I am a fan of favors you can eat. I like to eat and am usually hungry before dinner is served at wedding receptions. Men will eat anything you set in front of them and most children will eat anything sweet. Therefore, party favors such as cookies or chocolate are usually eaten and not left on the table.

Looking for something less traditional? Taco bell or White Castle, or a special delivery of Krispy Kreme donuts at the end of a ceremony will give your guests a midnight snack and will be talked about for weeks. Want a keepsake for the family, such as a picture frame or cd? I suggest limiting one keepsake item per family for two reasons. First of all, you will cut down on costs. Put the keepsake at the ladies seat and some Hershey’s kisses in front of the men. Secondly, most men will not pick up the party favors, and it is unfortunate to see so many favors left on the table when you have spent so much time and money on them. For children, I suggest crayons and a coloring book. This may be one way to keep them from running around the dance floor in circles until they pass out- or at least it may delay it!

A note- some couples are starting to give a charitable contribution in place of the favor. While I think it is a gallant gesture, etiquette frowns upon it.

Be creative and don’t be afraid to show off your personality in your favor selection.