Many brides-to-be stress over the perfect wedding favor.
It is customary to give a small token of your appreciation to guests who have traveled from near and far to share in the joy of your ceremony.
As well as an expression of gratitude, a favor is a sentimental reminder of your wedding day, and you want your guest to keep it around for a while.
It also has to be meaningful, useful, and above all-look fabulous on the table.
That's a tall enough order to fill when your budget is fifty dollars, much less when it is fifty cents.
Society says you must give a symbol of a sweet life, or the growth of your family, but what do you want? You need not remain a slave to convention.
It is your wedding, and you can follow all the rules, or break them.
What is it that you, as a brand new, original family, want to say to your guests? If you are about to throw up your hands and go with the Jordan almonds only because they are expected, reconsider.
These are classic wedding favors because they're cheap, easy, and a symbol of a "bittersweet" life together.
But, there are plenty of other edible gifts you could use to symbolize a sweet marriage.
Some cultures use honey in their rituals, or present it as a gift, to symbolize the sweet aspects of matrimony.
Many brides today find chocolate an economical alternative.
Symbols of a sweet life-edible gifts What is appropriate in this department is up to you and your guests.
Some people give cookies, liquor-even homemade treats.
Here are a few ideas.
*Cross two chocolate-dipped spoons to form a heart, and tie with beautiful ribbon.
You could also bundle specialty biscotti.
These items usually come individually wrapped, making presentation easy.
*While you would not save a purple M&M in your scrapbook, you could flatten a custom-printed candy bar wrapper.
To keep your budget low, make them yourself.
A computer and printer, and a little time and creativity are all you need to get the same effect (or better) for the cost of paper and ink.
Symbols of growth-plants If the thought of a bag of chocolate in addition to the wedding cake seems like sugar overload, consider something representing growth, most often symbolized by seedlings.
Again, you can find many companies selling custom-printed seedling favors on the internet.
You will get a small tree in a plastic bag or glass tube, wrapped with a piece of paper printed with the couple's name and the date, and tied with a ribbon.
*Save some money and do it yourself.
You'll need ink, paper, ribbon, and a trip to the local nursery.
Most are more than willing to accommodate a customer buying in bulk, if you order well in advance.
*You may also consider a donation to an organization which gives tree seedlings as free gifts.
Most provide the option of buying more at a reduced price.
The downside is that they specialize in saving the environment, not weddings.
This means they cannot guarantee delivery dates.
While seedlings can last a month with the right care, they will need storage until the reception.
*Flowers are economical symbols of love, beauty, and fertility.
Again, a trip to a nursery for your favorite flower, a few bags of potting soil, and some lovely terra cotta pots are all you need to make your own custom favors.
They are not only a lasting reminder of your wedding, but can also stretch your decorating budget.
They look great adorning tables, and grouping them together or lining the entry to your venue makes a stunning first impression.
New Symbols and Traditions Today's families may be a mix of cultures-and you should not have to choose between them.
Wedding ceremonies evolve as we strive to both honor our heritage and progress as a multicultural society.
Even a traditional wedding needs a touch of something special to set it apart from hundreds of others.
Dig into your culture and history to find a meaningful symbol.
You will not only be giving your guests a heartfelt gift, but sharing your heritage with them.
Perhaps your family has a killer baklava recipe--you can't get sweeter than that! Ask your fiancée about his or her family traditions.
*If your family is from Asia, chopsticks could symbolize the joining of two families, or the ability to work together, while fortune cookies and bamboo add good luck.
*Coffee, tea, and cocoa are staples in almost every country.
If you miss Jamaica, a touch of Blue Mountain coffee may be appropriate.
Swiss cocoa, English scones, Scottish shortbread-the list of possibilities is endless.
A little something from the home country will remind the family that although you are a modern couple, you will not forget the old ways.
Whatever you decide, remember to think of all your guests .
If you're set on chocolate or bottles of liquor, find another gift for your diabetic or non-drinking friends.
They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
If you need an idea for wedding favors, go beyond what is available, expected, and traditional.
Consider your theme, your heritage, and your interests.
If you want your guests to remember your wedding with a feng shui hand mirror, or a souvenir snow globe from the Alps, don't let anyone talk you out of it.
Your wedding favors are a unique chance to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
They can speak volumes about your wishes, your heritage, and your values.
Such a thoughtful gift of your style will be appreciated more than a generic "thank you".
