Wedding Welcome Bags Say a Very Special Thank You

While there are some couples that relish in the idea of a romantic elopement at an exotic faraway destination, a large majority of us wouldn't miss the chance to share our biggest day with our closest friends and family members (Not to mention my dear old mom and dad might be forced into physical violence if their only daughter ran away to Tahiti.  Dare to dream).  All joking aside, your wedding day is your chance to shine and really would not be complete without close friends and family members to celebrate with.

I've been seeing more and more couples cater their wedding planning efforts towards their guests, splurging on items like the food, drinks, the DJ, and guest favors.  Planning your wedding around your guests really shows them how much they are appreciated and ensures that everyone will have a good time on your big day.  When you're planning all those little details, don't forget about the friends and family that traveled from far away to be with you.  Personalized welcome bags are a great way to say a special thank you to those individuals.

Fill your wedding welcome bags with itineraries, maps of the area, late-night snacks, and water bottles.  Other great filler ideas are travel sewing kits for popped buttons and regional gifts that are known for your location (ex/ Maple syrup bottles for Vermont, caramel apples for The Big Apple, fleur-de-lis favors for New Orleans).  Most hotels are very accommodating to their bride and grooms.  To take the task of staging the hotel rooms away from you, ask the hotel staff if they will set a bag in each room so your guests are greeted with their goodies the moment they arrive.

Happy Planning!

Here's the Scoop on a Fabulous Bridal Shower Idea...

As the winter months drag on, shift your mind to warmer thoughts. Are you searching for a unique idea for that spring or summer bridal shower? How about an Ice Cream Social theme? For all you girls out there who can recall spending more than one evening of their lives curled up with a pint of Ben and Jerry's, this bridal shower is right up your ally. Follow this recipe for a sweet shower that you and your guests will surely enjoy.

Kick off your ice cream themed bridal shower with do-it-yourself invitations shown at right. Use card stock and bakers twine to create adorable ice cream cone invites. If you can, throw your party outside and decorate your venue with whimsical ice cream cone garlands, balloons and centerpieces made from balls of yarn and sugar cones, as seen below.

Start your shower off with a light and tasty lunch with a 50's diner feel. Mini slider burgers and mini grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect paired with an ice cream treat to follow. Include appetizers like French fries and onion rings served in cone-shaped holders.

Your Ice Cream Social shower would not be complete without a self-service ice cream sundae bar. Your bar should include ice cream, of course, stick to the basic flavors like vanilla and chocolate and let your guests go crazy with the toppings. Place containers of ice cream in galvanized steel tubs filled with ice.

Ask each of your guests to bring in their favorite sundae topping, be sure to provide the essentials like chocolate syrup, caramel, chopped nuts, sprinkles and whipped cream. Other great toppings like Oreos, crushed candy bars, marshmallows, brownies and fruit will surely be appreciated. Don't forget the cherries! Place toppings in old fashioned glass jars or waffle cone bowls for a nice presentation. Have your guests create their sundaes in old fashioned, tulip sundae glasses for a retro touch, or waffle cone bowls for a less expensive option. Because nothing goes better with ice cream than cake, include in your menu cupcakes made in sugar cones, frosted like ice cream.

 

What would a bridal shower be without games? Keep your theme going with an ice cream sundae building contest, blindfold optional! Pair guests up and blindfold one, the blindfold-free partner will direct the other in building their sundae. Pair this game with other traditional bridal shower games. Give out ice cream themed party favors and prizes like neat ice cream scoops or collectible ice cream dishes or bowls.

You don't have to wait until spring or summer to celebrate with an Ice Cream Social Bridal Shower, ice cream is appreciated year round. Throw your party indoors and you will have your guests looking forward to warmer weather. This Ice Cream Social theme would also work well for engagement parties, couples showers, afternoon wedding receptions, and weekend wedding festivities.

So grab a spoon, you might need to start practicing for that sundae building contest!

