The perfect finishing touch for your wedding day is the perfect wedding favors. The little gifts that you give your guests to say thank you are not only a gracious gesture, but also another chance to reinforce your theme. This is a look at some of the loveliest favors for a garden theme wedding.

You plan every aspect of your wedding right down to the tiniest detail, from which wine to pair with dinner to designing custom pearl bridal jewelry to complement your gown. You wouldn’t settle for just any old pearl bridal jewelry, so why settle for generic favors that do nothing to enhance the style or theme of your wedding? Sure, a candy bar is great, but by the end of wedding season, your guests will have seen ten of them. It is much better to choose favors with a more personal flair.

Naturally anything to do with flowers is fantastic for a garden theme wedding. If your wedding is in the early spring, send each guest home with a tiny handpainted pot filled with the smiling faces of pansies. They not only make wonderful favors, but will add a nice decorative touch to your wedding reception. The equivalent for an autumn wedding would be a small basket of mums in your wedding colors.

Favors which can be planted are also excellent for garden theme weddings. Several bulbs wrapped in little burlap bags tied up with grosgrain ribbon or colored raffia are a nice option. Packets of seeds can also make nice wedding favors, if you take the time to personalize them. Choose flower seeds which have some meaning to you personally, or which have a romantic tone, such as forget-me-nots. Seal with a sticker with a message from the bride and groom (and don’t forget to include instructions!).

Garden theme favors do not have to be live flowers or seeds. Candles are always a popular wedding favor, and there are some fun ideas for candles with a garden flair, some of which you can even make yourself. One very cute idea is to make your own candles in tiny flower pots. Craft stores sell clear glass candle holders in the shape of flower pots to make this project easy enough for anyone to try. Add a scent such as lavender to the wax, and tint the candles in a shade to coordinate with your wedding colors. Another pretty candle favor idea is to give candles which have dried flowers embedded in them. Wrap them up in a sheer organza bag, and you will have terrific favors that anyone would enjoy.

There are other neat ways to tie wedding favors in with a garden theme. What about pewter flower shaped wine charms? They are not only beautiful, but really useful. Another idea that combines flowers and wine is a wine stopper with a flower motif. Obviously, if you have children at your wedding, you would want to select an additional flower to set at their places in lieu of the wine related gifts.

Finally we come to edible favors. They are always popular, and can be customized to tie in with a garden theme. Perhaps the simplest idea is to order large cookies in the shape of flowers or boxes of chocolates shaped like your favorite blossom. Edible favors always make for a sweet ending.

About the Author Bridget Mora

“English Garden” Watering Can Favor Box Kit with Flower Appliqué (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.42	Garden Party Flip Flop Placecard Holders – Set of 4 (2 pairs) Unit Price: $1.71	“Calla Lily” Garden Glass Gel Candle Price: As low as $3.50
“Meant to Bee” Ceramic Honey Pot with Wooden Dipper Price: As low as $3.00	“Butterfly” Silver-Metal Bookmark with White Silk Tassel Price: As low as $1.50	“Love Bug” Ladybug Magnets Price: As low as $1.80
“Love Rocks” Engraved and Polished Stone Price: As low as $1.60	‘Remember Romance’ Calla lily Bookmark in Gift Box Price: As low as $1.50	“In Favor of a Cure” Pink Ribbon Plantable Wildflower Favors (Set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.60
Personalized Champagne Flute Choose from Many Designs Price: As low as $3.40	“Sweet As Can Bee” Ceramic Honey Pot with Wooden Dipper Price: As low as $3.30	“Baby is Blooming!” Plantable Wildflower Favors (Set of 12) Unit Price: $1.65
“Two Peas in a Pod” Candle in Ivy Print Gift Box (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.50	Topiary Photo Holder/Place Card Holder (Set of Four) “As Seen in Modern Bride Aug/Sept 2008″ Unit Price: As low as $1.40	”Allure’ Glass Grapes Placecard Holders (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $2.50
Two Peas in a Pod – Ceramic Salt & Pepper Shakers in Ivy Print Gift Box Price: As low as $3.00	“Scoop of Love” Heart-Shaped Ice Cream Scoop in Parlor Gift Box Price: As low as $3.10	Swaying Calla Lily Pearlescent Place Card/ Photo Frame Price: As low as $1.50
“White Orchid” Gel Candle Price: As low as $3.50	Luxurious Silk Fan in Elegant, Laser-Cut Gift Box (Black or Ivory, Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.90	“Sea Glass” Luminary with Beaded Handle (Set of 3) Unit Price: As low as $2.40
Scented Frosted Glass Votive- Hearts & Vines Price: As low as $1.60	Elegant Orchid Gel Candle Price: As low as $3.40	‘Calla Lily Elegance’ Vase Shaped Candle Price: As low as $1.50

