Simple Ideas for Creative Wedding Favors

Your guests celebrated your special day with you -- a gift in and of itself. A traditional way to show your gratitude is with a wedding favor. Ornate or simply made and elegant, these small gifts invariably send a big message, expressing appreciation for your guests' participation in the wedding. They also serve as mementos of this special day.
The ideas for favors are endless, but here are a few to get you started. You can spend a lot or a little money -- it's up to you. Just make them special.

Go seasonal. Give a gift in the spirit of the season. For February, do Valentine's chocolates, sunscreen or beach balls for summer affairs, or plastic pumpkins filled with candy corn for autumn weddings.

ELEGANT AND ORNATE or simply made and heartfelt, these small gifts send a big message, expressing appreciation for your guests' participation on your special day.

Create a keepsake. No one wants a favor that will just create clutter. So give guests something they'll use -- try a picture frame, key chain, fragrance or music box.
Get crazy. Have fun with your favor! A pair of boxers, a bottle of bubbles, comic books or lottery tickets will show your wild side.

Just eat it. Who can resist a favor that's edible. Try a miniature box of good chocolate, gourmet jelly beans or mixed nuts in small canisters. For personalization, attach an embossed ribbon or label with your name and wedding date.

Donate to charity. Make a donation to your favorite organization in honor of your marriage. Print up a card or note to tell guests about your good deed.

Give a tasty beverage. A small bottle of wine or abeer from a microbrewery with a ribbon or label noting your name and wedding date will help guests remember you as they guzzle your gift. You can add onto the favor by supplying them with beer mugs or wine glasses engraved in silver or black ink with your names and wedding date.

Watch it bloom. Small plants or tree saplings potted in antique or pretty pots are sure to last long after your wedding day. Other ideas are flower bulbs, packets of seeds, a single rose or a flower lei at each place setting. Your florist can also design centerpieces that break apart so each guest can take home a flower bouquet or small plant. Or, give boutonnieres and corsages to each guest. Enliven the senses. Entice your guests senses with potpourri in a bag or small vials of perfume or cologne. Or try scented candles or miniature scented soaps.

Write it down. Blank books, journals or notepads in your wedding colors will let your guests record memories of your big day. Or give small plastic calendars or rip-off-the-date ones. You can add on pens, pencils or markers.

Go sporty. Personalized tennis or golf balls will appeal to sports fans. Or try baseball caps or visors.