Beautifully thought-out favors add to the welcoming feel of the reception table, making your guests feel special and treasured. They are little gifts that tell guests, "Thank you for being part of our celebration!" These tokens of appreciation are appropriate for wedding receptions, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays and just about any occasion that guests are invited to.

Well-placed and well-thought out favors will become memoirs, reminding your guests of your wedding day once the day is over. However, this will only come to pass with something that has longevity and possibly something that is functional. Twenty years later, I still think of former co-worker's daughter every time I stick my cake tester, which was tied to her shower favor, into a cake. But never underestimate the appeal of candy or something edible. These seem to be favorites of guests.

Favors can also function as a part of the decorations for the reception area. One hundred little boxes topped with a pink rose will make quite an impact on guests when they walk in to dinner. Though cost is often the deciding factor when selecting the favor to use, here are some other considerations to think of when choosing a favor:
* Inscription - can it display the Bride & Groom's names and the wedding date?
* Lasting Value - can it serve as a memoir for years to come?
* Color - will it enhance or complement the table décor?
* Personality - does it express the couple's personalities or is it unique or symbolic?
* Entertainment Value - will it add more fun to the reception and guest's enjoyment?
* Usefulness - does it have a functional or practical use?

Quite often it is all we can do to put an event together, let alone had make hundreds of personal favors for each guest. Never feel embarrassed about purchasing favors - it's the thought that counts! wedalert