Unique Wedding Favors Everyone Can Appreciate

Include a touch of gratitude in your wedding plans with unique wedding favors. Whether at the rehearsal dinner or wedding reception, wedding favors can add a nice touch to the celebration. And best of all, these keepsakes show your appreciation to those who are closest to you. The old adage "It's the thought that counts" couldn't be truer. Whether selecting gifts for the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, or for anyone you wish to honor, it's the thought that counts: Not the expense. There are ideal wedding favors to meet every budget big and small.

The bride can select from a variety of wedding favors that her ladies will cherish for years to come. In fact, shopping for the bridal party can be a lot of fun by capturing their personalities. From compact mirrors and antique jewelry boxes to pink leather hip flasks, or a silver plated tea set for the flower girl, there truly is something for everyone. The idea here is to personalize the gift with each recipient in mind.

Keep the groom involved. There are several traditional favorites as well as from some new and unique ones. Traditional wedding favorites include monogrammed hip flasks and barware, cuff links to match their tuxedos, and sterling silver knives and cigar accessories. Some unique ideas that might capture their particular personality include deluxe poker sets and personalized baseball bats and engraved luggage tags. The ring bearer might like the grown-up gifts, but he might also appreciate the silver plated planes, trains, and motorcycle piggy banks designed just for kids.

For parents, grandparents, the host and anyone else you'd like to recognize at the rehearsal dinner, any keepsake is appropriate. The main focus should be on personalizing the keepsake in two ways. First, engrave the recipient's monogram or wedding date onto the gift. Second, select gifts that match the recipient's personality.

First, there is a wedding rehearsal where the presiding officer instructs the wedding party on wedding-day etiquette. After the rehearsal, usually held in the evening on a weekday, everyone gathers at a restaurant, a home, or anywhere they'd like to meet for the rehearsal dinner. The bride and groom's wedding party, close family, out-of-town-guests, and friends all attend. This is the perfect time to hand out gifts.

It's customary for all the ladies in the bridal party to receive a gift. It's also an opportunity for the bride to give them luxury items and trinkets. The bride needs to set the matron-of-honor apart by giving her a unique wedding favor. The bridesmaids traditionally receive identical gifts. And the flower girl, often needing a little encouragement herself, should get something especially chosen just for her.

The groom thanks his party in a similar way. The best man deserves something extra for all his hard work. The groomsmen can receive identical gifts, but this is not mandatory. And the ring bearer, less mature in years from the rest of the men, might like something chosen just for him.

The bride and groom may wish to extend their gratitude to the host of the rehearsal dinner and other close family members. The rehearsal dinner is ideal time to do so. And there are several unique wedding favors that will serve this purpose well.

Wedding favors at the reception can carry a particular theme throughout the party. If your reception will take place around the holidays, decorated wine bags or place settings can be a stunning visual. A heart theme around Valentine's Day might be animated with red, pink, and white candles, hearts, and flowers.

Beach themes can add a lot of fun to the party. With picture frames that look like wooden beach chairs or with sailboat candles at each place setting, the vibrant colors of a beach theme can really liven up the reception in a memorable way.

Wedding themes help focus the planning process. And with the vast array of unique wedding favors available, the couple can reflect their own personality in the theme and favors they choose.

About the Author

Debbie Jones is a writer for American Bridal Accessories , recipient of the 2001 Carlson Craft Distinguished Dealer Award & the 2001 Star Dealer Award for their outstanding service and support. American Bridal Accessories specializes in unique wedding favors , bridal party gifts, wedding and bridal accessories.