1. Coasters make a very practical wedding favor choice and can be personalized in a variety of ways. To personalize your coaster you can use special wording or a poem, choose coasters to match your wedding theme and even add a picture which makes your coaster double as a picture frame too!

2. Salt & Pepper Shakers are very practical. Just about everyone uses salt and pepper daily and they can be found in just about any theme imaginable!

3. Recipe Card Holders are a unique favor and can be used not only as a wedding favor but make a great bridal shower favor as well. Guests can share their recipe for marriage success with the happy couple and then take home a useful favor that they can use for years to come while preparing their own recipes.

4. Magnets are useful and affordable. Magnets come in handy for posting notes and pictures on the refrigerator where they will be seen daily. They come in a variety of styles and sizes and are easily personalized.

5. Kitchen Timers are a different, at the same time extremely useful favor. Even if your guests do not bake, a kitchen timer comes in handy for anyone from your personal friends to co-workers needing to manage their time better while performing certain tasks. It’s a great productivity tool that all of your guests can use.

Your guests will not only remember your special day often they will also appreciate that you put thought into giving them a gift that they can actually use.

Practical, Useful Wedding Favor Ideas

Palm Tree Cookie Cutter in Beach-themed Gift Box Price: $2.00	“Sew Perfect” Classic Houndstooth Sewing Kit Price: As low as $1.75	“Cut Out for Each Other” Stainless-Steel Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters Price: As low as $1.75
“Something Blue” Four Scented Soaps with Blue-Satin Ribbon and Imprinted Charm Price: As low as $2.50	“Hugs & Kisses from Mr. & Mrs.!” Adhesive Bandages in Reusable Tin Price: As low as $1.75	“Hats Off!” Chrome Top Hat Wine Pourer/Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $2.99
“Par-Tee” Golf Ball Bottle Stopper with Flag Place Card Price: As low as $2.20	“Owl Always Love You” Scented Soap Price: As low as $1.50	“The Perfect Pair” Ceramic Salt & Pepper Shaker Price: As low as $3.00
“Damask Traditions” Frosted Glass Tea Light Holder with Kate Aspen Signature Charm (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.80	“Lucky Elephant” Antique Ivory-Finish Tea Light Holder Price: As low as $2.90	“Shaken Not Stirred” Ceramic Martini Salt and Pepper Shaker Price: As low as $3.00
“Side by Side” Bride-and-Groom Photo Album Favors Price: As low as $1.60	“LOVE” Frosted-Glass Coasters in Elegant Gift Box with Matching Charm Price: As low as $1.90	“The Perfect Pair” Scented Pear Soap Price: As low as $1.90
“Lovebirds” Chrome Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $3.20	“Double Happiness” Elegant Chrome Bottle Stopper in Asian-Themed Gift Box Price: As low as $2.99	“Fleur-de-Lis” Elegant Chrome Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $2.90
Luxurious Silk Fan in Elegant, Laser-Cut Gift Box (Black or Ivory, Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.90	“With This Ring” Chrome Diamond-Ring Bottle Stopper in Personality Box™ Unit Price: As low as $2.50	“Key To My Heart” Chrome Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $2.00
“Sweet Celebrations!” Ceramic Banana Split Salt and Pepper Shakers Price: As low as $2.50	Personalized Glass Favor Jars (Set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.50	“Slice of Style” Stainless Steel High Heel Cake Server Price: As low as $2.99
