Unique ways to say thank-you to your guests

By Lyndsey D’Arcangelo

Wedding favors are an essential part of the reception because they serve as a “thank-you” gift for your wedding guests.

The challenge is what kind of favor will express your feelings of gratitude. Chocolates or nuts? Coasters or picture frames? Special favors linked to your wedding theme?  

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on wedding favors in order to leave a lasting impression. A little originality and creativity are the key.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Disposable Cameras — Let your guests capture your wedding fun from their own point of view. Many party supply stores, such at Party City, carry wedding-themed disposable cameras that can be purchased in bulk. Place a camera at each place setting with a note inviting them to photograph everything from your first dance to the throwing of the bouquet. It’s a great way to share memories from such a special occasion.

Disposable Cameras — Let your guests capture your wedding fun from their own point of view. Many party supply stores, such at Party City, carry wedding-themed disposable cameras that can be purchased in bulk. Place a camera at each place setting with a note inviting them to photograph everything from your first dance to the throwing of the bouquet. It’s a great way to share memories from such a special occasion.

Personalized Hershey Kisses or M&Ms — Have these sweet favors personalized with your initials, your names, a photograph or a memorable phrase by ordering them online for a reasonable price. Visit www.mymms.com or www.hersheys.com for more information.

Environmentally Friendly Favors —Give your guests seeds to plant a tree, personalize soy candles, coasters made from recycled materials, or birdseed. There are a variety of online stores that carry environmentally friendly and plantable wedding favors, such as The Favors Place (www.thefavorsplace.com). Show your guests you care about the environment.

All About Buffalo — Give your out-of-town guests a “taste” of the city with special Buffalo-made products as favors. Wegmans carries Buffalo products that range from sauces and snacks to chocolates and gourmet candy. Fill a Buffalo-themed mug with Fowler’s chocolates, or create a tiny gift box full of Buffalo Wing Nuts. Your guests will love sampling these Buffalo treats.

Favorite Recipes — Choose a recipe that has special meaning, such as the first meal you ate together as a couple, or a recipe for a favorite dish to give as favors. Match the recipe cards to the colors of your wedding, and have them printed professionally. You could even include a recipe for a dish that’s served at the reception.

Personalized CDs — Select songs that are special to you as a couple and music that will be played at the reception, such as for the father/daughter dance and your first dance. There are computer programs that allow you to organize songs and burn them onto a CD. You can even create your own CD cover to match the theme of the wedding.

Lyndsey D’Arcangelo is a freelance writer who lives in Eden.