Coffee and Tea
Gourmet coffee is all the rage. Get on board with this major trend by presenting your guests with flavored favors.
Chocolate is one of the most popular coffee flavor choices, but did you know there are new variations, such as dark or white chocolate? Look for blended flavors, too, such as chocolate-macadamia nut or chocolate mint. Vanilla and vanilla blends are another top choice among coffee connoisseurs.
Some mass marketed beverage brands also offer gourmet coffee. This includes alcoholic beverage brands, though the coffees they offer are usually alcohol-free. Call or look online for whiskey or mixed-drink gourmet coffees.
Don't forget tea! Tea time, a tradition in England, is becoming popular for special occasions here in the United States. Offer wedding favors that include gourmet or herbal teas and a pretty tea cup and saucer.
Winter Delights
A winter wedding is all the more special with warm, welcoming cocoa favors. Look for gourmet cocoas for upscale flavor. Check out these delicious varieties:
- mocha
- raspberry
- double-fudge
- white chocolate
- caramel praline
- truffle
- sugar-free or reduced sugar varieties
Jams, Spreads and Honey
Spread the love with gourmet jam and honey wedding favors. Look for a homey presentation, such as small, interestingly-shaped crocks and fabric-covered lids.
There is an enormous variety of berries available, and most can be made into jams. Huckleberry, wild chokecherry, elderberry and boysenberry are just a few. Exotic fruits such as mango make wonderful jellies, too.
If you're planning on honey wedding favors, look for gourmet varieties that come in appealing jars.
Sumptuous Cookies
Everyone loves cookies. Heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies decorated in your wedding colors are excellent choices. Have them wrapped in colorful cellophane or a pretty tulle pouch.
Another fun option is the fortune cookie wedding favor. Have your names and wedding date printed on one side of the paper insert, and a romantic fortune on the other side.
Specialty Candies
Mints are a very traditional wedding favor item. Today's mints come in a variety of flavors and interesting tins.
Tie up your gourmet mints in organdy bags with your wedding information printed on the ribbon.
Chocolate Delights
The taste of eating chocolate has been equated with the feeling of falling in love, and with good reason. This feel-good food item is perfect for your wedding favors. Try gourmet truffles, chocolate-coated petit fours, or chocolate-dipped candied fruits for a new take on an old favorite.
Spice Things Up
An edible wedding favor doesn't need to be sweet to make an impression. Consider spiced condiments for a real kick! Look for these gourmet goodies:
- cranberry, wasabi or mango mustards
- black olive spread (to be used instead of butter on breads)
- mint sauce
- jalapeño relish
- Cajun-style catsup
- mango salsa; cracked pepper salsa
- gourmet barbecue rubs
Say Cheese!
Most hard cheeses last quite a while and make excellent wedding favors. Order your cheeses cut into heart shapes and printed on the wrapper with your names and special day. Hard cheeses include cheddar, Swiss, edam, Colby and Gouda.
***TIP: Stay away from soft or semi-soft cheeses. These spoil more quickly and could be out on the tables or traveling in your guest's car for several hours. Stick with these delicious wedding favor tips and your guests are sure to go home happy.
