Often the hardest decisions to make when it comes to planning a wedding involves the smallest details. After the colors, cake, wedding gown, and food have been chosen the next question is usually how to thank guests for attending the wedding. 2009 brings some great wedding favor ideas to help brides and grooms find the perfect way to say "thank you".

Finding just the right wedding favor in a sea of same old, same old can be a difficult task. However, today's brides and grooms are looking for something more personal, memorable and useful to give to their guests.

Wine Bottle Stoppers
Stoppers come in so many different designs, if your group has a lot of wine drinkers, or if the happy couple is into drinking wine this may be the perfect option. No matter when the wedding takes place there are sure to be stoppers to fit the season and them

Candles/Decorative Soaps/Candle Holders
Candles and soaps are very popular and with so many different shapes and colors they are often one of the easiest favors to find. For the budget concious bride visiting a local craft store can help with making these favors at home. Candle holders allow fun and festive brides and grooms the opportunity to show of their personality.

Frames
One of the best things about this gift is that it can do double duty as a place card holder. Although many craft stores have inexpensive options there are also unique and themed frames available to fit any decor

Cookie Cutters/Mini Whisk/Mini Cheese Grater/Measuring Spoons
For those that love to cook or like a new and unique idea for guests these options offer cute and playful ways to say thank you.

Coasters
Coming in a set of four, coasters can either have a saying or a picture to remind guests of the special day. Their usefulness is an asset and is a unique and creative favor.

Flower Seed Cards/Sapling
For a "green" wedding favor, guests can plant seed cards or saplings at home. Not only a great way to remember a special occassion but a thoughtful gift for the environmentally concious.

Minature Gum Ball Machines/Mini Slot Machines/Playing Cards
A fun and interesting favor gum ball machines, slot machines, and playing cards may be a wonderful thank you for a couple that likes to keep things on the lighter side.

Cookies
Edible favors are always a big hit with wedding guests. Whether fortune cookies or iced cookes they are sure to be a big splash. Cookies come in so many shapes and sizes there are many options to choose from. Some of the most popular are bride and groom cookies, and wedding cake cookies. They can also be designed with a specific wedding in mind taking after the bride and groom and even made to look like a smaller version of the wedding cake itself.

Candy Buffet
Another trend in weddings is the candy buffet which allows the guests to choose their own favors. This option can also double as an interesting reception decoration following through with the theme and color scheme.

Donation to Charity
More brides and grooms are chosing to go without a traditional favor to the guest altogether and instead are spending that money on a donation to a charity close to their hearts. With a little card at each place announcing the donation in the guests name this philanthropic favor is quickly catching on.

Finding the right favor is important as this gift will be a lasting reminder of your special day for your guests and a thoughtful way to say 'thank you'.

For more information on charitable and green favors please visit Arbor Day.org or JustGive.org.

- Sarah Nivens

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