One place to look for inspiration for the perfect wedding favors is the location of your celebration. If you are having a beach or sea themed wedding in Anacortes, small wooden ferries stacked in the center of the reception tables would be a nice favor. Attach a loop of personalized ribbon in your wedding colors so guests can use these as Christmas tree decorations. Small bags of mints can be tied up with colorful ribbons and local shells to support a sea theme as well as offer sweets. Local treats such as salt water taffy or small flavored coffees can be made up into personalized bags and artfully arranged to serve double duty as decorations and favors.
Another idea for favors are your interests as a couple. If you met in a gardening seminar in Spokane, think about small seed packets, imprinted with your name and wedding date. These can be placed in individual bags with other goodies, piled in baskets around the reception or used individually as place cards for each guest.
See where your wedding favors can highlight your wedding theme. If you are being married in the wine country of Eastern Washington, small wine bottles from a local vintner can be offered at each place setting. Shot glasses etched with leaping salmon can be filled with almonds, hard candies or molded chocolates.
When selecting favors, keep a couple of ideas in mind. Try to find something your guests will appreciate. Two gourmet chocolate truffles made by a local candy shop will be more appreciated than pounds of massed produced candies. Smaller weddings lend themselves to more extravagant wedding favors, such as personalized gifts for each guest. Larger weddings can take advantage of theme shaped soaps or local specialties.
Keep your budget in mind. Favors can get expensive in a hurry, so decide how much you can spend on each favor. Any gift can be personalized by either the maker or with ribbons and stickers. You may be able to splurge a bit more if you plan on using your favors as table decorations for the reception. Piled in baskets, placed at each setting or massed in large urns around the room, wedding favors can add to the festive look of your reception.
Keep the overall tone of your wedding in the forefront. If your wedding is a more relaxed affair, fancy gold ribbons and glittering favors may be out of place. Think about colored tissue papers for wrappings and raffia bows. On the other hand, if your wedding is planned in an upscale hotel, raffia might clash. Use gold foils, gilt-edged ribbons and richer colors for your favors in this situation.
Look at bridal magazines, party planning books and your other wedding vendors for suggestions if you are stuck. Craft stores stock the building blocks of favors such as ribbons, glass holders, beads and silk flowers. Florists, wedding planners and photographers might also have suggestions for you.
Wedding favors, whether large or small, are your way of thanking everyone for making your day so special. As long as your choice comes from the heart, all your guests will know how much you appreciate them.