Planning your wedding should be an exciting time but for many it can be stressful and hectic. There is so much to decide, agree upon, plan and organize. If you want a lavish dream wedding then you really need to start planning a year in advance to ensure everything will be ready in time. Wedding invitations, the bride and groom outfits, bridesmaid dresses, photographer, flowers, food, location, cake; where do you start? The obvious place is to decide upon location, outfits, the guest list, and of course, whom you are to marry! However, a wedding is not just for you, it is also an opportunity for family and friends to get together to celebrate your union. To make the day special for you, you must also make it special for them and it is typical to give small gifts to the guests in the form of keepsakes and favors.


There is no obligation to give wedding favors and if you are on a small budget these can use up a large part of it. However, the giving of wedding favors isn’t only a special and unique way of making sure your guests remember just how great your wedding was, it can also be a good way to let your guests know that you appreciate them supporting your union and demonstrate your thanks. You can pick and choose favors, selecting different ones for men and women and even novelty items for children; they can fit in with the theme of the wedding or be entirely unique and fun. Favors come in a range of items, from stylishly designed boxes, tins or cone shaped bags filled with candy, chocolates, almonds, cinnamon hearts, mints, soaps or small charms to practical items, like salt and pepper pots, bottle stoppers, compact mirrors, tiny calculators, key rings and candles in glass holders. Try and veer your favors towards the season, for example if it is Christmas or winter you might choose snowflake candle holders or frosted glass coasters, some bride and grooms choose cultural favors to reflect their heritage.


Place card holders are another little gift that guests can take home with them, they come in all shapes and sizes and themes and can be as sophisticated and traditional as you like or a fun funky version. Doubling as photo frames or note holders, they provide a subtle method of directing your guests to where they should be sat whilst offering practical and charming gifts for them.


There are lots of websites providing wedding accessories and information on how to plan your own wedding from the location down to the smallest detail. Or, if your budget allows for it, then hire a wedding planner who will organize absolutely everything for you so you can sit back and just give (or not) your approval. There are heaps of good ideas to make weddings affordable, seasonal weddings for one can make use of the flowers in bloom at that time of year to keep costs down. Wedding favors are a traditional wedding custom and chosen with some thought can be a lasting reminder to your guests of your wedding. To say thank you to your guests should be as unique as your wedding, with your own ideas, thoughts and style.



Michiel Van Kets provides articles for Cristian Nelson, who is a party planner in South Florida and a wedding advisor for Gia’s Wedding Store, which is selling wedding accessories and wedding favors.