Text by Beth Penner Torstrick, Fairy Godmother, LLC
Photography by Dave Howard

Although there is no recorded origin, wedding favors have been around for centuries, dating back to the 16th century and maybe earlier, when English couples gave love knots, made of ribbon and lace, to their guests. Favors, though they are not required, do give the bride and groom the opportunity to express their appreciation to their guests for sharing this very special day of celebration.

There are no set “rules” regarding favors. Falling out of favor in the seventies and eighties, they have recently made a big comeback for both formal and informal weddings. Finding the perfect favor can be one of those pesky tasks that can drive you crazy. Here are several ideas which may make your decision a little easier.

Try to personalize the favor. Do you have a wedding theme? What is your style? The favor could be reminiscent of that style or wedding theme. Think about your heritage, what region you are from, the location of your wedding, and where you are going for your honeymoon. Your hobbies might even inspire you to select the right favor for your guest and your budget. Great favors do not have to be expensive; they just need to be creative.

Breakaway centerpieces are popular and cost effective favors. These centerpieces are made up of clusters of small favors joined together to create one large centerpiece. At the end of the wedding reception each guest is asked to take apart the large centerpiece, so they can collect their individual small favor. For example, place mini glass vases (clear or multicolored) tightly together, or line them up in a row down the center of the table for a more contemporary look. Several different styles can be found locally at gift shops, florists, and discount stores. These beautiful mini vases can be found at Nanz & Kraft Florist and are priced from $4.25 to $4.99 (www.nanzkraft.com). Cluster herbs in small clay pots to create a natural outdoor feel. During the holidays, try mini poinsettias and shiny ornaments placed in an attractive glass bowl. Using effective candlelight can really make this simple idea beautiful.

The traditional rice packets, candies and almonds are always nice, but how about offering quirky, fun and refreshing mints in personalized plastic cases by The Knot? Choose from 5 front cover styles and include your name and wedding date on the back. Bulk prices range $1.54-$1.79 with a minimum order of 25. These can be found at www.theknot.com along with many other fun ideas.

Currently, one of the hottest favors is the custom made CD. This is a very personal gift and something your guests will really enjoy. Couples can choose their favorite songs and create a custom made CD. Because of copyright laws, it is best to find a company who specializes in custom CDs rather than making them yourself. Place a favorite photo, image, or design for the jacket to personalize the case for your guests. This is a gift created by the bride and groom while spending priceless time together.

Help your guests keep up with their drinks. Stemware Jewelry offers beaded wire rings that easily snap on to any stemware to help the guests identify their drinks. Available in over 40 different rings in various styles and colors, ensuring that no two guests will have the same color or style combination. Think of the savings on the bar tab. This idea has grown in popularity with wedding as well as galas, award ceremonies, and other celebrations. Each set comes in an organza bag with a personalized tag for $4.95, with a minimum order of 25 sets. You can also order extra bags with tags for $2.25 each and fill them yourself. For more information, check out www.stemwarejewelry.com.

What Kentucky bride would not love petite mint julep cups from Archipelago Botanicals? This adorable mini julep cup is perfect to hold a votive or a lovely bunch of flowers. Each cup stands 21/4 inches tall and measures 2 inches in diameter. They are offered for $5 each, with a minimum order of 50 pieces. They are also offered by Beaucoup Elegant Wedding Favors at www.beau-coup.com.

On the more elaborate end are hand-blown glass salt and pepper shakers. Each shaker is crafted by hand, a method in which the artist works the glass over a small flame, adding luxuriant colors, blowing and shaping the piece to the desired form. Each shaker stands approximately 2 inches tall and comes with a non-corrosive chrome top, turning the bottle into a functional piece of art. Assorted colors are available, making it easy to compliment your wedding style. Each pair comes with an elegant embossed favor box for beautiful presentation. Their cost per pair is $28.00 at Beaucoup Elegant Wedding Favors, with a minimum order of 3 pair and can be found at www.beau-coup.com.

Let’s not forget the thoughtful gift of “giving”. Several couples opt to leave a note at each guest seat informing them that a donation was made in their honor to the bridal couple’s favorite charity. Now that is a true favor-“LOVE”.

These are just a few of the hundreds of favor ideas from which to choose. For more ideas that can save you time, money, and stress while making your wedding plans easier, contact the Association of Bridal Consultants at www.BridalAssn.com for a wedding consultant
in your area.