So basically I'm deciding between doing favors (would probably be our homemade jam in little mini mason jars - potentially a lot of work!) at about $1-2/person OR taking that $100 or so and putting it into 'extras' - like bathroom baskets and a basket of flip flops for dancing etc.
Which do you think people would appreciate more? Any other ideas of how $100-200 could be used to add something to the guest experience?
Re: Favors vs other 'extras'
In order of preference:
a) Upgrade food
b) Edible favor (that I can take with me, but don't HAVE to take with me - i.e. a cookie I can eat now or later rather than a condiment I have no use for now and have to pack in my purse/bag for later)
c) Welcome bag for people staying at the hotel if you aren't already doing one and have people at a hotel block
d) Bathroom basket with stuff that might be handy (floss, Tylenol and ibuprofen, stain remover, etc.)
I'm really surprised at how many people say they wouldn't like jam. I thought everyone liked jam.
That said, I could go either way. I am big on having a favour for guests but the idea of bathroom baskets is also really good because there's always a need for those little necessities. I wouldn't upgrade alcohol because I already think there is too much emphasis on alcohol at any kind of event. If there's a bar, there's more than enough alcohol no upgrade needed.
If there's nothing else that needs upgrading, give me something delicious that I can eat on the way home. I like cookies and chocolate.
We did bags of local candy. Inexpensive and people loved it.
I like to wear pumps with a dress. However, these pumps cannot be danced in. Usually I end up bare foot on the dance floor. My friend had a flip flop basket- many people used them, myself included. It was nice not to have black feet at the end of the night. (What I really need to do is get a pair of those rescue flats and bring them with me).
The same friend, also had a basket in the bathroom and I would say it was about half used (I used some too). Useful things I can think of- Tide pen for stains (my friend used this after dinner!), bobby pins, hair elastic, body spray, wet wipe, chap stick, hair spray, brush, band-aids.