Remember that in planning your wedding you will have a million and one things to do, plus a lot of expenses, so this part should be kept as simple as possible. There are many do it yourself wedding favor ideas that don't require many materials. Some of the most common materials used to make wedding favors include curling ribbon, tulle, hot glue, artificial flowers, potpourri, candy (pastel almonds, foil-wrapped chocolates), and small tins or boxes.
Traditionally wedding guests have been given small bags of rice to throw at the bride and groom, but in the years since it was discovered that this was unhealthy for birds. Now the tradition has shifted to giving bags of birdseed instead. Birdseed parcels can be made with a square of fine-mesh tulle bundled around a small amount (about two tablespoons) of wild bird feed and tied with curling ribbon or satin ribbon. You may also want to include a small charm or similar trinket and a tag saying either the guest's name or those of the bride and groom.
Another popular do it yourself wedding favor idea is a small bottle of bubbles (many companies offer "wedding bubbles" which can be ordered inexpensively in bulk) decorated with curling ribbon and a personalized tag. A fun, springtime touch can be added by hot-gluing an artificial flower, such as a daisy or a rose, to the lid of the bottle.
A do it yourself (DIY) discussion wouldn't be complete without including everything edible. Candy of all types can be tied up in loose-mesh tulle with ribbon and a charm to create a pretty package. Candy-coated almonds have been given since Roman times (traditionally in a package of five) to symbolize the bittersweet commitments of marriage. Other elegant choices include pastel mints, foil-wrapped chocolates, heart-shaped candies, and orange or peppermint sticks.
Sachets are another very traditional do it yourself wedding favor, and are very easy to make. One way to make very attractive sachets is to sew two squares of tulle around three edges with narrow satin ribbon, fill with potpourri and then sew the top shut, leaving long, flowing ribbon bows at the corners. You may want to decorate your sachets with a sprig of rosemary. This recognizes the Victorian tradition of giving rosemary to wedding guests symbolizing that, although the bride and groom are starting a new life together, their friends and family will not be forgotten. A nice way of explaining this tradition is to briefly print out the story and attach it on a curl of paper to one of the ribbons on your sachet.
Bring out the best in your do it yourself wedding favors by using pretty packaging. For example, an inventively decorated box or tin can be a charming keepsake in itself. Small paper boxes or tins with clear plastic lids can be ordered in bulk or found at reasonable prices at craft supply stores, and there are many easy ways to decorate them. There is the option of using hot glue to attach ribbons and artificial flowers. But you can also personalize gift boxes by attaching a small photo framed in ribbon. Or you can print the recipient's name in craft paint. These boxes, along with tea tins or tins with clear lids, can be filled with elegant candies, silk flower petals, or small charms to make a lovely and lasting gift.
Once you gather some friends and basic materials and get crafty, the possibilities are endless for making a lasting impression and a very personal statement with do it yourself wedding favors. No matter what you decide to make, it will definitely be a unique and personal expression of who you are and a way to give of yourself to show appreciation for your guests.