic box (with gold hearts all over it), along with 2 tees with our names and date on them. The boxes came shipped in a plastic bag type wrap, then I tied them together with a blue ribbon with our names and date on that as well. They were a hit! Each guest thought this was a great idea. My husband and I are both avid golfers, hence we had our reception at a local country club. In addition, my shower was held at a country club as well.

Chocolate Dipped Oreos
From Tara

We are doing chocolate dipped Oreos. We will do them ourselves and save money. We did a practice batch and they are SO easy. You can buy the chocolate discs to melt. We are doing white and milk choc/mint. The favor boxes are from a wine and cake store that sells them for about 39 cents each. The cost is minimal. The Oreos look really pretty (we are putting rainbow jimmies on the white choc.) My fiancé loves Oreo mint blizzards from DQ and that is how we picked the flavor!

Chocolate Dipped Fortune Cookies
From Jamie

I've been searching for something creative, something original....and I finally found it!! Foil wrapped, chocolate dipped fortune cookies!! I sampled one at a wedding show last month, and they were delicious. They come wrapped in your choice of beautiful foil colors. You can also customize your own fortune inside.....ours will read "Fairy Tales Do Come True....and it Can Happen To You! Justin & Jamie, July 24, 1999" The cookies are about $1.20/each.

Burlap Feed Bags
From Nicole

We're having a country wedding and I decided to try some burlap bags with feed written on them. I'm going to fill them with Hershey kisses w/almonds because are colors are yellow and ivory and the gold will bend best. I bought five yards of burlap for about ten dollars the pull tight string at the top of the bags for about two dollars and I haven't picked up the kisses yet but already a big savings because I've made one hundred and twenty-five and the internet price is 43.50 for thirty-six of them.

Personalized Chocolate Wrappers
From Melinda

Here's an idea. Instead of paying as much as $50 for personalized Hershey Bar wrappers, why not make them yourself? I scanned in an actual run-of-the-mill Hershey Bar wrapper into my computer. By using the image as a guide, I made my own that included names, date, saying, etc., and you can make it look any way that you want! There is a lot of wedding clip art on the web that is free for the taking. I bought some glossy paper and the candy bars from Sam's Club and spent about $35 for 100 favors. (That's WITH the chocolate folks.) Plus, I had a ball doing it!

Homemade Jam
From Amy and Rob

My fiancée, Rob, and I are preparing for a June wedding with about 100 guests. We are getting married in a small town in New Hampshire, and want some kind of "country-ish" style to our wedding. Since my bridesmaids and I will be carrying wildflowers, we thought a colorful favor would be great. Besides the color and country, we wanted our favors to be from the heart, not cheesy! So, we're making our own jam! In a few months, when the strawberries are in season, we're going to go out and handpick them, and with the help of our attendants, make the jam in our own kitchen. I went out and bought 100 of those 2oz. jars of Gerber baby food (the banana makes good banana spice cake!), peeled off the labels, washed them and soaked them, and then spray painted the lids a bright reddish color. Now we're ready to make the jam!

Colored Candy
From Carolyn

If you have ANY idea what colors you might want ...shop ahead! Most candy, especially chocolate can be frozen until you need it. That means if you would like pastel-colored candy (purple, green, blue, yellow, etc) get it NOW, while the Easter candy is in the stores, oranges and browns in the fall, greens and reds at Xmas, reds and golds at Valentines (+ lots of cute little love motifs!). It'll save a heck of a lot of money over having to buy it custom done at a later date...and if you're like me, and hate Jordan almonds, consider the Easter pastel M&M almonds -- same colors, better flavor!

Just Like Godiva
From Cynthia Davidson

I plan on buying small gold favor boxes from a party supply store and filling them each with a single truffle. I will also hot glue a red silk rose on top. (duplicate of Godiva chocolates)

Hearts
From Jill Batey

My daughter just got married this past weekend (March 6) and I did most of the party favors myself, except of course for the matchbooks, match boxes, etc. I molded white chocolate into heart shapes, put 2 in a plastic bag and tied with a ribbon, put a plastic spoon (in the wedding color) with 2 Hershey kisses in a bag tied with a ribbon and with a saying: a spoonful of love, a couple of kisses, Mike & Casey are now Mr. and Mrs. (that was a favorite) and also bookmarks that I made on my computer. I also decorated heart shaped paper mache boxes with colorful fabrics the color of the wedding and used as centerpieces, people were fighting over them! They also held all the party favors. A lot of work, but also a lot of fun. The most expensive was of course the boxes, because the material cost more than anything else. Probably spent about $50, candy was very inexpensive as was the spoons because I bought them at an outlet party store.

