Placecard Photo

Placecard Photo

Ten Creative Wedding Favors for Contemporary Couples

Wedding favors: a tough topic for contemporary couples preparing to walk down the aisle. Many modern couples are tired of the standard mints and bubbles. Instead, they want fun, fresh wedding favors. Most couples would deem this task a daunting one. Not you. Why? Because you have the following ten suggestions to consider.

"Mr. & Mrs." Swizzle Sticks by Kate Aspen

Gift your guests with these clever swizzle sticks decked out in wedding attire, particularly, dapper top hats and veiled tiaras. After guests take them home, they'll remember the happy couple every time they stir their cocktails.

Love Bird Salt & Pepper Shakers

Modern, refined and romantic, these white porcelain salt and pepper shakers are truly unique. Place pullout box at each table. Guests will be delighted when they open the boxes and see the Love Birds nesting cozily inside. Buy a few –or a few dozen, depending on the size of your reception– extra to use as the actual salt and pepper shakers at each reception table.

"Good Wishes" Pearlized Photo Coasters

Extend good wishes to all your guests. These handsome pearlized glass frame coasters are surrounded by positive terms such as love, forever, joy, faith, bliss and hope. Get creative with these wedding favors. Frame a photo of the newlyweds, use them as placecard holders or simply leave as-is, which encourages guests to make their own memories to place inside. Packaged in twos and tied with organza ribbon.

"A Leisurely Game of Love" Golf Ball Tape Measure

Whether you both love golf or simply seek a creative theme, this useful tape measure in the shape of a golf ball can be personalized on a flat area of the ball. Let your guests know your love is "fore-ever." Whether guests are golf buffs or not, they won't be able to resist these favors.

Miniature Wooden Birdhouses

These wedding favors are simply adorable. What a clever way to thank your friends and family for being there as you take the first step in feathering your love nest. Great for outdoor, warm-weather receptions. Guests will enjoy using them at home as garden accessories or even holiday tree decorations.

"Castles in the Sand" Sand Castle Tea Light by Kate Aspen

Bet you've never received a sand castle wedding favor before. Bet your guests haven't either. This favor lends a tender, contemplative feel. Guests will use it for years to come. Sand-textured castle has tiny windows, turrets and comes with a tea light. Also functions as a place card holder, disguised as a flag atop the castle.

Blooming Bookmark Verse 4

These sustainable gifts are all the rage in wedding favors. Show your guests you care about not only them, but the planet. Give green favors. These bookmarks feature the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, "Friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold," followed by a note of thanks from the happy couple, stating "We sincerely thank you, friends and loved ones, for sharing with us the sweet moment of our wedding day." Bookmarks include detachable adornments that guests may planet in their gardens and watch life spring forth.

"Love is Sweet" Sweetheart Towel Cakes

These "cakes" appear so realistic, one might try to eat them. What appears to be a tasty dessert is truly two folded, brown and white hand towels, perfectly arranged to resemble a heart-shaped cake. A highly unique and whimsical way to treat your wedding guests. Towels are made of 100% cotton, and are even topped with faux wafers and strawberries. The clever packaging features the wedding favor atop a doily and packed in a clear, heart-shaped "cake box," making it a fun focal point at the reception table.

"Calla Lily Elegance" Vase-Shaped Candle

This small, elegant candle with a vase-shaped profile features a handrolled fabric lily tied with a tiny silk ribbon, lending the appearance of a bouquet. Guests will appreciate this thoughtful gift.

Monogrammed Tea Wedding Favors

Personalized, individually packaged tea bags featuring a single initial or classic monogram, as well as the name of the bride and groom or wedding date. A trendy and sophisticated way to appreciate your guests.
With tea on the rise as an "in" beverage, this gift is perfect for contemporary couples searching for new options in wedding favors. Tea is a rich, traditional black blend, and comes sealed in a glossy, white foil envelope to lock in freshness and flavor.
With so many extraordinary gift ideas, some couples may have trouble narrowing down their choice to one selection. Fortunately, there are frequently bridal showers and bachelor parties, as well. Don't be afraid to tell the hosts in advance about these fantastic favors. Chances are, they're stuck in the same favor rut you were. Perhaps you'll be doing them a… favor!

About the Author

Dena Merlino is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of topics including wedding accessories.