Corn has long been a symbol for happiness, fertility and abundance. Create lovely wedding favors using this great grain. Corn is an ideal wedding favor choice if you're getting married in the fall, but you can incorporate it no matter what time of year you're tying the knot.

Legend and Lore
Corn -- or "maize" -- figures into a variety of Native American stories. Corn is also featured strongly in ancient Celtic lore. You can find a variety of stories about corn by doing a simple internet search. Create your own lighthearted or romantic versions and have them printed onto cards to tie around your wedding favors.

Fertile Thoughts
Have bags of corn rather than rice handy for guests to toss as you and your groom leave the wedding hall for the reception. This is a unique alternative to traditional rice.

The practice of throwing grains is meant to ensure fertility for the bride or groom. Whether or not this is in your immediate plans, the gesture is still traditional and, of course, fun for your guests!

Candy Corn
If you happen to be getting married on or around Halloween or Thanksgiving, give candy corn favors. Buy gourmet candy corn and tie it in netting or cellophane. This will be a special favorite if you plan on inviting children to the reception.

Pop Corn
Pop corn is a delicious and festive treat. Look for these varieties:

• Cheese (white or yellow cheddar)
• Cajun/Creole
• Pizza
• Salt and Vinegar
• Caramel
• Cinnamon
• "Kettle" corn (sweet and salty)
• sprayed fruit flavors

Pop corn can be served in pretty bags or rolled into balls and wrapped in decorative cellophane.

Another idea is pop corn-on-the-cob. This delightful treat pops in the microwave and can be eaten right off the cob. Wrap a tag around the husk with your wedding date and the names of the bride and groom.

Recipe for Fun
Try a variety of recipes (make them yourself or find a wedding caterer who will supply them) such as:

• Cornbread
• sweet or spicy corn cakes
• party mix (popped corn with crunchy snacks and pretzels)
• flat bread
• corn and poppy seed loaf

Look up recipes that include corn flour. Try them out at home first before deciding on what your wedding favors will be. You can even host a baking-and-tasting party. This way your ideas will have a "trial run" before you make your final decision.

Husk Dolls and Decorations
If you're creative and have the time and manpower to make your own favors, try making Â?good-luckÂ? corn husk dolls. Corn husk dolls are said to bring happiness and abundance to any home. Make female dolls for women guests and male scarecrows for men.

Go to the library for a book of ideas on corn husk dolls, animals or even shapes like hearts and stars.

***TIP: It's easier to make these than it may look at first glance. With a little practice, you'll be making beautiful keepsake wedding favors.

You can continue this theme by creating corn husk centerpieces. Tie the husks together and fan them out, then place decorative items in the center --for example, bowls filled with color-coordinated flowers.

Corn husks can also be used to make small decorative wreaths. Insert artificial wildflowers for a spring wedding, multicolored leaves for an autumn wedding or cranberries for a winter wedding.

The Color Yellow
Match the color of your special wedding favors with buttery-yellow napkins, tableware or table cloths. Coordinating colors include black, orange, white, green or brown.

You can also have your bridesmaids coordinate with this color scheme. Your wedding pictures will be beautiful, and your day will be one to remember.