Mandy

Credits: 1st image-ice cream cone dishes, 2nd collage-balloons, invitations, garland, 3rd collage- mini slider burgers, french fry cones, 4th collage- yarn centerpiece, bowls of ice cream, cupcake cones, waffle cone bowls

DIY Conversation Starters Your Guests Will Love

Can I just say that I am simply in awe of the fabulous DIY wedding ideas that brides are coming up with these days.  Brides unite and keep the ideas coming because there is definitely power in numbers.  You will be well on your way to a fabulous wedding if these trends keep up the way they are (and believe me...they will only get better).  That being said, I had to share some of these ultra-creative guest ideas with our readers.  These 3 creative DIY wedding additions are sure to keep your guests entertained all night long and are the perfect conversation starters.

1) Pop Quiz...

Questionnaires about the bride and groom are a great way to include your guests in your wedding day and give them a way to interact with your other guests.  Include questions about you and your fiance in the form of a pop quiz, word search, crossword, table number, etc.  One couple took their "school themed wedding" to a whole new level by giving guests a pop quiz with a list of multiple choice questions (shown above left).  After the wedding, the couple mailed the graded test scores with their thank you cards.  Images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings and lasvegas-weddingfavors.com.

2) Photo booth guest books...

Vamp up the traditional wedding guest book by creating a photo booth scrapbook.  To pull this off, designate a friend or family member to take pictures of guests as they enter your reception and another to print the photos.  You can also have a photo booth set up with props for guests to take their own fun photo strips.  Guests can then insert their photos into your scrapbook and write special wedding wishes and words of wisdom to the bride and groom next to their photos.  Afterwards, as a special thank you, include copies of the photos in with your thank you cards.  Images courtesy of indiebride and Martha Stewart Weddings.

3) Personal Place Cards...

Make your guests feel special and keep them entertained all night long by turning your place cards into personal name tags.  For each guest, create a place card/name tag using a photo that truly captures their personality.  Using some sort of image editing software (like Adobe Photoshop), insert each guest's name onto their personal photo place card.  Take your place cards to a local print shop and have them laminated.  Add a paper clip to each place card and now your guests will have a name card they can display all night long.  This ultra-creative idea will have your guests laughing and interacting with each other because they will all be curious about each persons "meaning".  While this idea will take some time and planning it is well worth the effort and will make your guests feel truly special.  This adorable idea is courtesy of the fabulous photographer Greg Lumley and his now wife Tiffany.  To learn more about their inspiration and to see more photos, visit greglumley.com.

Happy Planning!

Allie

DIY Winter Wedding Favors To Impress Your Guests

Every bride and groom dreams of a wedding reception that their guests will ooh and ahh over the minute they walk through the door.  Choosing the right wedding favor for your guests will go a long way in making this dream come true.  Your wedding favors are the time to say that heartfelt thank you to loved ones and to capture the atmosphere of your big day.  For your winter wedding favors, make your vision a reality with these unique DIY favor ideas that are sure to impress your guests.

1) Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm...

Nothing says from the heart more than an edible homemade treat.  Great winter treat ideas are items like hot cocoa mixes, gift wrapped cookie trays, chocolate covered peppermint sticks, or Russian tea cakes (a.k.a snowballs).  When making edible treats for guests, be sure to do your research on the ingredients included in your recipe.  Find out how long your ingredients will hold and if they will freeze well.  This way you will know how far in advance to start your baking.  It is also best to leave out any extra ingredients associated with common food allergies like peanuts.  Be sure to clearly write out your ingredients on a label for your loved ones.  Russian tea cake image courtesy of ohhowposh.com.  Get the recipe here.

2) Tree Saplings

Great for a more rustic winter wedding, tree saplings are eco-friendly and are a unique twist on the everyday wedding favor.  For winter, give your guests a pine tree sapling so they can plant it in remembrance of your special day.  Such a wonderful story for your friends and family to tell others, your loved ones will think of you as they watch their tree grow over time. Don't forget to plant one yourself and watch as your tree blossoms right along with your marriage.  Image via Nancy Gould Photography.

