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

Seal It With Love offering fully custom invitations & stationery

Seal It With Love, based out of Kirkland Washington, is a fully custom invitation and stationery boutique serving clientele nationwide since 2003 in the Seattle area and nationwide. They have designed and produced one-of-a kind paper products including wedding invitations/announcements, save the date cards/magnets, menus, programs, thank you cards, place/name cards, event swag and signage, greeting cards, personal stationery, party favors, and more, for a wide range of special events and private businesses.

Seal It With Love offering fully customized invitations & stationerySeal It With Love will be featured at Woodhouse Wine Estates during Weddings in Woodinville on January 29, 2012.

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact
Tiffany Brown at 425-820-5832
or visit them online at www.sealitwithlove.com
Facebook

Handcrafted party details by Heathoriginal

Want to put that extra-special handcrafted romantic sentiment on your wedding but don’t actually have a crafty bone in your body?  Or the time to devote to the tedious art of handcrafted party details?  Heather of Heathorginal has you covered!  Her talents range the entire spectrum of artistic possibilities for your special day. 

Heathoriginal offers charming, handcrafted details that will help make your wedding unmistakably YOU!! Heathoriginal will work with you to create one-of-kind, beautifully detailed items including décor, favors, photo booth props, guest name cards, cake toppers, invitations and much, much more!!

Handcrafted party details by HeathoriginalHeathoriginal will be at Matthews Estate & Woodhouse Wine Estates on January 29, 2012 during Weddings in Woodinville.

For more information about Heathoriginal:

206.422.2136
www.heathoriginal.blogspot.com
heather@heathoriginal.com
FACEBOOK 

Reflect your own unique style with Seattle Chocolates

Looking for that perfect delectable accessory for your wedding?  Look no further than one of our favorite decadent retailers, Seattle Chocolates!

Seattle Chocolates has a wonderful selection of all natural and delicious truffles, gift boxes and truffle bars that will add just the right delicious detail to all of your wedding events – whether you are treating your guests to favors, decorating your wedding tables, thanking your new mother-in-law, or celebrating with your girlfriends.  From custom favors to personalized chocolate bars, we are here to make your parties reflect your own unique style… and to make your to-do list a little bit shorter!

 

Seattle Chocolates Wedding Favor Boxes

Seattle Chocolates will be featured at Novelty Hill – Januik winery during Weddings in Woodinville, January 29^th, 2012.

For more information about Seattle Chocolates: 

425.264.2800

info@seattlechocolates.com

Facebook

www.seattlechocolates.com

Vendors at Willows Lodge for Weddings in Woodinville 2011 Tour Date

The following vendors will be featured at Willows Lodge during Weddings in Woodinville 2011.  Below you will find short biographies of each company and website information.  Many companies featured below can also be “liked” through the Favorite Vendors on the Weddings in Woodinville Facebook Page.

Planner & Founding Board Member

Jennifer Taylor of Taylor’d Events 

Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by JenniferAt Taylor'd Events by Jennifer we know creating an event or wedding should be something you enjoy doing, with the planning of a wedding taking 200 to 450 hours let us help.  I have been helping couples enjoy the process of planning their wedding since 2005.  From vendor referrals to logistics of the wedding day let me and my team help you enjoy you engagement!  Taylor'd Events by Jennifer has been awarded 2010 Wedding Wire Brides Award and the 2010 Seattle Bride Magazine Best of Wedding Day Coordinator.  

For more information, please visit www.taylordeventsbyjen.com

Florist

Elements in Bloom 

Elements in Bloom specializes in custom floral designs for weddings and events.  We believe that just as each client is unique, so are their décor needs. It is important to listen to our clients to ensure we gather a clear understanding of their style, vision and personality in order to incorporate their individuality into our designs. 

Tanya Davis has been working in the floral industry since 1999. Her passion for flowers and design are constant inspiration to create incredible designs for your special event. Clients praise her for professionalism, attention to detail, flexibility and vision of the perfect event.

For more information, please visit www.elementsinbloom.com

Paper

Jennifer Witsil Creative

Jennifer Witsil Creative specializes in creating handmade, customJennifer Witsil of Jennifer Witsil Creative invitations and coordinating accessories for weddings and other joyous occasions. Let Jennifer’s unique invitations be the first glimpse your guests have into the festivities to come!

Every piece is a one-of-a-kind design inspired by a one-of-a-kind couple.  All designs are custom created, designed and assembled from scratch, so you will not see the same invitation twice. With strict attention to detail, Jennifer will make sure each creation is a pleasure to open and an unforgettable keepsake for your recipient. 

Visit Jennifer online at http://jenniferwitsilcreative.web.officelive.com

Cake

Starry Nights 

At Starry Nights, we believe your wedding cake should be as delicious as it is beautiful. We bake your gourmet cake from scratch, using the highest quality ingredients- like whole fruits, imported chocolate, and butter and cream - to create the cake of your dreams. Our decadent flavors include Irish Cream Chocolate, Orange Creamsicle, and Green Tea Mango- and decorated in the style and colors to match your special wedding theme. We also do mini wedding cakes, cupcakes, and dessert buffets. Our cakes have even been featured on the Food Network’s Cake Challenge! If you can dream it, we can bake it.

For more information, please visit http://www.starrynightscatering.com/

Décor

Candeo Flower

Candeo Flower, a unique mosaic glass candle holder, was designed to addsDark Orchid Candeo Flower  elegance to your rehearsal dinner or wedding. Our illuminating flowers are perfect for any celebration. Light up your reception room, walkways and aisle for your indoor or outdoor wedding to create a beautiful illumination and glow to your special day. Our newest product, Bouquet Babies, was designed for the bride looking for a unique bouquet and tabletop decor.  We use flameless tealiglht candles which insures your wedding illuminates throughout your ceremony.