“Work of Art” Antique-Finish Place Card Holder/Photo Frame Price: As low as $1.50	“The Cosmopolitan” Monogrammed Purse Mirror Price: As low as $1.20	“First Class Fashionista” High Heel Luggage Tag Price: As low as $2.30
“Knotted Couture” Monogrammed Quilted Tote Bag Price: $19.99	“The Perfect Blend” Kitchen Timer Price: As low as $2.50	“LOVE” Chrome Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $2.80
“Udderly in Love” Measuring Tape with Cow-Tail Pull Price: As low as $1.50	“Dreams Do Come True” Satin Eye Mask Price: As low as $1.70	“The Cosmopolitan” Monogrammed Flip-Flops Price: $10.00
“Heart Purse Valet” Compact Stainless Steel Handbag Holder Price: As low as $2.99	“It’s a Girl Thing!” Purse-Size Photo Album (Can be Personalized) Price: As low as $1.60	“Sweet Celebrations” Ice Cream Cone Timer Price: As low as $3.50
“Recipe for Love” Wooden Rolling Pin Place Card/Recipe-Card Holder (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.50	“Shalom” Silver-Metal Star of David Bookmark with Elegant Blue Tassel Price: As low as $1.50	“The Cosmopolitan” Monogrammed Koozie Price: As low as $2.50
“Little Black Purse” Patent-Leather Five-Piece Manicure Set Price: As low as $3.50	“Love Bug” Ladybug Magnets Price: As low as $1.80	“Love-sicle” Lightly Scented Popsicle Soap Price: As low as $1.99
“Ocean Breeze” Seashell Scented Soaps Price: As low as $1.90	“Imperial” Exquisite Glass Photo Coasters Price: As low as $2.10	“Sweet Heart” Heart-Shaped Scented Soap with Kate Aspen Signature Charm Price: As low as $1.80
“Seasoned with Love” Parmesan Cheese Shaker & Spice Shaker Price: As low as $2.70	“With This Ring” Chrome Diamond-Ring Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $3.20	“Picture This!” Disposable Camera in Black or Ivory Print Price: As low as $5.20
Welcome to Our Wedding” Canvas Tote Bag (Can be Personalized) Price: $15.00	“The ‘Gratest’ Love of All” Stainless-Steel Cheese Grater in Showcase Gift Box Price: As low as $2.20	“A Slice of Love” Stainless-Steel Pizza Cutter in Miniature Pizza Box Price: As low as $2.50

Click here to view our entire collection of practical wedding favors

Late night munchies
After dancing for hours, rolling out individual snacks like mini hamburgers with a fixings bar are a big hit

Photo shop
Rent a photo booth and let your guests take turns posing for the camera. Set up a DIY station with mini-frames so they can take home their favorite shots.

Escape the Elements
If you really want to impress, give your guests something sublimely stylish yet useful to keep them smiling through the elements: stylish sunglasses (to deflect glare), sleek umbrellas (in case of rain), or cashmere scarves (should a breeze pick up).

Personalized Thank-yous
Place small journals at each place setting, and write every guest a personal thank-you note on the front page.

Make some noise
Liven up the party, and hand out maracas, small horns, or even kazoos – a great idea for a relaxed affair or a particularly festive bunch.

Family-favorites
Gather a collection of favorite family recipes from both sides into a small recipe book or box printed with your names and wedding date.

Final Farewell
Send guests away with a final parting gift, and enlist the parking attendants to place a flower with an attached thank-you note on the dashboard of each car. If you’ll be providing guest transportation, be sure to place a basket of these favors at the front of the bus for guests to take prior to departure.

Give Back
Yes, this idea has been done – but altruism is at an all-time high, and we’re jumping on the bandwagon . Donating in the name of your guests to a charity, one that holds special meaning for the two of you, adds another sentimental personal touch to your wedding.

