I am getting married in England where the tradition, and the size of the venue, dictate that we eat all of the courses of the sit down meal first, followed by dancing (rather than dancing between courses). So unless they get up to smoke (or use the bathroom) my guests will be at the table, and with their table-mates, for approximately 2 hours (2.5 hours with speeches).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
So, in addition to an edible favor (cutely packaged chocolates, to double as escort cards), I want to place a second sort-of-favour at their seats in the form of a “Chinese take out” shaped box filled with fun things to use/play with between courses. It’s a sort-of-favor because it is not truly intended to be brought home as a memento.
So far I’m planning to include a fortune cookie, temporary tattoos and a trivial pursuit card in each box-o-fun. I’d like to include maybe two more things in the box. Any suggestions?
PS I should mention while the meal is a sit down dinner, our wedding style is not formal. The sort-of-favors will not be sharing space with fine china settings!
Re: Favors/Sort-of-favors
If you really want to do the box, I'd leave the cookie and the trivia card, take out the tattoo (don't most need water for application?), and maybe add a blank note card for each guest to leave a piece of advice for you both. Add a golf pencil, maybe a word puzzle/crossword/sudoku, maybe some gum or mints. But I really don't think a box is necessary, especially since you already have a favor.
I would agree that you are overthinking this one. (i was guilty of this too at one point!) I would just try to find ways to speed up the service and have the speeches shortened to about 2-4 mins apiece. If people start talking forever it just bores everyone in the room. Adults will be able to convese inbetween the courses and entertain themselves.
The only time I would do this is if you had younger children...but that is still your call.