3) For the holidays

Holiday themed winter weddings are becoming increasingly more popular and have opened up a whole new can of adorable favor ideas.  Think ornaments, extravagantly wrapped gifts, Christmas trees, and stockings.  Be creative and play off of common holiday songs and poems like the The Twelve Days of Christmas or Favorite Things from The Sound of Music.  One great DIY holiday favor idea uses the poem The Twelve Days of Christmas.  Assign each guest table with one of the days from the poem.  At your guest place settings for that table leave them the gift for that day (ornaments are a great way to pull this off and are reusable).  For the first day/table, you would give your guests a partridge in a pear tree.  For the second day/table, leave your guests a turtle dove, etc., etc.  (If you do not have assigned seating you could always opt to use all the days of Christmas at each table instead of splitting up the days but that choice is yours).  12 Days of Christmas Ornaments courtesy of Crate and Barrel.

To see other winter favors ideas, check out our collection of winter wedding favors and as always....

Happy Planning!

Allie

Savoring Summer with these Outdoor Wedding Favors

While walking through the stores this weekend I noticed back to school supplies are out and fall and Halloween decorations are sneaking their way on to the shelves. It makes part of me long for the crisp air and crunch of leaves that autumn brings, but another part of me refuses to give up summer without a fight! We have a good month and a half of summer weather left here in the Midwest! In honor of that, here are some ideas for those who love the sunny outdoors! 

Enjoy and help preserve the outdoors with ecofriendly favors such as plantable seed packets, polished rock place card holders, and adorable notepads that definitely remind me of climbing trees as a kid. You can also find other nature inspired decor,  like natural wood plaques, at most craft stores. These would look adorable with initials or table numbers carved into them.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Living

You can also give guests a little bit of nature to take home with them. Small bouquets wrapped in a cone of pretty paper can be hung with ribbon along chairs or placed in an arrangement for guests. A sign reading "take your pick!" can be placed near the flowers to be sure guests know that they are not merely part of the decorations.  Another way to incorporate fresh flowers in your favors is by giving hair clips, corsages, and boutonneires made by you or your florist. These can be pinned to a linen covered peg board for guests to choose from. If flowers are too fussy for you, potted plants and herbs are a great way to go!

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart Living

If you will have your event outdoors, be sure to provide plenty of water and shade for guests. If no trees or tents are available, you can always provide paper parasols and hand fans. Fans can serve a double purpose if you have your wedding programs printed on them. It is also considerate to provide sunscreen and bug repellant wipes, or have citronella candles lit to keep away uninvited guests.

Today's summer wedding favors are available in a wide range of themes and styles to accomodate any outdoor wedding reception or party.

Remember, it is sunny days with friends and family that will keep you warm through the winter months!

~Jenna

Mini Cakes Inspire Big Smiles!

Bigger is not always better. Especially when considering the growing cupcake and mini cake trend for weddings and parties. These adorable little cakes make it easy to give each person their own personal cake. This is a great way to make guests feel like your event has been centered around making them happy. Often cupcakes and mini cakes are displayed in tiers to create the silhouette of a traditional wedding cake. There are many other ways to use them, however.

One cute idea, is setting a mini cake or cupcake at each place setting. For cupcakes, a pick can be inserted that holds place cards or has a pennant attached for each guest's names. The mini cakes themselves can have the guest's names iced on them or on a cute little tag like the gift box shaped cakes above. If this idea doesn't appeal to you, they can be also arranged in smaller tiers to serve as the table centerpiece with a table number topping it off.  These would make a beautiful, unique, and delicious way to show your guests their place in the seating arrangement. Personalized cupcake boxes with clear windows will display and protect your treats until guests wish to enjoy them. You can either place the cupcakes in them before guests arrive, or just have some on hand for guests to transport the goodies home.

If you like little, then you will love the idea of Cake Pops, which takes cake down from individual portions to individual mouthfuls. These adorable Cake Pops are made of crumbled cake, frosting, and a melted candy coating all on top of a lollipop stick. They can be arranged by inserting sticks into a foam ball, cone, or block. They can also be covered with a cellophane wrapper and tied with a bow and tag to give as edible favors.

The instructions for how to make these and other styles of Cake Pops can be found on Bakerella.

My favorite part about the mini trend is all the room for creative license. It is also a great idea for those of us who like to "DIY", but may not have enough baking experience to make a traditional wedding cake. The most difficult part would be saving some for the party!

