Low Cost, Not Low Quality
Being thrifty is an art. A cheap wedding favor does not mean a less appealing or less memorable wedding favor. Above all, wedding favors are heart felt thank-you's, and this will be constant and genuine regardless of the financial investment.
Perhaps the best starting point for your discount wedding favor search is an overstock store. Quite often these bargain stores are filled with real treasures at affordable prices. Even a miniature collectible, when wrapped in tulle and tied with a festive ribbon, can be transformed into a charming and adorable gift.
Craft stores, too, offer an abundance of fresh ideas and affordable trinkets. Many of these stores sell bulk items which will even further expand on the financial savings. Beadwork is more popular than ever, and most craft stores have a great selection of bead choices and styles. Choose beads that are priced right, and then have a pre-wedding beading party with some friends. Who wouldn't appreciate a bracelet or a keychain handmade with eye-catching beads?
Make Your Own Favors
Some people prefer to make their own wedding favors. Not only does this ensure originality and that personal touch, but it also allows you to have complete control. Collect shells, sea-glass, or pretty stones. Place them in miniature wooden boxes and hand paint special messages to your guests.
Or, incorporate your own hobbies and talents into gift giving for a fun and inexpensive wedding favor idea. If you're a seamstress, knit scarves or mittens for a winter-themed wedding. If food is your passion, bake cookies or mini-muffins, and pass out little packages adorned with oven mitts. Consider purchasing lovely little craft tins and then filling each one with fresh blueberries. Print out a copy of your favorite blueberry recipe, roll it up in scroll fashion and then tie it with a silk ribbon.
Consider a wedding favor CD, created on your computer with photos and music, and perhaps a video clip of the happy couple saying thank you. This could be prepared in advance of the wedding or could be assembled with actual photos of the guests once the wedding is over. Guests could receive just a gold-foiled ticket as their wedding favor, entitling them to the CD which will come later on in the mail.
Buy In Bulk
Traditional wedding favor items, purchased in bulk, will often receive special discounts and pricing options. Some well-known but fun wedding favors are Jordan almonds tied in tulle, paper fans, and miniature bubbles (housed in all sorts of fun bottles). More gift suggestions might consist of candy, specially-flavored teas, miniature soaps, or miniature books of collected poetry. Having a summer wedding? Why not fill several large pails with colorful flip-flops and let your guests choose a pair as they leave the reception.
Each gift carries the potential for affordability and your own angle of artistry and levity. There really is no end to cheap wedding favor choices. A little creativity goes a long way.