Get even more ideas for unique wedding favors at the Elegala.com wedding favors and gifts guide.

About the Author

Cori Russell is editor for Elegala.com and Gala Weddings Magazine. Elegala.com is a complete weddings and wedding planning resource with a national directory of wedding venues and services, how-to guides, expert advice, checklists and photo galleries to walk brides and grooms through every step of the planning process.

Unique Wedding Favor Ideas

“Sew Perfect” Classic Houndstooth Sewing Kit Price: As low as $1.75	“An Outstanding Couple!” Bride and Groom 3-D Pop-Up Favor Box (Set of 24, Can be Personalized) Unit Price: As low as $1.00	“Cosmetic Couture” Quilted Monogrammed Make-Up Bag Price: $5.00
“Cut Out for Each Other” Stainless-Steel Heart-Shaped Cookie Cutters Price: As low as $1.75	“Something Blue” Four Scented Soaps with Blue-Satin Ribbon and Imprinted Charm Price: As low as $2.50	“Hot off the Grill!” Mini-Grill Tea Light/Place Card Holders w/ Hamburger & Hotdog Place Cards (S/4) Unit Price: As low as $2.25
“Hugs & Kisses from Mr. & Mrs.!” Adhesive Bandages in Reusable Tin Price: As low as $1.75	“Lovebirds” Chrome Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $3.20	“Bourbon Street” Streetlight Place Card Holder with Coordinating Place Cards (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.40
“Imperial” Exquisite Glass Photo Coasters Price: As low as $2.10	“Love Dove” Tea Light/Place Card Holder (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $2.50	“Hats Off!” Chrome Top Hat Wine Pourer/Bottle Stopper Price: As low as $2.99
“Side by Side” Bride-and-Groom Photo Album Favors Price: As low as $1.60	“Happily Ever After” Carriage Candle (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $2.10	“Park Place” Vintage Park Bench Place Card/Photo Holder (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.50
“Lucky Elephant” Antique Ivory-Finish Tea Light Holder Price: As low as $2.90	“Rustic Elegance” Adirondack Chair Place Card/Photo Holder (Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $2.00	Natural Bamboo Eco-Friendly Coaster Favors (Four Coasters per Favor!) Price: As low as $1.50
“Shalom” Silver-Metal Star of David Bookmark with Elegant Blue Tassel Price: As low as $1.50	“Cherry Blossoms” Frosted Glass Coasters Price: As low as $1.90	“Bubbly” Champagne Bubbles (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.58

“Sweet Kisses” Personalized Lip Balm (set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.50	Cherry Blossoms “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.63	Sassy Circles “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.63
Black and White Houndstooth “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.63	“Love & Kisses” Personalized Lip Balm (stick) (set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.50	Sage Fields “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.63
Damask Origami Favor Box Kit (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $1.00	“Simply Sweet” Round, Personalized Candy Tin (set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $0.90	Personalized Mint Tins (165 Design Choices!) Price: As low as $2.10
Chocolate and Turquoise Damask “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.63	Hot Pink Honeycomb “Make It Yours” Personalized Favor Box Kit (Set of 24) Unit Price: As low as $0.63	“Noteworthy Couple” Personalized Journal and Pen (Set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.40
“Mix and Mingle” Key Lime Margarita Mix (set of 6) Unit Price: As low as $3.00	“Let’s Do Lunch” Personalized Insulated Lunch Tote Price: As low as $20.00	“Monogram Purse Valet” Price: As low as $4.00
“Destination Fairway” Golf Luggage Tag Price: As low as $3.50	“Razzle Dazzle” Raspberry Iced Tea Mix (set of 6) Unit Price: As low as $3.00	“Write from My Heart” Eco-Friendly Notepad and Pencil Price: As low as $2.00
“Main Squeeze” Lemonade Mix (set of 6) Unit Price: As low as $3.00	“Unexpected Treasures!” Favor Tin with Pre-Tied Organza Bow (Set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.83	“Miles of Memories” Suitcase Favor Tins with Optional Personalized Labels(Set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.83
“The Cosmopolitan” Monogrammed 5 Piece Manicure Set Price: As low as $3.70	Personalized Shot Glass/ Votive Holder with over 40 Design Choices Price: As low as $2.00	Miniature Silver Chair Favor Box w/ Heart Charm & Ribbon (Can be Monogrammed) Unit Price: As low as $0.76
“Our New Monogram” Monogrammed Votive Candle in Sheer Organza Bag Price: As low as $1.99	The Perfect Blend – Elegant Personalized Coffee Kit Price: As low as $3.99	Personalized Champagne Flute Choose from Many Designs Price: As low as $4.00
Personalized Travel Candle in Sheer Organza Bag Price: As low as $2.50	Personalized Glass Favor Jars (Set of 12) Unit Price: As low as $1.45	Luxurious Silk Fan in Elegant, Laser-Cut Gift Box (Black or Ivory, Set of 4) Unit Price: As low as $1.75
“Cosmetic Couture” Quilted Monogrammed Make-Up Bag Price: $5.00	“The Cosmopolitan” Monogrammed Flip-Flops Price: $10.00	“Knotted Couture” Monogrammed Quilted Tote Bag Price: $19.99
“It’s a Girl Thing!” Purse-Size Photo Album (Can be Personalized) Price: $0.99	“The Cosmopolitan” Monogrammed Purse Mirror Price: As low as $1.20

