Considering all the matches, wine keys, and candy in the world, my FI and I are thinking about doing something a bit different with our favors.
We're both mountain people. We met in the mountains, fell in love in the mountains, grew together, he even proposed in the mountains (and I mean on the summit of several peaks in the rockies). We are out climbing nearly every weekend.
The idea was to write a short note (I am a poet/writer and know how to do calligraphy) stating how we have carried each other to this moment, how we found our spirit in the mountains, and how we carried the memory, love, and spirit of each of our guests back down the mountain with us - and then giving them a stone from the summit of one peaks my FI and I have climbed together.
The stones woudl correspond with the name of the tables (all named after peaks and mountain ranges). And we aren't talking about dirty little stones either - think polished pieces of granite (my FI used to offer these to me as a gift whenever we were separated for a weekend - said he had carried me with him all the way.) Good idea?
Re: thinking of doing something a bit outside of the box...what do you think?
Since you asked what WE think, however...I'm going to be honest. Even if it were my best friend, I'd pick it up, read it, and roll my eyes wondering why on Earth she could possibly think I, the person who would be content if the world were astroturfed and each city were in a climate controlled bubble, would ever want a rock with a sappy note attached to it. I'd toss a rock (and a potted plant, for the record - it's not rock specific!).
I absolutely understand that it is meaningful to you and your fiance and I'm not mocking that or trying to diminish the feelings behind it. We ALL have those special little things that connect us with our fiance. I just don't really think they always need to be shared with everyone else...especially by calling it a gift to the guests. It's a little awkward.
With that said, I go back to the fact that you know your wedding guests and I do not. Maybe they are all into rocks and love stories.
Whatever you decide, good luck and congratulations!
What if you use those rocks to hold your menu cards in place and at the bottom of the menu card explain why rocks like that mean something to you and FI? That way guests can keep them if they like the way they look or throw them out, but you won't be pretending like that's an acceptable thank you to your guests.
Other ways to incorporate rocks: Your table numbers could be pictures of you and FI on different peaks/mountains/cliffs with the number superimposed on top. Also, you could write guest names and table #s on little rocks to be escort cards (in fact, I really like that idea because then the guest's name will be on the rock so it may be more meaningful to them which means they'd be more likely to keep it). You could put the name on the top and the table number on the bottom.
RSVP Deadline: June 15, 2011
How about you give rock candy~without the attached love story? It would be a little inside joke to you and your FI. You'd know what it means, but it wouldn't be so "in your face".
I'm going to be honest: I'd leave a rock behind.
[QUOTE]Thanks ladies...to be honest, myself, I'd leave a box of matches, a lighter, a wine key? behind. Many favors are, in all honesty, little trinkets, and I've been to many weddings where many of the more expensive "favors" are left scattered across the floor. Why not do something meaningful? Give your guests a piece of the mountains they'll see in the distance? The reception site faces Longs Peak in Colorado- <strong>and then make a donation on behalf of everyone to the Conservation Society? </strong>Thank you all for your opinions, but I suppose that's what makes all people different. I believe that the sentiment and meaning behind a gift is much more important than the gift itself. Just me though...
Posted by kristi-ji[/QUOTE]
The donation to the conservation society is a lovely thought, because it's important to you. Just don't call it a favor to your guests. Because it's not. It's a favor to the conservation society (and to yourself if it's a 501c-3 organization).
I'm not saying don't make the donation. I think you should make the donation. But a favor for your guests is something that they take with them. A donation to your charity, however worthy, is not a favor.
GL
otherwise that's such an amazing & unique idea ^_^. i'm sure ur guests will understand the significance of it all!
"Happy trails to you from the Bride and Groom"

haha.