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Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?
Budget Weddings
Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?
Want a beautiful wedding on a budget? Chat here.
We are having a small garden wedding at a local Museum. 50-60 guests.... I was planning on having a bird feeder <3s (made of gelatin & bird seed) personalized with our wedding date etc&nb
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Budget Weddings
Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?
Want a beautiful wedding on a budget? Chat here.
We are having a small garden wedding at a local Museum. 50-60 guests.... I was planning on having a bird feeder <3s (made of gelatin & bird seed) personalized with our wedding date etc&nb
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Forums  >  Wedding Boards  >  Budget Weddings  >  Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?
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Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 12:09 PM EST on theknot.com
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We are having a small garden wedding at a local Museum. 50-60 guests....

I was planning on having a bird feeder <3s (made of gelatin & bird seed) personalized with our wedding date etc 
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/82428567/personalized-wedding-favor-boxes-love


Also, I wanted to have seed bombs in small bags (I'm making 50 bags!) with instructions and names, wedding date (we'll be printing those to be included in bags... only purchasing the seed bombs)...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82657093/seed-bomb-wedding-favors-heart-shaped

Also, of course bubbles, napkins and great times.  But I'm thinking now I may be getting a little crazy about favors and shouldn't spend so much time & $$$ on it.  Maybe one thing?

What is customary?  I know there is some tale of giving "paper" as favors?
Thanks.

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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 12:26 PM EST on theknot.com
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All the weddings I've been to have just had some sort of chocolate or candy as a favor. We did 2 Ferrero Rocher chocolates in a plain truffle favor box tied with ribbon. Simple and fairly inexpensive.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 12:31 PM EST on theknot.com
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Favors aren't necessary at all, but if you do do them, your best bet is to go with something edible.  All the weddings I've been to that had 'stuff', I left my favor at the table, as did about 80% of the guests.
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 1:04 PM EST on theknot.com
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I agree with PP, edible is the way to go.  Otherwise they will mostly get left behind.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 1:09 PM EST on theknot.com
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Do what your budget allows, favors can be nice especially if they tie a theme together or are edible (mine are both). But lots of people do leave them behind, so I wouldnt blow a 4/5 of my budget on it either. We are spending about $20 for favors for 130 people.
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 1:15 PM EST on theknot.com
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It's a bit ironic to me that you're posting this on the "budget" board.  I personally would rather have better food or music than a bunch of crap to take home. 
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 1:22 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
But I'm thinking now I may be getting a little crazy about favors and shouldn't spend so much time & $$$ on it.  Maybe one thing? What is customary?  I know there is some tale of giving "paper" as favors? Thanks.
Posted by ashleyvsmith


I think you're thinking correctly :)

It seems like you're a little carried away on favors.  I'd scale it back to 1 thing for sure.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 1:47 PM EST on theknot.com
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I agree with most in going with edible gifts. That said, I think those two ideas are so cute!! I love them both. It wouldn't make 1 bit of sense with my wedding, but if I had the funds to, I'd also get them.

The issue is, how many of your guests would appreciate such a gift and actually use it? I'm a tree-hugging, animal loving, recycling vegan. I'm all over that type of stuff. Other people, not so much. I could see that being confusing for a lot & a whole lot of it would be left behind. Technically, you could just ask someone to round it all up at the end of the night and use it all yourself. But for that, why have it?

If you do go this route, only do 1. People won't have the time/patience for both.

ETA: By the way, I'm totally obsessed with those seed bombs now. I just wrote the seller to find out how big they are. Since I have a spring wedding, maybe I can incorporate them since spring = flowers? Right now I don't have favors since we did a charitable donation. I would like a little trinket like that to give people.

ETAA: If I'm reading right, the listing you posted regarding the birdseed hearts is only for the boxes. I believe that the acutal hearts are separate. I just wanted to make sure you knew that, since it wouldn't be that budget friendly.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 1:50 PM EST on theknot.com
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Nobody cares about your wedding date, why bother putting it on the favor?  One favor is plenty.  If it's not food, I probably wouldn't take it home, I don't like "stuff".  It would be kind of a waste to have most of the favors left behind.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 2:13 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
I agree with most in going with edible gifts. That said, I think those two ideas are so cute!! I love them both. It wouldn't make 1 bit of sense with my wedding, but if I had the funds to, I'd also get them. The issue is, how many of your guests would appreciate such a gift and actually use it? I'm a tree-hugging, animal loving, recycling vegan. I'm all over that type of stuff. Other people, not so much. I could see that being confusing for a lot & a whole lot of it would be left behind. Technically, you could just ask someone to round it all up at the end of the night and use it all yourself. But for that, why have it? If you do go this route, only do 1. People won't have the time/patience for both. ETA: By the way, I'm totally obsessed with those seed bombs now. I just wrote the seller to find out how big they are. Since I have a spring wedding, maybe I can incorporate them since spring = flowers? Right now I don't have favors since we did a charitable donation. I would like a little trinket like that to give people. ETAA: If I'm reading right, the listing you posted regarding the birdseed hearts is only for the boxes. I believe that the acutal hearts are separate. I just wanted to make sure you knew that, since it wouldn't be that budget friendly.
Posted by rlavach