Chocolate Spoon
From Unknown

I wanted to use something unique for my wedding favors. I choose one of Hudson's favors. They call it a chocolate spoon, which is a gold plated spoon with the actual spoon being coated with chocolate and sprinkled with pearl droplets. Around the spoon is that netting and a ribbon. The cost is $1.50 a piece. So for my wedding, which I am having 175 people was $262.50. However this did not include a card or anything with our names and wedding date on it. This was something that my fiancé wanted, so the cost to buy 175 confetti cards was $55.00.

Gummy Bears
From Beth and Tim, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Our kind of theme for the wedding is bears and our colors are green and purple. We're getting gummy bears, the green ones and the purple ones, and wrapping theme in tulle. We are also printing out the tags to go on the favors, with our names and the date, so it will always be remembered. We haven't priced them out, yet, but if we buy the bears in bulk, it shouldn't be too bad.

Hershey Kiss Roses
From Jennifer, 5-22

We are doing the Hershey Kiss roses. I am making them. The Cellophane was $3 a roll. Kisses are running about $5 for 2 bags (Giant Eagle). Floral tape is about $2 for two rolls. Floral wire is about $2 for dozen 18" lengths. Silk rose leaves are a bout $1.50 per dozen. Making about 250 of them. At this point in time I have 120 made so far.

Jordan Almonds & Bells
From Amy

We're having five Jordan almonds wrapped in tulle circles tied with personalized ribbons of our names and wedding date. Also tied to the ribbon is a small card with one of about 10 different quotes from children about love and marriage (I saw these circulated via e-mail a year or two ago and thought they'd be fun to include). The quotes are things like "Love is great, but baseball's pretty good, too." The other thing we're doing is having small brass bells on the tables for people to ring in order to make us kiss. These will also have the ribbon tied at the top with a small poem about the reason for the bells on the tables. There aren't enough for everyone to have one (about 60 bells for 100 guests), but those who want to take them home may do so.

Belgium Chocolate in white boxes with Organza Ribbon
From Cheryl & John, 5-1, Newport Beach, California

We will have white boxes with organza ribbon to match our colors with two Belgian chocolates inside and a small thank you typed out on pretty paper cut with the fun shaped scissors, I have a bridesmaid from Belgium and she offered to get the chocolates for me once I explained what wedding favors were. we will also have the wedding bubbles wrapped in white tulle circles tied with an off white ribbon with a short poem about the bubbles tied on with the ribbon. we will also have one disposable camera per table and I have made white satin drawstring bags for each one with the organza ribbon and another poem about the cameras. I chose to go with white and the other organza ribbon and the off white ribbon because I have no choice on the linen color at the reception and they are a peach color. White look much better on the peach so I have added my colors to the ribbons only.

Sweets & Treats
From Carrie & Jessie, 9-18, Cincinnati, Ohio

For our wedding favors, we are using small white gift bags (that my mom and I are decorating this weekend) filled with the following items:
1) jelly beans (blueberry and pine colada flavored Jelly Bellies)
2) Hershey's almond kisses (gold wrappers)
3) white chocolate hearts that I will make from a mold
4) a book mark that we will design and print on our own printer with a
"thank you for celebrating w/us" message of some sort (I'll try to work in a line about this wedding day marking a new chapter in our lives... I need to think about that more) 5) bubbles with a tag explaining when/why to use them. Our colors are Ivory, Navy, and Gold. That's why we chose the specific Jelly Belly flavors and almond kisses. We are wrapping the jelly beans and white chocolate hearts in ivory tulle w/ivory ribbon. The cost per favor comes to only approx. $1.15 each. I found the gift bags for 6 cents a piece, which is great! I LOVE jelly beans and white chocolate, and my mom and I used to mold chocolates a lot when I was little. I also share a passion for books with my FMIL, so the bookmark thing will be related to our interest in books. We threw in the bubbles because it is an easy way to "distribute" them. We added the almond kisses to add more things in the bag (kind of a filler, and plays out the gold color). I will definitely use the idea of using ice cube trays to help when wrapping the candy in tulle.

M & Ms
From Marci

We are tying up lavender M&M's in tulle with a personalized ribbon and my MIL is buying about 60 pretty swan shaped candle holders ($2 each) and putting a votive candle in each one. That gift is a little too warm and fuzzy for the men:-) That's why we only got 60 of them when we are having 100 people. We figure 1 per couple and the men will like the chocolate.