Click here for more Kate Aspen Favors

All edible wedding and wedding guest favors are either to be consumed at the wedding venue or a taken home for later consumption. Being edible obviously means that their life span is considerable short due to their perishability. The perishability of the most edible favors is due to the use of animal products as eggs and milk in their preparation, edible wedding and wedding guests favors include; alcoholic fluids, non alcoholic drinks as soda, juice etc. cakes, candies and chocolates. Most of these favors are generally available everywhere around the globe. For most of the favors care should be taken not to issue stale foods which would affect the health of the consumers.

In edible wedding and wedding guest favors that are beverages can be coffee, tea, alcoholic drinks, fruit juices and many more. Most of these can be packaged in small but very attractive containers made of paper, plastic or metal. The packaging can then be personalized in one of the many ways to give it a touch of the couples style and preference. Poor packaging will reflect the wrong impression of the guests. Also the choice of the favor type must be carefully made; a Christian wedding would not go well with alcohol favors. When going for these favors remember to consider the class, the age and the cultural views of the guests. The great thing with the drinkable edible wedding and wedding guest favors is that they range from cheap to the expensive thus your pocket dictates which direction to take.

The all time edible wedding and wedding guest favor is the candies. Candies come in different packaging, types, sizes, prices and purposes. Their wide variety, accessibility and many shapes and the earlier mentioned make them the most popular edible favors. Also candies do not have boundaries based on sex, age or religion; they are generally accepted to except those with special medical conditions as diabetes. The candies can be personalized by printing the brides and the groom’s names, incorporating a happy photo on wrappers and in some extreme case having the same on the candy itself. Sometimes you can decide to serve alcoholic candies to the guests as they wait for the happy hour.

The two forms of chocolates can also be good edible wedding and wedding guests’ favors. They come in either solid or liquid. The solid forms are the chocolate bars or those products as chocolate cakes that are made with chocolates. The liquid chocolates could be in thick froth or fluid which entails scoops and spoons to eat. Most of the chocolates are generally accepted just like candies and make lasting impressions on the guests. Many simple and creative ideas can be used to make these favors more attractive with minimum costs.

There are countless edible wedding and wedding guest favor available anywhere for the couples to decide on which to include in their wedding. But when choosing the edible favors consider their self life or expiry, ingredients used to prepare them, price, discounts, packaging, wedding theme, guests composition in sex and age and the event venue. All these will land you on the most suitable favors for your big day.

If you are looking for Wedding Favors or Wedding Guest Favors, visit mrsweddingfavors who by far I have found has the lowest prices and the best selection of wedding favors & wedding guest favors plus free shipping is available.