~ Jenna

(Photo Credit: Mini Cakes from The Sugar Syndicate. Wedding Cake Pops from Bakerella)

Black Tie Elegance: Inspiration to Reality

A black and white wedding color scheme is one of the most versatile color themes to put together.  You can go glam with damask patterns, sparkle, and pops of pink or create a modern look by choosing elements that are classic and mixing them with clean lines and less ornate pieces.  To make a more modern and classic look come to life, here's a table setting to inspire you and all the little details you'll need to pull it off.

The Inspiration - Modern and Elegant Black and White Wedding Reception Table Setting

After creating a base of table linens/runners, choose a centerpiece that's clean and crisp.  Different varieties of white flowers will keep your look fresh while still adding visual interest.

1/2. Help guests find their seats with ease with round table numbers that can be seen from a distance.  The circular shape will tie in the classic lines of a modern look.  Carry this theme from start to finish, by placing the numbers in round table number holders.

3/4/5.  Tall pillar candles are a great way to add ambience and warmth to your table settings.  Keep your black and white color scheme by setting candles in glass cylinders filled with expanding water beads.

6. Add a subtle ornate decorative element to your each guest place setting by presenting escort cards on filigree favor cards, shown here in black to offset the white cup and saucer sets that sit next to them.

7.  The contemporary swirl pattern of these cup and saucer favors pulls in a modern element while still keeping a classy feel.  Set the cup and saucers at each plate for guests to enjoy.

8.  To create an eye-catching effect, the sparkle of these diamond ring napkin holders adds a Tiffany's feel to your classic palette and will catch the light from every angle  (giving guests another accent to ooh and ahh over....).  Add the napkin holders to black linen napkins to really make each guest place setting pop.

9/10. Add a hint of whimsy to your tables with adorable black and white bride and groom candy bags.  A great way to say thank you to guests, fill the bags with black and white colored candies to carry your color palette one step further.  Add matching bride and groom favor tags to complete the look.

11. To match those adorable engagement ring inspired napkin holders, diamond shaped candle holders will add more sparkle....and you can never have enough sparkle.

12.  Don't forget the finishing touches.  Adorable heart shaped interlocking salt and pepper shakers are a must come dinner time and match your palette.

Too add the final elements to your look, add plates/chargers, glassware to each guest place setting, silverware, and your look will truly be complete.  You can even hang a Victorian style chandelier over each table to give your look a Breakfast at Tiffany's feel.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Falling For a Lovebirds Theme - Inspiration to Reality

Since I am a hopeless romantic, a love bird wedding theme is one of my personal favorites.  Love doves have long been a symbol of romance, fidelity, and love.  Once a dove finds its mate, they've bonded forever and their love lasts a lifetime.  Perfectly fitting for wedding themes, don't you think?

Making a lovebird theme come to life at your wedding is easy to do.  With just a few nature inspired elements, you too can turn your inspiration into a reality.

1. Go simple with centerpieces - Stray for the normal floral arrangements and infuse these nature inspired wooden evergreen trees.  After your ceremony, encourage guests to take the centerpieces home as a keepsake from you special day.  Tip: Add visual interest by weighting cedar plants in glass votives with decorative rocks.

2. Set the tone of your love bird theme as soon as guests walk into your reception by assigning table numbers on these adorable love bird table numbers.

3.  So guests can easily see your table numbers, display them on tall table number holders.  Featuring a classic round silhouette.  The small compact design of these holders make them ideal for small spaces.

4. Frosted glass candle holders are one of the simplest ways to add warmth, ambience, and romance to your guest tables. The bonus leaf shape cutout design will cast around your reception hall also adding an element of nature.

5. Matching love bird tags, used here as place cards, will complement your love bird theme perfectly...and your adorable table numbers.  By keeping your design consistent through your stationery, your look ties together seamlessly without being overwhelming.

6. To hold those adorable place cards, lovebird card holders are a must.  So cute, your guests will love taking these home as favors, too!

