Bubbles. Jordan almonds. Matchbooks. The days of simple wedding favors are over. Couples today are giving their guests favors that are stylish, unique and graciously say to your guests, “thank you for coming.”
PERSONALIZED CDS:
A CD with your favorite songs will definitely create a lasting impression. He likes classic rock and she likes hip-hop? Blend the two music styles! Guests will love the favor and may even joke about how fun it is to have Led Zeppelin and 50 Cent on one CD, which has your picture on the label or a custom cover. (www.bellaterra.net)
SANTA BARBARA CHOCOLATE:
Share your love of chocolate with your guests. Santa Barbara Chocolate Company makes incredible bitesized chocolate that can be packaged in small boxes, perfect for a wedding favor. You can personalize it by adding a simple message inside each box on a small piece of paper. (www.santabarbarachocolate.com)
PLACE CARD COOKIES:
This is a great idea for couples doing a plated dinner. Give Dana’s Cookie Kitchen in Santa Barbara your guest list and they will create frosted shortbread cookies with your guests’ names on them. Arrange the cookies on your place card table in alphabetical order and you have a unique place card and a delicious favor. (www.danascookiekitchen.com)
RECIPE CARD:
Take an old family recipe like Grandma’s strawberry jam or your Dad’s famous spaghetti sauce and provide a sample in a canning jar. Attach a copy of the recipe for your guests to make it themselves. Place the jars on a table for guests to take as they depart for the evening. (www.homecanning. com)
LEATHER PASSPORT HOLDERS:
If your guest list is filled with world-travelers, they will appreciate this attractive leather passport holder. This is a stylish gift most of your guests are guaranteed to use. Place them at each table setting for an elegant way to say “thanks.” (www.classybride. com)
Cori Lassahn is the owner of Avanté Events, a Santa Barbara wedding planning company offering day-of coordination to full service planning. www.avanteevents.com. 259-8559.
