Get Creative
Don't be shy -- ask around for great favor ideas. An acquaintance may have recently attended a wedding where the favors were truly unique. The internet can also be your best friend for finding memorable favors without breaking your budget. Don't be afraid to think outside the box. When it comes to a theme wedding, the more creative your favors, the more memorable they will be.
If you still can't find what you're looking for, consider making, or at least piecing together, favors yourself. Ask for help! You can even have a wedding favor party; form an assembly line in your living room. You'll be surprised how fast the work goes this way.
Location Theme Favors
If you've chosen a special location for your nuptials, select wedding favors that go with the surroundings. For example, a wedding in New Orleans is all the sweeter with jazz band instrument-shaped candy favors. If you're tying the knot at Disney world, order Mickey Mouse stuffed dolls with your wedding date embroidered on them. Gourmet cheeses can make fun favors for a Wisconsin wedding.
Outdoor Wedding
Place a small, lovely outdoor plant next to each guest's plate at an outdoor wedding. This live favor will continue to be a reminder of your special day for a long time to come.
Tropical Paradise
Dainty candies shaped like seashells are great for this theme. Real shells are even betterhand-paint your wedding date on the bottom of each. Candles in the shape of exotic plants or fruits are another option.
Medieval Magic
Order a book of medieval poetry for each guest. If you're the creative type, write the wedding information inside in calligraphy. Tiny ceramic castles or dragons also make unique favors for this theme.
Fairy tales match this idea as well. A miniature glass slipper, a packet of beans and a small pot (for Jack and the Beanstalk) or a small magic mirror can all be personalized with your information.
Holiday Fun
If you are getting married near or on a holiday, have fun with it! Try these theme favor ideas:
- Christmas or Hanukkah: winter-theme candles
- Kwanzaa: fruits; grains
- Valentine's Day: hearts; flowers; Cupids
- Mardi Gras: strings of beads
- Halloween: the colors orange and black or brown; spice-scented soaps
- Thanksgiving: a cornucopia centerpiece stuffed with favors for your guests
- Easter or Passover: springtime-theme favors
Ethnic Theme
An ethnic wedding can be a wonderful choice, especially if your family is traditional. Buy or make special wedding favors that match your country of origin, beliefs, legends or other traditions, such as:
- Mexican: ducks (symbol of a long marriage) or cranes (symbol of long life)
- African: small pillows or pouches in African-inspired fabric patterns
- Asian: paper fans; the color red
- Scandinavian: marzipan candies
- African-American: tiny decorated brooms (for the jumping the broom tradition)
- Spanish: Spanish combs; Spanish fans; ceramic bulls
- Celtic: Irish love spoons; Celtic-decorated fabric book marks
- Native American: miniature drums; potted wildflowers
- Indian: elephant trinkets
Religious Favors
A religious wedding reception can be highly personal, as it is based on your innermost beliefs. Choose favors that reflect your religion in a tasteful way. Little cards with your religious symbol and a prayer or poem make thoughtful favors.
Whatever your choice, make sure to keep a favor for you and your new groom. Store it in a treasured place to always recall your special day.