7. & 8. To complement your nature infused table decor, wooden willow tree leaves and maple leaves will add dimension and a pop of color.  Tip: For the perfect finishing touch on your reception, tie natural grasses around your guest napkins for an easy and affordable napkin holder idea.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Easy Ideas for Edible and Fun Fall Wedding Favors

Fall isn’t that far away and for brides who are planning fall weddings it’s time to start thinking favors. Here are a few easy, edible and fun fall wedding favor ideas.

Caramel or Candy Apples:

For this fun favor I would make both candy and caramel apples to give your guest a variety. This would be great project for getting a group of your girlfriends or bridesmaids together. Crack open a bottle of wine and spend the evening making beautiful apple treats for all of your guest. The apples can be displayed nicely using apple favor boxes that can be personalized with your names and wedding date.

Candy :

Another creative and money saving idea is making chocolate candy leaves. The molds can usually be found very easily at any craft store with directions on how to make the chocolate candies. Maple candies are also a nice fall treat. Look for a recipe on line and place a few candies in either a fall favor bag or a beautiful fall leaf favor box.

Fall Leaf Cookies :

Cookies are a fabulous fall wedding favor. To incorporate the fall theme make the cookies in the shape of maple leaves. If you are not much of a baker, use a store bought sugar cookie dough. You can either make or buy red, orange and green icing to match your cookies with your fall color wedding theme. The cookies, like the candies can be placed in a small favor bag and tied with ribbon. You could even give each one of your guest there own leaf shaped cookie cutter as a favor.

Any of the above ideas would be a creative and economical fall favor for your wedding. Edible wedding favors are becoming more and more popular. Set up a candy and cookie buffet and use all three ideas. Your guest will love it!

Carrie

Delicious DIY Summer Favor - The Watermelon Cookie

Just in time for summer weddings, these adorable DIY watermelon cookies are compliments of the ultra-creative and talented Meaghan from the decorated cookie.  How adorable.  These would be perfect for a backyard wedding or summer bash, don't you think?  I can already picture them sitting at each guest place setting; right next to a nice cold pitcher of pink lemonade.  Such a conversation starter and almost too cute to eat....almost.





What you'll need:
dough
frosting
3 inch (or larger) circle cookie cutter
sharp knife
frosting food coloring
5 disposable, 12" decorating bags
5 couplers
5 decorating tips (1 of size #5, 2 of size #4, 2 of size #3)
5 rubber bands
squeeze bottle or spoon

To pull it off, just gather up a couple friends and family members and start baking!  I bet these could even be refrigerated for a few days ahead of time so you aren't scrambling at the last minute to finish your favors.  Read the full how-to here and enjoy.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Damask Wedding Favors

One of the hottest trends this year for wedding themes and favors is damask designs. When I think of damask designs I think vintage, classy and sophisticated which is exactly what todays brides are looking for.

Add a modern twist to this classical favorite design by accenting your reception tables and decor with a vibrant color such as blue, green, yellow, red, purple or fuchsia. There is a wide variety of damask themed wedding favors to choose from. Family and friends are going to love taking a special momento home with them as a treasured keepsake for sharing in your special day.

Renee'

Four Fabulous Wedding Favor Ideas

As most of the readers know by now my daughter is getting married and I am planning the wedding. Favors are the topic of discussion this week and I have to say with all the great ideas out there it is definately hard to choose. Here are my top four favorite wedding favor ideas.

1. Votive Candle Holders  - I love candles as I think most people do. Not only can the votive holders be a great favor to send home with your guest but most of your guest will use the favor again at home. Votive candle holders can also be economical if you shop around.

2. Eco-Friendly - Everyone is going green these days and so are favors. I have found many great eco-friendly favors from note pads to coasters.  I also love the ideas of flower seeds. A friend of mine gave flower seeds as the favor at her wedding with a lovely card that read; Love in Blossom.

3. Donations - Many people are decided these days to give to their favorite charity in stead of spending the money for favors and I love this idea. In the past few years my daughter and I have lost a few loved ones to cancer and I think making a donation to the American Cancer Society may be a wonderful way to honor them.

4. Seasonal - I also love the idea of going with the seasons. Giving ornaments for winter themed weddings or fall leaf cookie cutter for a fall themed wedding. My daughters wedding will be a summer wedding and I have been thinking of raspberry ice tea mixes as the favor.

