Saturday, May 19, 2012

Wedding Favors

When we were planning our wedding, the favor issue became particularly challenging.

Should we offer favors? 
This is most of the advice I got:
"Don't worry about them!" 
"Half of your guests will forget them at the table!" 
"Guests aren't there to get a gift!"
"I can't remember the last wedding favor I got that I actually used!"

If you're like me, you may want to offer your guests something (especially for making a long trip to attend or in case your wedding is taking place on a big holiday). The key is finding a favor that is both unique to the couple and useful for the guests. 

Option #1: Make your reception dessert your wedding favor. This can cut down on costs since you're killing two birds with one stone. (Of course, you could also have a dessert station in addition to a traditional reception cake or dessert.)

  • On the more grand scale, I've seen people set up candy, cupcake and dessert stations for guests, providing little baggies or boxes to take them home.
(From a wedding featured on Green Wedding Shoes!)
(From a Green Wedding Shoes feature!)
  • On a smaller scale, I've seen people offer individualized desserts with optional boxes as their wedding favors.

A friend of ours offered bacon and apple tasties from Dynamo Donuts as their dessert/favor. This picture above is from Thistle and Finch Event Design.


Option #2: Sweet Little Nothings
From a wedding featured on Green Wedding Shoes!
  • Leaving your guests a sweet little treat to take home can be cost-effective and easy. And except for guests who have health concerns preventing them from eating sweets, you can be sure that this type of favor will be useful!
(From a wedding featured on 100 Layer Cake)
(From 100 Layer Cake's Tasty Favors post.)

Option #3: Make a homemade edible favor. This could be from a treasured family recipe or something made with love. (All pictures are from 100 Layer Cake's Tasty Favors post.)

(Homemade jam from a wedding featured on Green Wedding Shoes.)


Looking for non-edible favors??? We went that route, too! Here are a few options:

Option #1: Plantable paper. You can print a thank you message on it, then guests can take it home to add it to their garden or start a garden! See an older post about how to make this useful and cute favor!



Option #2: Offer small herb plants as favors. (They can also be used to decorate tables, cutting down on costs!!!!) This is the option we used, and every single one of our favors went home with guests!!!

(See how to make it at Ruffled!)

Option #3: Offer small succulents. They will transport well and require little maintenance, making them ideal for a wedding and guests with little gardening experience!

Option #4: Offer some personalized item for the home. I've seen couples hand out personalized handkerchiefs, bottle openers, coasters and match boxes (which would've probably been cheesy 10 years ago, but they're making a comeback). 

If going with this option, I'd recommend choosing something you know most of your guests will use. As much as you might love the idea of your guests sporting a refrigerator magnet with your picture on it, there are other options that will remind guests of your special day and also help out around the house. 

Your wedding favors don't have to cause you stress (or cost a lot). If you decide to offer them, make sure they are personal to you and functional for your guests!








Sunday, May 6, 2012

Baby Shower: Onsie Decorating Party

I went to a baby shower last year that had a onesie decorating contest. The organizers brought onesies, puff paint and permanent markers for guests, and the mom-to-be got to vote for her favorite. The winning onesie designer got a cute prize, and new momma got 12 personalized onesies for her new babe!

Beyond the benefit of having onesies that your close friends and family have made for you, it can also be a cost-effective way to add some cute bodysuits to baby's wardrobe.

Being a DIY crafter, I'm always inclined to check out what ETSY's offering. (Not only are you supporting independent artists, but you can find stuff that isn't on the commercial market.)

I found quite a few cuties!

(This one's from O'Dell Sisters, $16)

(This one is made by Sue Czechowski, $12)

(This one's from SwankyShank, $18)

(Cute tuxedo onesie from Lil Ladies and Gentlemen, $22)


(So cute! From The African Llama, $20)

(The Lil Nest, $25)

Buying these individually can add up quickly, but finding cute ideas like these and making them yourself (or offering them as ideas at your own onesie decorating party!) is a great alternative!

In addition to providing puff paints and markers, I suggest bringing fabrics as well. This way, guests can cut out shapes and designs. (You'll probably also need fabric glue, buttons, thread and needles and other cute little details!)

This pic from Pizzazzerie is exactly what I'm talking about...


  

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Pregnancy: Week 22

This week, baby is about 11 inches long! Considering how noticeable his movements are these days, I'm not surprised. His kicks are visible through my clothes!
The major developments for baby this week are more defined lips, eyebrows and eyelids. He's even developing tooth buds this week!

This week, baby's about the size of a spaghetti squash:

Week 21:

(By the way, it was really difficult to find a picture of a carrot that wasn't too phallic.)

Week 20:
This week, baby is swallowing and producing meconium (digestion by-product).







Cinco de Mayo Wedding

Check out this inspirational elopement shoot from Ruffled!

I love this necklace!
(The creative power behind this shoot is A & B Creative.)

Simple, vintage and rustic with a Cinco de Mayo twist - love it!




Succulents

Using succulents for a wedding or home decor is very "in" right now, and for good reason! With the right presentation, they can be lovely and charming! They're low maintenance and can be found year around!

If you plan to use them for wedding centerpieces, I might also suggest offering them as favors afterwards. This way, you're not stuck with a lot of them at the end of the day. Also, their double purpose will cut down on costs. 

If you're looking to buy in bulk, I suggest doing your research. This trio at Home Depot runs about $16:
 
You can buy 12 small succulents at SucculentsGalore (ETSY) for $36:


Green Wedding Shoes has a great intro into Succulents... Check it out!