Table of Contents

A History of Wedding Favors .................................................................................................................. 1

Your 5-Step Guide to Selecting the Best Wedding Favor for Your Big Day .................................... 2

Step 1: Consider What’s Important to You ........................................................................................... 2

Step 2: Define Your Personal Preferences ........................................................................................... 3

Step 3: Decide Whether to Do-it-Yourself ............................................................................................. 4

Step 4: Consider Your Timeline ............................................................................................................. 5

Step 5: Go Shopping! .............................................................................................................................. 6

Wedding Favor Comparison Chart ........................................................................................................ 9

About........................................................................................................................................................ 10

Our Gift to You!....................................................................................................................................... 12

You’ve looked forward to this for years. You’ve planned everything out in your head,

from the kind of dress you’ll wear to the flowers in your bouquet, to the cake you’ll

serve. You’ve probably even considered and rejected a dozen or more ideas for

wedding favors, but you feel stuck. How will you ever choose just the right favor for your

big day?

Wedding favors, those lovely little gifts you offer to your guests,

really let your personality shine. While other details of the wedding

might be dictated by family or cultural tradition, budget, or even

location, wedding favors are all about you. Maybe that’s why so many

couples find it hard to make a decision.

It’s not surprising, when you consider just how many options you have. Wedding favors

range from simple to ornate, with each bride and groom adding a bit of their own style to

what was once a tradition enjoyed only by the wealthy. Today, many of the most

popular wedding favors remind us of the past, while adding a modern flair.

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A History of Wedding Favors Wedding favors have enjoyed a long history, dating back hundreds of years, and

making an appearance in nearly all cultures around the world. Early European royalty

started the tradition of offering a small gift to wedding guests. Tiny boxes of porcelain or

stone were filled with confections. At a time when sugar was only available to the

wealthy, a gift of such magnitude made quite an impression.

The tradition quickly caught on, and by the 16th century, couples of every class were

giving their guests a small token as a gesture of gratitude for sharing in their special

day. Candies such as Jordan almonds were a popular choice, and in some areas they

still are.

Sweet Treats are a Part of Wedding History

It seems that confections and sweetness have

always gone hand in hand with weddings. Wedding

favors are traditionally sweet, as is the all-important

wedding cake. Even that relaxing vacation time

immediately following a wedding has a sugary

history.

In fact, the very word “honeymoon” is derived from

the ancient Norse word “hjunottsmanathr,” meaning

“honey month,” the period of time when the bride

and her groom would go into hiding. They would

often spend this time drinking mead – a sweet wine

made from fermented honey – for good luck. In

fact, well-wishers would often present the happy

couple with copious amounts of mead along with beautiful goblets from which to drink.

Modern couples still celebrate their honeymoons, just as they still preserve the tradition

of the wedding favor. The only difference is that today they have a nearly unlimited

variety of choices available to them. Honeymoons can be as simple as a camping trip,

or as formal as a cruise to the Mediterranean. The same goes for wedding favors.

Decorative jars which guests can fill with candy from a self-serve selection,

environmentally friendly soy candles, even homemade beer in personalized bottles

have all made their mark as popular choices for wedding favors.

Given the long history of wedding favors, and the thoughtfulness that goes into

choosing them, it seems a shame that most wind up abandoned on the table, or thrown

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away just days after the event. Admittedly, wedding favors aren’t a huge expense, but

you still want to make the right choice.

While the average wedding totals well over $25,000, the favors make up less than 1%

of that cost. Still, many brides and grooms put a lot of care into choosing just the right

favor for their wedding, and if they’re not a hit, it can seem like a waste of energy. So,

then, how do you choose?

Whimsical or sophisticated, fun or practical, traditional or unique, one thing is certain:

Wedding favors are here to stay. The 5 steps that follow will help you select favors that

reflect your personal style, the tone of your wedding and that will be appreciated by your

guests.