So many chooses but some many great ideas to choose from. Whatever favor you decide on should be something that fits in with the theme of your wedding. Make it fun and make it creative!! Good luck brides and mothers of the bride.

Carrie

A Tribute to Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Wedding Favors

As a tribute to Earth Day, we wanted to share with you some of our favorite ideas for eco-friendly wedding favors.

No matter how adorable and fabulous you may think your wedding favors are, the real truth of the matter is many of your guests are going to end up throwing them out.  And unfortunately, most plastics and packaging materials that are used today are pretty tough on the environment.  From potted plants to flower seeds, thank your guests with a gift that will give back to Mother Nature.

Organic Lunch Bags and Tasty Treats

Say thank you with recycled lunch bags filled with edible treats and locally grown goodies.  Add a personalized touch, by stamping your monogram or favorite image onto the front of your bags.  To learn how to make these adorable lunch bags created by Twig & Thistle, check out these DIY instructions at stylemepretty.com.

Potted Trees and Planters

Thank your guests with a favor that will live on past your wedding night.  Potted plants and herbs can be purchased from any local nursery or greenery and can double as table centerpieces.  For a unique twist, plant your herbs in vintage tins for a charming, eco-friendly packaging idea. (Photo Credit: First photo from knot.com, 2nd photo courtesy of marthastewart.com)

Plantable Wildflower Seeds

Biodegradable seed packets are a great way to give back to Mother Nature while still giving your guests something beautiful to remember you with year after year.  Many companies provide pre-made seed packets that can be planted directly into the ground and include easy-to-follow instructions for your loved ones.  These awareness ribbon wildflower seeds do double duty, allowing you to give back to your environment and your favorite charity as a portion of the proceeds are donated to the Young Survival Coalition; a charity devoted to improving the lives of women living with breast cancer.

Happy Earth Day!

Allie

Folding Hand Fans Wedding Favors

Folding hand fans are an increasingly popular summer wedding favor that are economical, fun and functional. Family and friends will have a refreshing breeze while enjoying your wedding ceremony and reception. 

One indoor summer wedding I attended, there was a small decorated table placed on each side of the church entrance with a stack of programs and a basket filled with hand fans for each guests to take before being seated. For an outdoor ceremony, I like the idea of having the folding hand fans placed on each guests chair or designate someone to pass them out as your guests arrive. Family and friends are sure to smile and thank you over and over for such a practical and refreshing favor.

Renee'

Charity Wedding Favors

In lieu of traditional mementos, many couples are opting to give donation and charity wedding favors to friends and family members to show their appreciation on their special day.  Some of the most popular charities to give to are the American Red Cross, United Nations Childrens Fund, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, and the Hope Foundation.

To present this idea during your wedding reception, place personalized donation tents at each table printed with wording such as "Thank you for sharing our special day with us.  In your honor, we have made a donation to (your charity)."

If you would like to give to your favorite charity and still give a small token to your guests, you can also set a printed card at each guest place setting and include with it a small favor that matches the theme of your event or the charity you are donating to.  If you are donating towards Breast Cancer Awareness, consider placing awareness ribbon shaped favors next to your donation card.

Happy Planning!

Allie

Personalized Cups for Your DIY Wedding Favors

It seems that lately edible wedding favors and DIY gifts are taking over traditional favors like frames and soaps?  I think guests and brides are getting tired of all the small trinkets and knick-knacks.  And really, who could blame them?  After all, chocolate is loved by everyone (unless you're allergic...) and homemade recipes add that warm and fuzzy feeling you just can't find anywhere else.

To get that homemade feel in your wedding favors, I love the idea of using family drink recipes, cookie recipes, and any other recipes your family can bring home with them to use over and over again.  For an absolutely adorable edible favor presentation, check out this place setting idea put together with personalized cups, cellophane-wrapped cookies, and the family's cookie recipe.

Refreshingly unique! This idea is so great because your friends and family get to take home a delicious recipe to eat and the custom cup that holds it.  Attach a recipe tag to your homemade cookies printed with the ingredients along with cute phrases like 'A pinch of love', 'A dash of kindness', and 'A cup of passion'.  Have your names and wedding date custom printed on the front of your personalized cups so your loved ones will think of you every time they pour themselves their favorite drink.  Set at each place setting and voila!