You know the type: she’s a genius at translating her individual personality into material things, like pocketfold invites or table signs. You want to be that bride!

So, let’s say all that browsing’s put you in a detail frame of mind. You’ve got perfectly fine wedding favor boxes for those Amorini hearts, but they just look a teensy bit blah. Of course, adding ribbon and maybe a personalized tag or label would add pizazz, but maybe you want your own twist on it. Well, read on for ideas!

Close Up-Ready Favor Box Designs

1. Ribbon à Deux. A popular high-end look for favor boxes involves two ribbons: a thicker one on the bottom, and a thinner contrasting ribbon on top. Here, you don’t need to stick to solids: try knocking together two subtle patterns, or choose one ribbon with another interesting detail, like saddle stitched edges. Experiment with sheers versus solids. Upgrade: thread a small rhinestone buckle over your ribbons so it graces the front or top of your box.

2. Never Too Thin … Typical favor box ribbon is about half-inch thick, or little less. But a wonderfully upscale alternative is super-thin ribbon (a.k.a. “dainty” double-faced satin ribbon). Wrap this twice around your box, like a Christmas present, and tie off in a bow. Très elegant! Again, work with more than one color to maximize visual interest. You can even layer two separate colors back to back, one color showing on each side, so that the bow displays them both.

3. Stamp it Out. Stamps are a fantastic, super-fast way of personalizing ho-hum boxes. Stamping works best if the card stock for your boxes is smooth, but not too glossy. Pick a motif that’s meaningful for your wedding and a custom color.

4. Strike up the Bands. Paper wrap bands are exciting, and under-used. They’re best for tuck-top or sliding boxes. All you need is some lovely paper: try wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, a design you downloaded off a stock image site, or something you even created yourself (do you paint? Create a design and scan it in!). Use a paper cutter to slice your paper into bands as thick as your box or a bit thinner, wrap it around and secure with a glue stick. So custom! A square personalized label looks stunning on top of a paper band.

5. Make it Martha. Martha taught us how to wrap favor boxes in semi-translucent colored tissue. Tie at the top with ribbon, and add a custom monogram sticker to the ribbon. You can also wrap your boxes with tulle or organza. A favor box wrapped in shimmery stuff automatically looks twice as bridal.

6. Raise Eyebrows (and Monograms). Custom-embossed favor boxes are incredibly chic, yet rarely seen. All you need is an embosser and a personalized disc with your monogram or personalized design. Use flat-packed boxes, and run the tops or the box fronts through before they’re folded. Voila, an incredibly upscale favor! Sure, the embosser involves an up-front cost, but you can literally use it for life: customize your stationery, your envelope flaps, your thank-you cards … you name it. Hint: be sure to buy an embosser that’s strong enough for card stock.

7. That’s a Wrap! You can even wrap favor boxes in glossy wrapping paper, just like a gift. It’s painstaking to do, but the final result’s sure to excite your guests.

8. Embellish the Story. Embellishments can turn a Yugo-style favor into a Maserati in seconds! Take your ribbon-wrapped favor box, and add a beautiful mulberry-paper flower: you’ll find daisies, sunflowers and roses, all pre-wired for bridal bliss (try eBay). Or for a more romantic or formal feel, add a pewter charm in the shape of e-rings, champagne flutes or hearts. You can find these at favor sites or scrapbooking stores.

9. Send the Message. A final idea that’s subtle but surprising: line the inside lid of a two-piece favor with a special message to your guests. (Print these out on label paper, cut and stick.)

These are just a few ideas to get your personal favor box juices flowing. When you figure out your own perfect twist on your favors, be sure to snap a pic and share it somewhere special (at FavorIdeas, or flickr, or both!) so the next bride can admire – and learn from – your inspiration.

Wedding favor boxes — the place where a “thank you” to guests gets personal — get sweeter and more customized every day. See Favor Ideas at for friendly help with planning, unique wedding favors and a wondrous variety of unique wedding favor boxes to help jump-start your design process.