Candeo Flower, a unique mosaic glass candle holder, was designed to adds elegance to your rehearsal dinner or wedding. Our illuminating flowers are perfect for any celebration. Light up your reception room, walkways and aisle for your indoor or outdoor wedding to create a beautiful illumination and glow to your special day. Our newest product, Bouquet Babies, was designed for the bride looking for a unique bouquet and tabletop decor.  We use flameless tealiglht candles which insures your wedding illuminates throughout your ceremony.

For more information, please visit http://www.candeoflower.com/

Gift Baskets

Marrylicious 

Marrylicious specializes in custom gourmet gift packages for weddings and events.  We proudly feature local Seattle specialty foods and beverages including: Beechers Cheese, Tom Douglas, Fran’s Chocolates, Belle Epicurean, Sweet Miniatures, Macrina Bakery, Seattle Coffee Works, LUXE Tea, Theo Chocolates & Dry Soda.

Marrylicious was awarded the 2010 Editor’s Choice award for Day of Wedding Snacks. 

For more information, please visit www.marrylicious.com 

Disco Jockey

Good Times DJ Service

Good Times DJ Service provides flawlessly planned music and lighting entertainment.

The emphasis for the Good Times brand at premier events is to deliver personable and classy event hosting, high quality equipment with a small visual footprint, rich and saturated LED lighting to add ambiance to your decor, and creative music mixing performances to make your event a standout.

Good Times DJ Service is known for creating the perfect mix of emotion and energy in music, solid event coordination, breathtaking lighting designs, and delivering a custom look and feel for your event.

For more information, please visit http://www.goodtimesdjservices.com/

Officiant

Reverend Mary Calhouh of Window to the Soul Ministry

Reverend Mary Calhoun’s specialty is creating memorable, fun, and well-Mary Calhoun of Window to the Soul Ministryorchestrated wedding ceremonies.

Before Mary graduated from seminary in 1994, she pioneered Seattle’s event planning field.  Blending her experience of organizing, writing and public speaking, Mary lends an expert, light-hearted approach that results in a seamless, high-spirited outcome.

Providing engaged couples with an extensive Ceremony Planning Packet chocked with fresh writings and invaluable tips, Rev. Mary teams with her clients to design a personalized and distinctive service.

Rev. Mary is the 2010 winner of the Seattle Bride Magazine’s “Best Officiant” award and she is just wrapping up a special project for the Oxygen Network. 

For more information, please visit www.windowtothesoulministry.com

Entertainment

Nash Fung

"Nash Fung’s appearance at my wedding was not only memorable (as heNash Fung  promised) but uniquely sophisticated and entertaining for my 350+ adult guests."
Sara and Ben Radoslovich wedding

With years of experience performing at high-end banquets and social events, Nash can make your wedding reception stand out from the rest!

His interactive magic will break the ice among guests, set the tone for the reception, and keep everyone entertained throughout the night. A trendy entertainment option for weddings, your guests are GUARANTEED to remember your wedding for years to come.

For more information, please visit www.nashfung.com

Linens

Linens by Alice

Linens by Alice takes special pride in the outstanding quality of the products and services we offer.  Our unique selection of designer fabrics, distinctive textures and extensive inventory enable us to tailor our service to your particular event. Our collection includes a wide variety of chiffons, damasks, moirés, silks, taffetas and velvets which are sure to add a dramatic dimension to any tablescape.  We also provide tailored chair covers and organza sashes.  Our creative team would be delighted to assist you in developing a linen concept for any occasion. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you soon!

For more information, please visit www.linensbyalice.com

Fitness

Koko FitClub

Like most people, do you have trouble sticking with a fitness routine? At Koko FitClub, every exercise, every workout, every day is pre-planned for you and customized to your exact fitness level.

The Koko Smartraining System precisely analyzes your unique fitness level, then designs a customized training plan based on your individual goals and ability.  You are then guided through personalized, highly effective workouts on proprietary strength and cardio equipment, giving you amazing results, all for a fraction of the cost of traditional personal training.

Now, everyone can afford personal training!  It's fitness, figured out!

For more information, please visit  http://www.kokofitclub.com/

Photography

Laura Marchbanks Photography

Laura Marchbank of Laura Marchbank PhotographyLaura Marchbanks Photography grew out of Laura's passion for relationships and connecting with people through photographing their reactions and interactions. Laura Marchbanks Photography specializes in capturing people and their surroundings with modern elegance, timeless sophistication, and meticulous detail.  Born in Seattle and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Laura is a classically trained photographer.  Laura earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California.  She has an extensive background in photography and art both technically and creatively. 

Laura is the principle photographer, supported by an associate Kate, and a patient husband Billy; together they offer a unique and inviting photography experience that is individual to each client.  With love as inspiration, they create an environment in which women feel beautiful, men hopeful, and couples comfortable and connected.  

Currently Laura Marchbanks Photography is based in the Seattle area; they photograph weddings and commercial advertising nationwide. 

For more information, please visit http://www.lauramarchbanksweddings.com/

Wedding Attire

From the Gown Up

From the Gown Up is a quaint bridal shop located in the Downtown Historic District of Snohomish, Washington. We carry our own private label collection of unique, timeless, and elegant bridal gowns that are exclusive to our store. Our private line is chosen and controlled by us to ensure beauty, quality, and style. Our vision is not focused on being the largest bridal shop in our market, but instead the shop that really cares about the unique and individual needs of our brides.

 "Thank you for serving my daughter with such grace and kindness. Your service to the customer reminds me of the good old days".-Louise

For more information, please visit www.fromthegownup.com

All photos are used with permission by the vendors.