It is customary to give a small token of your appreciation to guests who have traveled from near and far to share in the joy of your ceremony.
As well as an expression of gratitude, a favor is a sentimental reminder of your wedding day, and you want your guest to keep it around for a while.
It also has to be meaningful, useful, and above all-look fabulous on the table.
That's a tall enough order to fill when your budget is fifty dollars, much less when it is fifty cents.
Society says you must give a symbol of a sweet life, or the growth of your family, but what do you want? You need not remain a slave to convention.
It is your wedding, and you can follow all the rules, or break them.
What is it that you, as a brand new, original family, want to say to your guests? If you are about to throw up your hands and go with the Jordan almonds only because they are expected, reconsider.
These are classic wedding favors because they're cheap, easy, and a symbol of a "bittersweet" life together.
But, there are plenty of other edible gifts you could use to symbolize a sweet marriage.
Some cultures use honey in their rituals, or present it as a gift, to symbolize the sweet aspects of matrimony.
Many brides today find chocolate an economical alternative.
Symbols of a sweet life-edible gifts What is appropriate in this department is up to you and your guests.
Some people give cookies, liquor-even homemade treats.
Here are a few ideas.
*Cross two chocolate-dipped spoons to form a heart, and tie with beautiful ribbon.
You could also bundle specialty biscotti.
These items usually come individually wrapped, making presentation easy.
*While you would not save a purple M&M in your scrapbook, you could flatten a custom-printed candy bar wrapper.
To keep your budget low, make them yourself.
A computer and printer, and a little time and creativity are all you need to get the same effect (or better) for the cost of paper and ink.
Symbols of growth-plants If the thought of a bag of chocolate in addition to the wedding cake seems like sugar overload, consider something representing growth, most often symbolized by seedlings.
Again, you can find many companies selling custom-printed seedling favors on the internet.
You will get a small tree in a plastic bag or glass tube, wrapped with a piece of paper printed with the couple's name and the date, and tied with a ribbon.
*Save some money and do it yourself.
You'll need ink, paper, ribbon, and a trip to the local nursery.
Most are more than willing to accommodate a customer buying in bulk, if you order well in advance.
*You may also consider a donation to an organization which gives tree seedlings as free gifts.
Most provide the option of buying more at a reduced price.
The downside is that they specialize in saving the environment, not weddings.
This means they cannot guarantee delivery dates.
While seedlings can last a month with the right care, they will need storage until the reception.
*Flowers are economical symbols of love, beauty, and fertility.
Again, a trip to a nursery for your favorite flower, a few bags of potting soil, and some lovely terra cotta pots are all you need to make your own custom favors.
They are not only a lasting reminder of your wedding, but can also stretch your decorating budget.
They look great adorning tables, and grouping them together or lining the entry to your venue makes a stunning first impression.
New Symbols and Traditions Today's families may be a mix of cultures-and you should not have to choose between them.
Wedding ceremonies evolve as we strive to both honor our heritage and progress as a multicultural society.
Even a traditional wedding needs a touch of something special to set it apart from hundreds of others.
Dig into your culture and history to find a meaningful symbol.
You will not only be giving your guests a heartfelt gift, but sharing your heritage with them.
Perhaps your family has a killer baklava recipe--you can't get sweeter than that! Ask your fiancée about his or her family traditions.
*If your family is from Asia, chopsticks could symbolize the joining of two families, or the ability to work together, while fortune cookies and bamboo add good luck.
*Coffee, tea, and cocoa are staples in almost every country.
If you miss Jamaica, a touch of Blue Mountain coffee may be appropriate.
Swiss cocoa, English scones, Scottish shortbread-the list of possibilities is endless.
A little something from the home country will remind the family that although you are a modern couple, you will not forget the old ways.
Whatever you decide, remember to think of all your guests .
If you're set on chocolate or bottles of liquor, find another gift for your diabetic or non-drinking friends.
They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
If you need an idea for wedding favors, go beyond what is available, expected, and traditional.
Consider your theme, your heritage, and your interests.
If you want your guests to remember your wedding with a feng shui hand mirror, or a souvenir snow globe from the Alps, don't let anyone talk you out of it.
Your wedding favors are a unique chance to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
They can speak volumes about your wishes, your heritage, and your values.
Such a thoughtful gift of your style will be appreciated more than a generic "thank you".
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