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Choosing Wedding Favors - the Top 7 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Choosing and giving wedding favors is a fun tradition.  It's a heartfelt way to demonstrate your appreciation to your guests.  And, of course, you want the perfect wedding favors for your perfect wedding. What could go wrong? Here are the top seven common wedding favor mistakes and tips to avoid them.

Mistake # 1 - Waiting too long to order.  You're not a procrastinator.  It's just that you're not sure how many wedding favors to order.  So, you're waiting for the RSVP's to come in, so that you have a better idea of how many guests will be attending.  Then, you'll place an order for the right number of favors.

But if you wait that long, you'll have less options available.  Custom, personalized wedding favors can take time to create.  If you postpone ordering to almost the last minute, you may not have enough time to get just want you want.  You might have to settle for something else.

Mistake # 2 - Not getting the right amount.  So, how do you plan in advance and get the right number of wedding favors?  First, decide whether you want to give one favor to each of your guests, or one to each couple.  You're probably safe in assuming that at least 80% of those on your guest list will be able to attend.  Then, make sure you have extras. 

What happens if you have too many favors?  Well, that's better than not having enough.  If you have favors left over after the wedding, you can always give them out or mail them to those who couldn't attend. 

Mistake # 3 - Spending too much money. Wedding favors are tokens of appreciation to your guests for sharing your special day.  They are not meant to be costly gifts.  You shouldn't have to spend more than a couple of dollars for this gesture.  If you find great favors that are also economical, you won't hesitate ordering extras.

Mistake # 4 - Buying favors that are not useful or functional.  There is such a wide variety of wedding favors on the market today, so you're no longer limited to tulle covered dust collectors. Send your guest home with something they can use, such as personalized candles, chocolate bars, frames, magnets, bookmarks, packets of seeds or heart-shaped cookie cutters, to name just a few.

Mistake # 5 - Selecting favors that don't reflect your personality.  If you're shopping on the internet, there is an endless array of unique wedding favors available.  Why not choose something that highlights your hobbies, interests, or passions?  Go with a theme.  Some items, like personalized bookmarks, can contain a longer personal message, such as a favorite poem or quote.  Any item with your photo would make a great keepsake. Your favors don't have to be bland and generic.

Mistake # 6 - Making your own favors.  This may not seem like a mistake until you're sitting there one night, gluing a ribbon on the 83rd favor, thinking of all the other millions of things you have to do to get ready for your wedding.  Even if you enjoy crafts, making 100 or more of the same thing can be tedious and time consuming.  You may think you're saving a lot of money by doing it yourself, but craft supplies can be expensive.  If you add it up, you might even pay less for professionally made favors, and you'll have a lot more time on your hands.

Mistake # 7 - Not giving out favors at all.  No, it's not absolutely necessary to have wedding favors.  But they are such a nice way to say a little "thank you" to your guests for sharing their love, support and friendship. They are not only a thoughtful addition to your reception, but will remind everyone of your wonderful wedding.

So, shop around and find the perfect wedding favors for you.  Select something that is decorative, functional and inexpensive.  Make sure it's personalized to showcase you're uniqueness as a couple.  Order well in advance.  And wait for your guests to tell you that it's the best wedding favor they have ever received.

About the Author

Linda Kling is the owner of www.photo-party-favors.com, which offers personalized photo favors and photo save the date cards. Visit her website for more information on unique photo wedding favors.

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