Ten Favors That Will Not Disappoint

I, personally, am a fan of the favor. I look for it, I inspect it, I try and decipher its selection by my generous hosts for my very presence at their gathering. I look for how it relates to the couple, how it adds to the splendor, and when possible, when the earliest appropriate time for ingestion can take place.  Some favors are full of personal sentiment, gratitude, and thoughtfulness while others (Jordan almonds-ehem) have the sentimental equivalent of spam in my inbox. 

Here are some general guidelines for selecting favors:

1.  Make it personal- something special to the two of you.
(this does not mean personalize it. If it is a keepsake, I am less likely to keep it around if it has a date or name imprinted on it other than my own. Tags, labels, and easily removable thingys are a-ok!)

2.  If it’s not personal, make it fun and engaging. Something that will spark conversation with the people at the table.

3.  If it’s not personal, or fun, make it functional. I can always use a wine opener or some fresh herbs.

4.  If it’s not personal, fun, or functional, PLEASE make it something I can put in my mouth!

5.  As an added bonus, make it unexpected. Maybe a game? Or something that will be mailed to them?

And with that, below are ten favors that meet at least one of the above guidelines!

Pom Confetti by Heathoriginal

1.  Pom Confetti by Heathoriginals
If I were to walk into an event and see these, I would just KNOW that the night’s fun factor would be just ridiculous. I also love that everyone will probably find one of these poms in a strange location the following day. And if you are planning a Suess themed wedding. These favors are also kind of like little galaxies of Whoville’s.

Midori Ribbon chargers2.  Chargers out of Midori Ribbon
These Midori ribbon chargers are both fun and functional. Not only are they unlike anything you’ve ever seen, they satisfy any desire to do a DIY project (we only recommend one per event for sanity’s sake). Totally customizable, these could be made as circular plate chargers or as a crazy fun chair mat. Chances are, not everyone will want to take them home, but all the more fun when you see your aunt’s scrounging the venue for extras. The DIY tutorial for these are on Midori’s blog: Ribbonista
http://blog.midoriribbon.com/tag/shag-rug-diy/

Flower bulb samplers by Lola Event Floral & Design3.  Flower bulb samplers by Lola Event Floral & Design
Packaged like a little chocolate sampler, these favors are fantastic for my fellow gardeney folks. Use your favorite flower, or maybe the flower that grows around grandma’s house you remember from your childhood.

Custom tote bag by Covet & Swoon4.  Tote bags by Covet and Swoon
Tote bags have the same effect on me as a Christmas stocking. The meer sight of them make me squeal. These totes are super cute and totally customizable. They’re a great gift to fill and give to your special people. Please do put something in it. There’s nothing sadder than an empty stocking on Christmas.

Matthews Estate wine 5.  Syrah by Matthews Estate
Matthews’ Columbia Valley Syrah made an already wonderful day extraordinary. It can do the same for your guests. Talk to the winery about getting a custom photo label made, or hang a beautiful ceramic medallion from Susabella Handmade Ceramics around its neck.

Lady Yum Macaroons6.  French Macaroons by Lady Yum
The lady at Lady Yum says these macaroons are life-changing. I agree. And since these macaroon favors would last a nanosecond in front of me, what if you could have two delivered to your guests houses a couple of day’s following the celebration? To be reminded of the delicious evening they had at your life changing event twice would be very unexpected. 

Bunny finger puppets kit by Purl Bee7.  Finger puppets
Monsters, people you know, bunnies, stars (for jazz hands)… the options are endless. These things will not only keep the kids entertained, it will encourage general silliness among your guests. These bunny finger puppets come in a kit by Purl Bee. http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/3/23/welcoming-purl-soho-bunny-finger-puppet-kits.html

Custom chocolates by Wellington Chocolate8.  Chocolates by Wellington Chocolate
Not only can you customize these yummies, you can put a pattern on them allowing you to meet both the personal and put-in-mouth recommendations.

Elegant paper packaging 9.  Brown paper anything
I heard somewhere that brown paper wrapping induces greater levels of anticipation. Here are a couple of ways to use a simple and elegant paper. (sources from Emmaline Bride and Minieco.co.uk)

Guest transportation by Butler Transportation10.  Ride home from Butler Transportation
Perhaps the ultimate in usefulness and unexpectedness. Surprise guests with a paper ticket from Paper Fling inviting them for a free ride home following the festivities. Live it up!

Ten Favors That Will Not Disappoint was written by guest blogger Emily Ellen Anderson of Lola Event Floral & Design