Favors: the icing on the cake?

I’m often asked about trends in favors, good resources, or ideas for favors. I think the most important thing to remember is—don’t have favors just to have favors at your reception. They are not a “must have”! A favor should be something meaningful to the couple (think tree seedlings, a donation in guests honor to a meaningful charity, etc.) or perhaps something edible. More and more couples are doing some type of sweet treat late in the night or for guests to take home. You’re giving your guests something yummy to take home with them and not cluttering their life with something they can never use.

Candy buffets have become more and more popular over the past few years—they could be color themed (all white candy for example), include your favorite candy (a good friend of mine’s fiancé loves chewy runts, the perfect start to their candy bar), or nostalgic candy. They are also visually appealing and fun at receptions. Check out this good blog on candy buffets: http://www.favorideas.com/wedding-blog/candy-buffet-ideas/

I also love homemade treats, or having a baker utilize a favorite family recipe to bake cookies, scones, or dessert bars. These treats perfectly packaged with a short and sweet thank you note could be the perfect ending to your perfect day.

Other edible ideas:
Small cupcakes from your baker, chocolate covered coffee beans or small bags of your favorite coffee, or think local. What’s locally popular? Pizza Express breadsticks in Bloomington, jam from Dillman Farms, or chocolates from the Blu Boys. Or are you a gourmet cook or a foodie? What about olive oil with a custom label. Having a fall wedding? What about caramel apples or mini-loaves of pumpkin bread or muffins? the possibilities really are endless. What do you and your fiance love? Start there.

Some good websites:
www.beau-coup.com {I LOVE this site, so many great packaging options and beautiful tags and labels.}
www.marthastewartweddings.com {They have a great feature on favor packaging. Search: “Favors: Think Outside the Box”}
http://stuck.bigcartel.com {Beautiful labels that you can print from your home computer, and you don’t have to order 100 of the same, these could be customized for a candy buffet, a late night treats bar, welcome packages, etc! Their website also has the label templates to download.}

Good candy websites:
www.candywarehouse.com
www.groovycandies.com
www.candyfavorites.com
www.plushpuffs.com {for gourmet marshmallows!}
www.madmacnyc.com {French macaroons! Or try Blu Boy Chocolates in Bloomington for local macaroons!}
http://amyatlas.com/index.php/main/portfolio/ {for all of the candy buffet inspiration you’ll ever need!}

And lastly, I happened upon these cute labels and idea from Betsy White, a great stationary company. Another perfect packaging idea.

I’d love to talk with you about your favor ideas or designing the perfect candy buffet or desert bar for your special event.
xoxo,
Tricia