I'm the same way! Vegetarian... plant & animal lover.  I think it does go with the theme of the wedding but maybe I will either choose one item or get less of each.  And Yes, we love the Heart "feeders"... we were going to purchase the Hearts, already made up and in the box(older listing/link has disappeared...). But now maybe save that for a shower or party idea and just go with the seed bombs.
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 2:28 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much? : I'm the same way! Vegetarian... plant & animal lover.  I think it does go with the theme of the wedding but maybe I will either choose one item or get less of each.  And Yes, we love the Heart "feeders"... we were going to purchase the Hearts, already made up and in the box(older listing/link has disappeared...). But now maybe save that for a shower or party idea and just go with the seed bombs.
Posted by ashleyvsmith

Out of curiosity, if you went with the seed bombs, how did you plan on packaging them? I asked the seller and they're 1" x .25". I'm thinking that you'd have to put 2-3 in the real tiny organza string-tie bags? 

ETA: I just ordered 200 seed bombs in a mix of pink & yellow. That, along with little organza bags from Save-On-Crafts will end up being less than $0.75/person. Pretty good deal! Thanks for the heads up!

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 3:42 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
Nobody cares about your wedding date, why bother putting it on the favor?  One favor is plenty.  If it's not food, I probably wouldn't take it home, I don't like "stuff".  It would be kind of a waste to have most of the favors left behind.
Posted by Cortney1982


This is exactly why we're choosing not to give favors.  I don't want to spend money on something that guest don't want and leave behind.  At the last two weddings I went to there were lots of favors left on the tables at the end of the night.  It's not worth it IMHO.
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 3:56 PM EST on theknot.com
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I think you are going a little overboard.  Favors should be small and either meaningful or edible.  Think about the kind of event you're having and what kinds of people you're inviting.  If it's not something they would find special, meaningful, or delicious, chances are they're going to be left behind.

We're just doing little packs of Sixlets, but since we're scientists we're packaging them in test tubes so we can make them a little different and more representative of us.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 4:02 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much? : Out of curiosity, if you went with the seed bombs, how did you plan on packaging them? I asked the seller and they're 1" x .25". I'm thinking that you'd have to put 2-3 in the real tiny organza string-tie bags?  ETA: I just ordered 200 seed bombs in a mix of pink & yellow. That, along with little organza bags from Save-On-Crafts will end up being less than $0.75/person. Pretty good deal! Thanks for the heads up!
Posted by rlavach


::I have been sewing for a while and I was about to get real ambitious... I was going to make 50 bags out of fabric that matched the colors/theme of the wedding.  Simple drawstring bags but still time consuming.  I have seen small to medium gift bags made of organza but I wanted them slightly bigger so I thought I'd whip up 50...  (Also, to fit the small boxes with the bird feeder heart)  So people would have a decent size bag to hold the favors.  Oh well.  I have also seen things like this that would be cute:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/80917977/quirky-eco-wedding-favors-forget-me-not

(The item has been sold but I was keeping it in mind if plans changed about favors.)
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 4:12 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much? : ::I have been sewing for a while and I was about to get real ambitious... I was going to make 50 bags out of fabric that matched the colors/theme of the wedding.  Simple drawstring bags but still time consuming.  I have seen small to medium gift bags made of organza but I wanted them slightly bigger so I thought I'd whip up 50...  (Also, to fit the small boxes with the bird feeder heart)  So people would have a decent size bag to hold the favors.  Oh well.  I have also seen things like this that would be cute: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80917977/quirky-eco-wedding-favors-forget-me-not (The item has been sold but I was keeping it in mind if plans changed about favors.)
Posted by ashleyvsmith

I've seen items like that too. They're cute. My problem with that is kind of depressing. I had to put one of my cats to sleep a few years ago and at the animal hospital they gave me a bag of forget-me-nots as a rememberance. So, everytime I see those flowers I remember my poor sick kitty. Yeah, not a great wedding memory. But great for someone else!

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 5:09 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
It's a bit ironic to me that you're posting this on the "budget" board.  I personally would rather have better food or music than a bunch of crap to take home. 
Posted by adktd2boots


She can ask about favors and still plan a budget wedding. Your post came off really rude to me.

