Here you will find suggestions for simple favors that you can make as well as relatively inexpensive favors you can buy. I assure you, none of these favors will sit on a shelf waiting for a weekly dusting, unless of course you have an eclectic candy collector in your family.

Candles

Have you ever been in a house without candles? Not if there is a girl living or visiting there. This favor is both simple and inexpensive. Find a nice smelling, small, jar candle. Your local retail stores are a perfect place to find what you need. Buy some ribbon that matches the colors you have chosen and some labels to use in your printer. Type up a label that has a nice saying that captures your personality or if you are moving into a new house use your address so that your friends and family can keep in touch. Tie the ribbon around the candle and stick the label in the center. Or tie the ribbon around the candle and tie the label in with it. Either way you have a something that, at the very least, will cover up a disgusting house odor for friends and family. Someone will thank you for that.

Candy

For a sweet and tasty treat turn to candy molds. Check your local craft store for a style that complements your other wedding choices. You can choose from something fun like a snowman if you are getting married in the winter or a rose if you are having a formal affair. Along with the mold you will need some sucker sticks, small plastic bags, twist ties, ribbon, small tags, and of course the candy melts. Follow the directions for melting candy and you can create tasty and beautiful candy suckers. Again, you can type a message or share your new personal information on the small tags. Use the ribbon to tie the bags closed and attach the tags.

Another sweet candy treat hides nestled inside a satin rose. For this project you will need satin material, or any type and color of your choosing, flower tape, green metal rods, small fake leaves and Hershey kisses. Take two kisses. Place them so the round ends are touching. Wrap the material around them. Tape the material to the metal flower stems and continue wrapping the stem to the end. After you have taped the entire stem go back and add two leaves, taping them on as well. Place one candy flower at each place setting. You can also add your mailing address or a person statement.

Magnets

So, even if you do find a home without a candle chances are you won’t find one without a refrigerator. With every fridge comes the need for magnets. Help make your family and friends kitchen a little more decorative with a picture magnet of you and your husband.

If you search online for retailers you will find that they very in price and quality. The typical range is $.20 - $2.00 per magnet. Some companies charge a set up fee and some do not. Of course if you have lots of time and patience this is also a project you could make at home on the computer. I don’t think I have that much patience with sticky pictures and magnets.

Shot Glasses

This favor is not for a family of nondrinkers. If one side of the family just says no you should opt for something less offending. But, if your family enjoys a good time just as much as the rest read on. As you know shot glasses range in size, shape and color. A wide variety of prices accompanies this array of choices. However, typically a 1 ¾ oz. customized shot glass sells for about $.60 a glass. Some companies charge setup fees from $20 - $30 dollars and some do not.

Now that you have given this fun filled gift don’t make your family and friends wait until they get home to use it. Have your guests join you with their new shot glasses in a wedding toast. You can provide a few airplane bottles of your favorite liquor or simply have people fill their glasses with a little of what they are already drinking.

Cigars

If your reception is outdoors or in a place that allows smoking you may want to consider cigars as a favor. This will definitely be something the men will enjoy. And who knows some of the women may thank you too. Just as anything else you can shop around and find cigars specifically tailored to your wedding. Or, you could get a glass jar or two, attach an inviting message to it, insert the cigars and place the jars at the bar. The bar is a safe place because only those people old enough to enjoy these favors will have access to them.

Donations

If you have someone special in your life you would like to honor or just a favorite cause take this opportunity to make a donation in honor of your wedding day and the people that are sharing it with you. If you already have a favorite charity they will be happy to receive your contribution. Maybe you have lost a loved one and would like to donate to a cause in memory of them. If you don’t already have a charity do a little research and find one the best represents who you are or something you believe in. After you have made your contribution print up a favor card to let your guests know how you honored them. If you don’t have time to do the printing yourself your local print shop or newspaper office can help.

Tea & Coffee

Your guests have gone the distance to be with you on your special day. Thank them by providing them with a little pick me up for the morning after. Since most hotels have in-room coffee pots this favor is sure to be a hit. Check online or at local party planning stores for customized tea and coffee bags. You can leave these favors on the table at the reception or have them placed in your guests room so they can enjoy their treat whenever they choose.

Your wedding is about more than simple favors so try not to stress out about them. Remember to keep it useful or edible and your token of thanks should be a big hit.