Everyone seems to think that edible favors are the best option.  I think that's the opinion of THE KNOT, too, and I've seen it on several other sites.  I don't really understand.  Sure, everyone loves a little candy or something.  But the way I see it, they're already getting dinner and cake -- do they really care about a few M&Ms in a cute box?  I feel like I will have spent $200 on something that is going to be gone and forgotten in five seconds.
Then again, keepsakes cheap enough to be favors are usually, well, crap.  I would really like to give guests something they can use but can also keep and remember for a while.  Something they will really like, and something that can show our gratitude to them for a long while, not just a few minutes.  I guess I just don't see the point in adding more food to your food.
                 
                
Re: Why are edible favors best?
Edible favors are the favors that have the best chance of actually being used (either taken home and eaten, or eaten at the reception.)
Non-edible favors, while they might seem nice to the couple, generally end up sitting around collecting dust and ultimately get thrown away, or the guests don't take them at all. People tend not to want/use cheaply made wine glasses, bottle stoppers, etc, etc. with another couple's monogram and wedding date on them.
Thus, with non-edible favors the couple has essentially wasted whatever money they spent. Edible favors are generally not a waste of money, since people actually eat and enjoy them.
In the end, I'm having a little of both. I'm doing chocolate chip cookies (the grooms fav) and maracas (for fun!) since we’re serving Mexican food (I live in Houston, so Tex-Mex is a local favorite) and the venue has a south of the border feel.
In addition, I justI don't need a tiny picture frame, or a single wine glass as a remembrance. I have plenty of "stuff" in my house that's gathering dust daily. I don't need more.
If it's going to be left behind.....well, what would I do with 37 wine stoppers? If 37 people choose to leave behind their little tulle bag of m&ms: okay, I can eat them. The wine stoppers? I'm stuck with 35 wine stoppers after I use 2 myself.
I think it's a question of getting the best use of the money you're spending. And IMO, if I had the choice to spend $XXX on a non-edible favor, or the same amount on chocolate chip cookies: it would be the cookies every single time.
"If you can't think of something nice to say, don't say something nice" - Stephen Colbert
[QUOTE]I feel like I will have spent $200 on something that is going to be gone and forgotten in five seconds.
Posted by hanson2B[/QUOTE]
Honestly, unless you manage to find a non-edible favor that everyone will want to keep and use (highly unlikely), they'll end up gone and forgotten no matter what. The difference is that the edible favors will be enjoyed before they are forgotten, so at least there you are getting your money's worth.
Also, there's no rule that you have to have favors at all. If you'd rather not spend the money, then don't. Nobody is going to storm out because they don't get something with your monogram on it to take home.
However, probably only the bride/groom's immediate family cares to keep a monogrammed or sentiment with your wedding date and names on it. I sure don't care to attend a wedding and go home with a useless favor that I will toss because I don't care for the bride/groom's names to be in my office or home.
Guests usually have dinner around 6pm and then dance and drink up, I think an edible favor is good for them to 'snack' on.
I am doing books of matches and shot glasses - FI's family all like shot glasses so I know they will probably take more than one, and I will not have our names and the date etched on them so that will not be an issue.
I think you hit the nail on the head though, things that are inexpensive enough to serve as favors are usually undesirable.
@ AbbeyS2011- can you tell me more info about the shot glasses!!
[QUOTE]In addition, I justI don't need a tiny picture frame, or a single wine glass as a remembrance. <strong> I have plenty of "stuff" in my house that's gathering dust daily. I don't need more.
</strong>Posted by trix1223[/QUOTE]
That's exactly how I feel. I already have too much stuff. I don't even buy souvenirs when I go travelling because I have all these trinkets. I'd feel rude not taking a favour in a way, because the couple bought them as gifts for the guests- but most of the time I find them useless IMO. Once I eat the edible favour, it's gone.
We are doing a candy bar along with our pumpkin escort cards (I don’t care what anyone thinks about them, I like them) we are using all wrapped labeled candy our labels tell the guess which candy contains nuts and other allergens.
if you are concerned do both that way your guest can pick what they want.
For a non edible gift I think that CDs are awesome. Although they may take the songs you put on the cd and put it on their iPod and toss the cds they will still have the music.
[QUOTE]Some people I am not saying everyone won’t eat a lot of “edible favors.” They are usually sweets, candy and cookies. And some people have health concerns, diabetics and food allergies. We are doing a candy bar along with our pumpkin escort cards (I don’t care what anyone thinks about them, I like them) we are using all wrapped labeled candy our labels tell the guess which candy contains nuts and other allergens. if you are concerned do both that way your guest can pick what they want. <strong>For a non edible gift I think that CDs are awesome. Although they may take the songs you put on the cd and put it on their iPod and toss the cds they will still have the music.</strong>
Posted by Brooklclark[/QUOTE]
Depending on where you are, I'd be worried about the legality of this. I know in Canada this would be illegal to mix CDs and then make copies to give out.