And if you don't want to take home something, don't take it home. Geez.
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 6:22 PM EST on theknot.com
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I think you'll have a lot of those left behind.  Most people don't want something with another person's name and wedding date on it.

If you do favors at all, go with something edible.

Favors aren't required, and you can always use the favor money to upgrade something else at the reception if you want to do something extra for the guests.
"I'm not crazy. I've just been in a very bad mood for 40 years."

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 6:56 PM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
I think you'll have a lot of those left behind.  Most people don't want something with another person's name and wedding date on it. If you do favors at all, go with something edible. Favors aren't required, and you can always use the favor money to upgrade something else at the reception if you want to do something extra for the guests.
Posted by RetreadBride


That's my point exactly. 
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/8/2012 8:00 PM EST on theknot.com
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Make your favors fit who you are ... We are having cake pops at each place setting as ours. I choose to follow my GreatGrandmother favorite saying when asked what to get her: "If I can't eat it or wear it, I don't need it" We. negotiated so that the cake pops were included in the cost of the catering adn all I have to do is get the tags to the baker by June 1 for our June 30 wedding

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/9/2012 9:20 AM EST on theknot.com
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@ranchers1017 - Well said!!!!!

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/9/2012 9:43 AM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much? : She can ask about favors and still plan a budget wedding. Your post came off really rude to me. And if you don't want to take home something, don't take it home. Geez.
Posted by rachers1017


Every post I've seen from this gal has been rude or condescending.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/9/2012 10:03 AM EST on theknot.com
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In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?:
In Response to Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much? : That's my point exactly. 
Posted by adktd2boots


Did you really need to include that you found it ironic that she was posting this on a budget board to get that point across? If so, you failed.
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/9/2012 10:21 AM EST on theknot.com
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Thanks guys for your input and ideas.  Just to clarify, my FI and I are paying for this ourselves. Everything is in order and iseither paid for or soon to be paid... dress, flowers, groom's suit, attendant gifts, food, officiant, music, photos, video guy, lighting, booze, makeup, honeymoon... Has all been budgeted.  I just wanted my guests to leave with something uniqe and thoughtful.  And now, I won't get my feelings hurt if the favors are left at the end of the night. 



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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/9/2012 10:56 AM EST on theknot.com
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This seems to be an idea you like for your wedding so I think you should go for it. If the cost gets to be too much just get one of them. If they are left behind it's no big deal you can take them and use them yourself. It's not like they are just a little trinket and the birds will be thrilled with them. Best of luck!

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/9/2012 11:04 AM EST on theknot.com
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Like nlindsay17 says, it's something that you can use later if people leave behind. If you went with, say, bud vases. What will you do with 35 leftover vases? If you have 35 seed bombs or even birdseed feeders, you can totally use them! I plan on using the leftover seed bombs in my mom's backyard since we don't have a backyard. 

There will always be some favors left behind, even if they're edible. People forget or just don't care. So if there is already someone picking up the extras, what difference is it. I'm just going to put a tiny piece of paper inside explaining what it is. I'm not going to waste my money getting those little ribbons that have your name & wedding date. They'll definitely get thrown out.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/9/2012 11:20 AM EST on theknot.com
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I love the ideas, but I think just the seed-bombs would do. I have seen tutorials for heart-shaped seed bombs online, I think they're somewhere in my pinterest, which you can find through my signature.

I'm one of those treehuggers and i'd love to have seedbombs, unfortunately FI is against them. Plus, I think the not-so-treehugging crowd would not see the point and definitely not 'use' them. We are still undecided about favors.

Looking forward to July 7th 2012
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/10/2012 3:55 PM EST on theknot.com
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I agree with just one kind of favor, and I think the birdseed hearts are the best idea.

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/11/2012 3:27 PM EST on theknot.com
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Just one kind of favour. I'm making jam for my guests, and if they don't take it, I love it on toast!
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Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

posted at 2/13/2012 12:23 PM EST on theknot.com
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If your budget allows you to shoot for the moon, go for it. If the favors get left behind, so be it. I really like the birdseed idea. It's cute!

Re: Favors for guests... I may be doing too much?

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I have a similar situation as far as lots of ideas and wanting to do it all without going overboard... As far as edible and not minding if they get left behind... We decided on an awesome idea as far as saving money! We're going to have a table for guests leaving the reception to grab a (non personalized) mint&/toothpick, much like when you leave a restaurant. You can get a box of 1000 individually wrapped picks at SAMs or Costco, etc for like $5! And I found an awesome deal on mints here: http://m.orientaltrading.com/mt/www.orientaltrading.com/gourmet-chocolate-mints-a2-_K1298-11-1.fltr?xsaleSku=3/3933
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