Happy Planning!

Allie

Personalized Can Koozies Make The Memory Of Your Wedding Day Last

I don't know about you but I love, love, love going to a wedding and receiving a favor that I can use over and over again.  The gesture really lets you know the bride and groom were thinking of you.

One of my absolute favorite favors to receive are can koozies.  They are just so darn fun and laidback.  Koozies are especially great for summer and spring weddings when the heat can get so sweltering that you know those babies will be used the minute your guests enter the door to your reception.

Personalized can koozies are a great way to make the memory of your wedding day last.  You can have a witty phrase, a monogram, or your names and wedding date printed on them in almost any color from the rainbow.  Every time your guests use their custom gift, you can be sure they will think of you and the fun they had on your big day.



Personalized Koozies from My Wedding Reception Ideas



Set your koozie favors out at each place setting for guests to grab up on their way into your reception.  Include a basket at the bar filled with any extra koozies you may have for guests to take.  For destination weddings, put a couple of your custom gifts into your out of town gift bags for your hotel guests.  Happy Planning!

Allie

Wedding Candy Buffets are a Hot Trend in 2010

One of the hottest trends for 2010 wedding reception is the candy buffet. A candy buffet will bring out your inner child and is a great way to thank guests for attending your wedding. In addition to candy buffets being a great wedding favor, they are also a fun wedding decoration.

You will want to find some great candy containers and candy scoops. Clear containers usually work best because they showcase your candy selections and have a charming appeal. Use your wedding colors to inspire your candy selections. You can also tie ribbons around clear glass containers to incorporte different colors or even personalize the ribbon with your names and wedding date. Be creative. The sky is the limit when it comes to how you want to present your candy buffet.

Incorporating some details from your wedding theme can help make your candy favors even more memorable. If you are having an Asian themed wedding you can add fortune cookies. If you are having a Valentine’s Day Wedding you can add candy hearts with little sayings on them. The possibilities are endless.

A wedding candy buffet is a great do-it-yourself favor that your guests will not soon forget. Make sure to include favor boxes or bags so they have something to put their candy selections in. Personalized favor bags with a sweet message or your names and date would be a very nice touch. Make your guests literally feel like a kid in a candy store when they join in the celebration of your wedding.

Carrie

Christmas Winter Wedding Themed Favors

Christmas is a festive time of year and with so many varieties of affordable Christmas wedding favors to choose from you can have the perfect winter wedding without going over budget.

One great way to convey that festive spirit and save money is with affordable favors like Christmas cellophane favor bags. Fill each bag with edible treats such as candy coated almonds, chocolate mints, red and green candies and cookies. Tie the bags off with keepsakes like a holiday themed key chain, bookmark, or personalized ornament. These special keepsakes will last through each holiday long after the treats are gone. Family and friends won't forget to take home their goodie bags filled with edible treats and these winter themed wedding favors will set the tone for a jolly Christmas wedding reception.

Renee'

Must Have Winter Wedding Favors

Winter is just a few months away and many people are planning Winter Weddings. Today, more and more couples are bypassing the busy spring and summer months in exchange for a whimsical winter wedding. You can create your very own Winter-Wedding Wonderland with winter themed wedding favors.

Wedding Favors serve a variety of purposes - you can thank your guests for attending the wedding, the favors can serve as a special reminder of your wedding day, or they can showcase your interests and/or wedding theme.

Consider a less-is-more approach to your color palette: Silver and white are classic colors and would add some serious glamour to your winter wedding. Use some adorable favors such as the snowflake place card holders or Silver Snowflake Votive Candle Holder.

From snowflake bookmarks to winter-themed place card frames, there is a long list of favors to choose from for your winter wedding! You can find favors to match a glittery snowflake design or go with a more traditional favor.

Another great favor option is a winter-themed bottle stopper. Many guests will be entertaining during the holiday season, and their parties will almost certainly include a bottle or two of wine. Send guests home with a unique bottle stopper from your wedding, and not only can you help keep their leftover wine fresh, you can also create a conversation piece at their next gathering.