You don’t have to shop very long before you realize there are literally thousands of types of wedding favors out there.  Choosing the perfect wedding favor is not only fun, but it’s one of the best ways to express your own unique style. 

There are several different favors that seem to be emerging as 2009’s most popular.  Candle wedding favors have been a top favorite for some time now and it looks like it’s going to keep that honor for this year as well.  They’re not only beautiful and practical, but you can find candles in almost every shape, color, scent and size that you want. 

Small framesare another wedding favor that is growing in popularity.  If you’re planning a reception that will have an assigned seating arrangement, these frames can double as placecard holders.  After the reception, you simply invite your guests to take their frame home to hold they own personal photograph. 

Eco-friendly favors are definitely taking their place as one of 2009’s popular favors.  With the increased interest in ‘going green’, these favors are as conscious-friendly as they are earth-friendly.  Seed packets, or favors embedded with wildflower seeds are just a couple of the available environmentally-friendly favors.

As for bridal shower favors, the growing trend seems to be toward manicure & pedicure sets as well as cosmetic bags.  Keeping the favors as personal as possible is the goal when it comes to the bridal shower. 

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time of year.  It’s a time to show those very special women in our lives just how very much they mean to us and how much we appreciate all the love and sacrifice they’ve given throughout their lives.  Many places help celebrate this day with small tokens of appreciation.  Restaurants, hotels, and churches are just a few establishments that will present a ‘little something’ to their visiting ‘mothers’ on this special day.

Flowers are a particular favorite, however, the problem with flowers is that they don’t really last too long.  I’ve found that wedding favors make a great small gift that really doesn’t cost much to give on occasions such as this.  Photo coasters, small salt & pepper shaker sets, heart-shaped calculators or tape measures, or even rose-shaped candles and soaps make a perfect small keepsake.

It doesn’t need to cost a lot of money in order to say ‘I Love You!’  It just needs to come from the heart!

Candles make wonderful wedding favors to give to your guests.  Many companies today sell votive candles in a variety of wonderful scents, from flowers to foods.  You can also find them in dozens of colors so they would be very easy to match to your wedding colors. 

I attended a wedding of a good friend’s daughter several years ago and their wedding favors were beautiful little white votive candles personalized with the names of the bride and groom and their wedding date.  I still have that candle ~ it’s much too pretty to actually burn ~ and it gives off the best aroma!

If you want to go that extra mile, place your votive candle of choice in a personalized glass votive holder.  That way your guests can use the candle and still have a wonderful memento of your wedding.

Nothing says ‘romantic elegance’ like candlelight, so it’s a small wonder that candles are one of the most popular ways to decorate a wedding reception.  The effect created by dozens of flickering lights positioned throughout a room is positively dramatic. 

Candles are very versatile and can fit into nearly every conceivable wedding theme.  For instance, if you are having a beach theme wedding, imagine the reception tables set with several fun sand castle tealights or a sea of romantic sailboat tealight holders.   Garden theme wedding reception tables would look perfect with a small floral arrangement and a couple mini-lantern tealight holders. 

Coordinate your candles with your wedding colors.  If there is a fireplace in the room where your reception is being held, replace the wood logs with several lit candles of various heights.  This will provide the cozy romance of a crackling fire without the heat ~ perfect for warm weather weddings.

Be creative.  Decorate with candles around your wedding cake, on mantles, and on window sills.  Candle wedding favors serve as a multi-function decoration.  As your guests leave, allow them to take one of the favors home with them as a thank-you for sharing in your special day.  This is also a great way to save a little money on your wedding budget.

Of course if small children will be present, you will want to be sure to place all lit candles out of their reach, however, with this in mind and a little imagination, you can turn your reception into an elegant experience for everyone.