Chocolate & Crossword Puzzles
From Betsy

We were thinking of using Stephany's Chocolates, maybe wrapped in tulle. We're getting married in Denver, and they're a Denver company whose signature chocolate is the Denver Mint, so I'd thought I'd use those. I also thought about doing a personalized crossword puzzle. All the answers could be about us (how we met, where we were born, etc). I thought we could put them at the dinner tables, and they could be ice breakers for people sitting with those they don't know. Since we will have people at the wedding from all different parts of our lives, not everyone will know each other, and at least this would spark conversations at dinner. I'm really into crossword puzzles, so that makes it fit too.

Bubbles, Frames & Gourmet Candy Apples
From Julie C

I'm doing 3 things: bubbles for the ceremony, frames for place cards, and gourmet candy apples! We are spending about 25 cents for the bubbles (including a new personalized label and a tag for what it's for, the frames with patterns of falling leaves are $1.50 each and I'm making the place cards myself, the apples I might buy if they can give me a deal in bulk...if it's over $3 each, I'm going to make them myself and then wrap them in cellophane with golden leaf designs and tie them burgundy and gold ribbons with a tag with our names. I have most of these things on sale! I choose bubbles since I don't want to worry about the cleanup of anything thrown, the frames and apples go with my autumn theme. The labels I'm making on the computer, the tags as well but will cut them with a paper cutter and then edge and shape them with a paper edger to look like a leaf and I'll use a leaf punch for the hole to string the tag to the bubbles and the apples. The apples are easy to make: I'd buy the huge red apples, dip them in melted caramel and then leave some plain, roll some in nuts, and drizzle some with chocolate.

Looney Tunes Chocolates
From Leigh & Brian, 10-16, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We have pretty much decided to use Looney Tunes shaped molds to make chocolates. I would like to spend $1.00 or less, because there are many things that are more important to me than the favors. However, we wanted to have SOME type of favor, and with our families, chocolate is always a good thing! It's simple, but something that is likely not to get wasted (for those who don't want it, they can take it home to their kids).

Maple Syrup
From Heidi & Charlie, 9-25, Shaftsbury, Vermont

We are giving small heart shaped bottles of maple syrup. The bottles cost about .95 each, and the syrup is free! My parents make their own. Then we are tying small cards with our names, wedding date, and a thank you on them.

Candy Wrappers & Chocolate
From Stacy & Gus, 9-5

We are buying the Hershey bar wrappers and putting them on the Hershey bars ourselves. We will use the big an miniature bars. I found if I buy the candy bars at Sams and then buy the wrappers I can give 1 big bar and 2 small bars for a total of 2.00 to 3.00. I am buying the wrappers from Carson Enterprises (I think). I am also giving bubbles and programs if that counts. I will make the programs myself and decorate the bubbles myself.

Biscotti
From Nina

I used homemade biscotti wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with ribbon. It also had a sticker that I signed in gold ink.

M & Ms
From April & Brian, 5-15, West Virginia

We are using M&M's wrapped in tulle tied with a ribbon and a little tag. The cost per person is about $.47 each. We are using M&M's in one color only (dark blue, which is our color) tying them in white tulle and tying them with a blue ribbon. The tag says :
A M&M Wedding - April and Brian - May 15, 1999 - Thank you for sharing our day!
We decided on M&M's because we wanted something edible and our last name both begin with an "M." We are also having bubbles for the guest to blow at us. We are tying them in blue tulle with white ribbon, no tags. The cost per guest was $.50. With these choice we could include two favors for less than $1.00 per guest. NOTE: If you are filling tulle with candy or something small, an ice cube tray or egg carton works well when handling to keep the tulle centered and easier to tie the ribbon around.

Chocolate & Bubbles
From Vanessa & Chris, 8-14, Eagan, Minnesota

After changing my mind about a zillion times, I decided to give chocolates and bubbles. I couldn't decide which favor to do, so I'm doing both. I wanted to also have matchbooks until my MOH pointed out that it seems kind of silly to give out matchbooks when the banquet room is non-smoking! For the chocolates, I'm wrapping up 2 Dove Promises, 2 Nestle Treasures, 2 each of Hershey's Hugs and Kisses in green tulle and tying them with a white personalized ribbon printed in gold (or a gold ribbon printed in white if I can find them that way instead) and with a little card attached. The card will say something to the effect of how that today they witnessed us "promise" to "treasure" one another and "hugs" and "kisses" from us both. I haven't worked out the exact wording yet, though. Depending on how much I have to pay for the chocolates (I'm buying them in bulk from Sam's Club) it works out to be around $1 or so per favor. I'm a TOTAL chocoholic and this favor won't be tossed out and forgotten, just eaten! The bubbles will be wrapped in green tulle and tied with a personalized ribbon with an attached card, too. I would like our guests to blow bubbles during our first dance so the card will say something to that effect. The bubbles work out to be less than $1 each.