Are You Experiencing Wedding Favor Overload?

Many years ago, it used to be that for wedding favors a bride had just a few options, if any at all. Guests went home with a slice of wedding cake in a pretty box and were happy to get that. Soon, those giveaway gifts became more and more popular for weddings, but were still limited – some Jordan almonds in a tulle bag, or a scented candle wrapped in colored saran wrap seemed to be all there was to choose from.

Today, however, the wedding favors business has taken a life of its own. Browse any website and you’ll find hundreds, if not literally thousands of options for not just your reception, but your rehearsal dinner, your bridal shower, your bachelorette party, everything.

Having a great lot of options is a good things for most brides, who are not only trying to find something to send home with their guests that’s beautiful and expressive of their unique personality, but that is also affordable for the hundred, two hundred, or even more people they expect to attend.

But for some brides, this has caused something of a wedding favors overload. She can feel lost and confused as she tries to pick out just the right item that’s going to send just the right message – and avoid the item that will send the wrong message. If she chooses something affordable, will guests think she’s tacky? If she chooses something in good taste, will she be able to afford it for everyone in attendance? If she chooses something practical, will this express the right message for a wedding celebration?

Thankfully there are a few guidelines to remember when choosing your wedding favors that can make this one of the most enjoyable parts of your wedding planning, rather than something so stressful. One, remember that it is your day and your wedding favors should express your personality and that of the two of you as a couple. If you’re both practical people, why not get something practical for your guests – a keychain or a set of nice coasters, for example? If you and your new groom love the outdoors, some seed packets are just perfect.

Two, you can cut costs if you’re willing to do a bit of work yourself when it comes to your wedding favors. Many places will sell the favors and take-home boxes separately for a much lower price than if they are boxed individually. Set aside some time with your maid of honor or your mom to assemble these yourself, and you’ll find that you can save literally hundreds of dollars, allowing you to get the wedding favors of your choice and still not break the budget.

One option that became very popular in past years for both reasons – personal and yet affordable – is customized candy bar wrappers. Many brides appreciated these for wedding favors because they can find a wide range of themes and designs to match their wedding and their personality, and because they are relatively affordable. Personalized candy bar wrappers are available on most major wedding internet sites, such as The Knot, and www.FavorsandWraps.com, just to name a few. Most of these sites allow a wide range of options to suit whatever your wedding theme and feel, whether it’s elegant and traditional, or if the bride is a nature lover, or if the couple prefers something simpler yet still tasteful.

Whatever the choice for wedding favors, it’s important that the bride not allow herself to get overwhelmed and let her own feelings of “wedding favors overload” detract from her very special day. After all, every part of planning for a wedding should be fun and enjoyable!

Linda Ellison is a freelance writer who specializes in trends and lifestyles. Her previously published fiction works, including the Dana Ford Mystery Series, have been on bookshelves nationwide. Visit www.FavorsAndWraps.comto read more about the latest trends in wedding favors.