by J.T. Nowen

Created on: February 13, 2009   Last Updated: February 15, 2009

With all that they have to do, making wedding favors are the last thing most brides want to think about. On top of the time and energy factor, wedding favors can be expensive, have a reputation for being cheesy and aren't the most ecologically friendly things on the planet. Here are four favor ideas that are that won't require a lot of effort, expense or disposable plastic tchotchkes.

1. Bubbles. While bubbles may seem childish, they do enhance black and white photos and occupy people who may feel out of place in formal social settings. Mix your own inexpensive bubble solution using one gallon of water, three tablespoons of glycerin and twelve ounces of dish soap. Pour into clear vases at your ceremony and reception sites. Add food coloring, river rocks or silk flowers sunken with weights if desired. Collect wire hangers to bend into wands. Using pliers, you can easily bend and twist them around dowels or pipes. To customize, add beads, ribbons, twist into unique shapes or spray paint the wire.

2. Pictures. Hire an inexpensive hobby or student photographer from Craigslist or your classifieds to come to your reception for a couple hours. Set up a photo booth area using a chalkboard, an old sheet or your own artwork as a backdrop. Allow guests to pose on their own or pose with your guests during the reception. Print off the pictures at your local warehouse store, pharmacy or other inexpensive printing outlet and send to your guests with your thank you notes.

3. Food. Food is the perfect wedding favor because it must be consumed. Your out-of-town guests will appreciate homemade cookies, muffins, scones or even trail mix the morning after your wedding or on the plane ride home. A candy buffet allows guests to choose their favorite treats, ensuring that little will go to waste. You can add a healthy twist to your candy buffet by adding dried fruit, nuts and high fiber treats like popcorn or sesame sticks. Get your fiancee involved by putting him in charge of homemade craft beer, wine, hard ciders, liqueurs or even hot sauces.

4. Plant Cuttings. Do you have a favorite African violet or succulent that is thriving? Several weeks before your wedding, take leaf or stem cuttings from these plants and stick them in moist potting soil for your guests. You can distribute these in clean tin cans, yogurt or simple paper cups. Instruct guests to transplant these when they get home. You can also take cuttings from taro plants, ivy, Mexican orchids, spider plants or any other plant that roots in air.

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