by Stacey Allen

Created on: August 28, 2008

How many times have you been to a wedding where the favor is something you bring home and throw out a few days later? Cutesy personalized tape measures may seem like a good idea at the time, but in a world where most families already have too much clutter, chances are it will be lost or disposed of before the bride and groom get home from their honeymoon.

Truly unique wedding favors that your guests will really appreciate don't have to be expensive and they don't have to be "traditional."

You can never go wrong with foodstuffs!

If you or your fiance are known for having a sweet tooth, you may want to consider featuring a candy bar for your guests. Provide small "Chinese take-out" containers on your guests' plates with a note explaining that they can fill up their favor with their favorite candy at the candy bar. Be sure to offer a nice selection that has a little something for everyone... chocolates, hard candy, chewy candies, jellied candies and even sugarless! Thanks to the wide variety out there, you can even coordinate the candies to your wedding colors.

If you are getting married in a location that is known for a specific delicacy or treat, you may want to consider providing a small sampler as a favor. In the Northeast/New England, for example, you can never go wrong with a little bottle of Maple Syrup or Maple Sugar candies. In the Victorian era in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., a pig-shaped peppermint hard candy treat was meant to bring good luck. These Peppermint Pigs are still made and are always considered to be a great favor in the area!

If you're more music oriented, consider making your guests CDs that feature some of the music that will be played at your wedding. Whether it is cocktail hour jazz or a selection of the slow songs you've asked to be played, you can never go wrong with music! To save money, instead of jewel cases, buy white cardboard jackets and spruce them up by tying them with nice ribbon that matches your wedding colors.

If you've a green thumb, seeds packets, a tiny sapling or even, if you have the time and patience, small plants you've raised can be nice favors that will go home with your guests and hopefully live out their lives all the while bringing fond memories.

Another option is to donate money to a charity of your preference in each of your guests' names. Often, charities can provide little gift cards that you can place at the table settings. While they will not be bringing anything home, per se, knowing that you've donated in their name will be an honor for your guests.

There are so many wonderful opportunities for favors out there, and they don't have to be standard issue or cookie cutter. Think about your and your soon-to-be spouse's passions and hobbies and translate them into something wonderful that will be meaningful and exciting to your guests!

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