Favors

Alternatives to Bubbles or Bells?

We're getting married October 30th in Ohio and still struggling for what to give guests on their way out of the church. So far we've ruled out birdseed, rice, bubbles, or bells so far..... 

Any advice would be appreciated! 

Re: Alternatives to Bubbles or Bells?

  • edited December 2011
    I've seen something that looks like rice at Michaels arts and crafts but it doesn't hurt the birds :) and they can eat it.
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  • tldhtldh member
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    SIL used helicopters/whirleybirds/whatever you want to call the things that fall from maple trees.  She dried them and them put them in little packets for everyone. 
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  • Michaela2290Michaela2290 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    in south africa another alternative is dried fynbos, or dried lavender which gives a gorgeous smell when its walked on...
  • edited December 2011
    sparklers? streamers?
  • babybchbumbabybchbum member
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I am using sprklers and am so excited.... I know people who have used rose petals and it has been absolutely GORGEOUS!
  • Ashes_3Ashes_3 member
    Ninth Anniversary 1000 Comments 25 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    We are doing sparklers. I like the wedding wands, they are pretty!
  • edited December 2011
    I have also seen the dried lavendar - it does smell quite nice. 
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  • edited December 2011
    I think sparklers seem kind of dangerous.
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  • beccashell8beccashell8 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    My fiance is worred about the danger and smell of sparklers too. I'm loving the idea of nature-inspired tossable (not sure what else to call them!)

    Our colors are gray and green, making rose petals difficult--but that sounds absolutely beautiful.


  • trix1223trix1223 member
    5000 Comments 25 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Be sure to check with your venue as well~many don't allow anything to be tossed because of safety or clean up concerns.

    Honestly, I get that "way back when" people tossed rice at a couple, but I really don't see the need to have stuff thrown at you.  It gets down your dress, stuck in your hair (especially if you have a lot of hairspray), etc.

    I vote for clapping and cheering.  Easy, free, eco-friendly, and not lame.  GL
    "Trix, it's what they/our parents wanted. Why so judgemental? And why is your wedding date over a year and a half ago? And why do you not have a groom's name? And why have you posted over 12,000 posts? And why do you always say mean things to brides?" palegirl146
  • edited December 2011

    Our venue didn't allow things to be tossed, so we used streamers. It was a very simple DIY project. Thin wood rods with fabric ribbons in our wedding colors nailed to the end. Simple, a little different, and a lot of fun!

  • edited December 2011
    this website has a lot of awesome freeze dried petals
    they have a gorgeous green
    http://www.flyboynaturals.com/luckofirish.html
  • mysticlmysticl member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary First Answer
    edited December 2011
    They make confetti out of seed paper.  So you can just leave it and it will biodegrade and sprout.  Of course make sure the venue is ok with this. 
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  • edited December 2011
    I'm considering doing a balloon release!  And tying a card to several of the balloons that says "if you receive this balloon please email us back at ...... thanks for being part of our wedding day"     Its visual PLUS it would be amzin to get one of those emails back.
  • mgietler76mgietler76 member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Heatherdmoffitt - My FMIL found a balloon similar to this only it was in memory of a young girl that had passed away from cancer. The family had set up a website and it was really touching to read about all the balloons that were found.
  • mysticlmysticl member
    2500 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary First Answer
    edited December 2011
    Are balloon releases still allowed?  I think I read/heard something about environmental concerns. 
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  • naomikbnaomikb member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011

    If you want a more traditional exit-throwing item, there is special confetti called "ecofetti" (http://www.ecoparti.com/toec.html) that is totally biodegradable (I believe it's made of cornstarch, like those compostable bags) and comes in lots of neat colours.  It will dissolve in water, so you can either hose it down or let the rain take care of it the next time it rains.  I haven't tried it personally but the reviews look good and once I pick my bridesmaid dress colour I'm going to order some ecofetti!

    You still have the issue of stuff getting stuck in your hair if people are throwing it at you, but seems easy enough to clean up.

  • beccashell8beccashell8 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Wow! Thanks for all of the responses! My FMIL suggested the little hand-clappers as another fun idea. Looks like we'll have lots to choose from.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_alternatives-bubbles-bells?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:4dd10651-3a00-414b-9a28-730ada8e434fPost:928e9fcb-f864-4422-a831-cb28773985a5">Re: Alternatives to Bubbles or Bells?</a>:
    [QUOTE]in south africa another alternative is dried fynbos, or dried lavender which gives a gorgeous smell when its walked on...
    Posted by Michaela2290[/QUOTE]


    I wouldn't do this one; my fiance is really allergic to lavendar, so I imagine other people are also - I know it would make him uncomfortable for the time he had to be around it and for a period of time afterward.  Just a thought.

    We aren't doing any "send off" type thing, because it seems weird to do it at the church when we are going to show up at the reception, and our reception is at the hotel where we are staying that night before leaving on our honeymoon, so there isn't any way to doit without it looking stupid. 
  • edited December 2011
    Yeah, it doesn't have to be tossable.  Consider that not everyone wants to get hit with "shrapnel" on your run past them.

    I am a big fan of hand helds like streamers, pinwheels, flags, etc.  That way, guests can hang onto them like little favors and use them for fun during your reception like encouraging you to kiss and stuff. :)  These sorts of things are also quick and easy to make in the time you have left, or cheap to pick up from the dollar store and easy to personalize with a stamp or something.  I made a bunch of flags and personalized them.  I hope people like 'em!

    I do like the flower petal idea though.  For that, I would personally go to the supermarket and get a fun color that goes since no one would know what type of flower it came from.  Cheap cheap!
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  • S_A_FriedelS_A_Friedel member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    How about ribbon wands?  I have a PIB of the ones we made ... (plus some for sale in my 'for sale' bio if interested)
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_favors_alternatives-bubbles-bells?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:27Discussion:4dd10651-3a00-414b-9a28-730ada8e434fPost:877f4e8e-9228-404f-9332-3b4b063d171c">Re: Alternatives to Bubbles or Bells?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Are balloon releases still allowed?  I think I read/heard something about environmental concerns. 
    Posted by mysticl[/QUOTE]


    Yes, it is illegal in many states. But I think they make biodegradable balloons now which could be an option.
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  • edited December 2011
    Balloon release?!  OMG - I'm pretty sure thats not allowed at our chapel...it's right next door to the airport!!  Surprised
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