Your 5-Step Guide to Selecting the

Best Wedding Favor for Your Big Day

Step 1: Consider What’s Important to

You It’s your day, and you get to design it, right down to the smallest details. Will you choose

a casual ceremony at the beach, or a formal affair conducted in a cathedral? Will you

show your concern for the environment by serving only locally grown, organic dishes, or

opt for a larger-than-life extravaganza kicked off with a foie gras appetizer? Want to

show your whimsical side with a Cinderella-themed reception, or will you stick with a

more traditional style?

Every choice becomes a reflection of your personality, your style, and even your values.

The wedding favors you select must match not only the wedding itself, but you,

personally.

Some things to consider when selecting your wedding favors include:

Your wedding’s overall theme or tone. Is it formal or casual? Traditional

or contemporary? First marriage or second? Do you have a theme?

Your personal values. Do you feel strongly about animal rights or the

environment? Do you support any particular charities? Are you environmentally

or socially conscious? Do you prefer to buy only local or organic foods? Would

you like to make a statement, or do you just want to have fun?

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Your budget. As we said, the average amount spent on wedding favors in

2011 was just over $200. Your budget may be larger or smaller, but it’s important

to know what it is before going shopping.

Your available time and energy. Some couples choose to create their

own wedding favors, while others prefer a ready-made option. The DIY approach

requires a little more planning and a bit more work on your part, but it can be

rewarding.

Finally, don’t forget to consider the guests themselves. Will they be expecting a

particular item due to longstanding family tradition? Will most be from out of town,

making something with a local spin more meaningful? Or will they find more value in a

simple, handcrafted item?

Taking a look at the big picture and how your wedding favors will complement your day

is an important first step in choosing the perfect favor.

Step 2: Define Your Personal

Preferences What kind of favors do you want? What favors have captured your attention at weddings

you’ve attended? Is it important to you that your favors be unique?

Depending on your personal style and preferences, wedding favors can be many things.

They can make a statement, show a side of you that only your closest friends know, or

offer a glimpse of your future as a couple. They can be:

Edible or not

Useful or whimsical

Fun or sophisticated

Disposable or lasting keepsakes

Custom designed or budget friendly

Remember, this is your day. You have a right to

choose the wedding favors that are the best

reflection of who you are as a couple.

Something else to consider is the men who will

attend. Many wedding favors are distinctly

feminine. Why not make sure your favors are of

value to both men and women? The men in your

life will appreciate you thinking of them.

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Step 3: Decide Whether to Do-it-Yourself Many brides opt for creating their own wedding favors. Whether they choose a

completely handcrafted gift or simply assemble the pieces, the do-it-yourself option

holds a lot of appeal. Some brides and grooms feel the DIY approach adds a touch of

personality to each gift. Some choose to do it themselves to save money, while others

just love the idea of getting a group of friends and family together for a fun evening of

wedding favor assembly.

Before you make a commitment one way or the other, consider these points:

Your own creativity quotient. Some people are naturally artistic and

crafty, some are not. If you are, then great, but don’t try to force yourself into a

mold that doesn’t fit – it will only end in frustration.

Your available time. Plan on adding

a couple of weeks to your wedding favor

timeline if you choose the DIY approach.

Your budget. Depending on the level

of personalization, creating your own

wedding favors can help save on costs. It

can also get quickly out of hand though,

so be sure to carefully compare all your

options before settling on do-it-yourself

favors strictly for monetary reasons.

Your availability. Planning a wedding

is a time-intensive endeavor, and the

more you pile on your plate, the more

pressed for time (and stressed out) you

will be. Avoid taking on too much, just

because you think you should.

Your organizational skills. Creating your own favors will require you to find

and order all the little bits and pieces, then track shipping to ensure they all arrive

on time. What's more, you'll have to get friends and family together in one place

to help you assemble them. If organization and project management are not your

strengths, you might want to consider opting for ready-made favors instead.

If you do decide to take the do-it-yourself approach, make a party out of it. Invite your

bridesmaids over for an evening of wine, cheese, and chocolate, and dive into wedding

favor creation. You’ll all enjoy a bit of fun and relaxation amid all the chaos of planning a

wedding.

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Step 4: Consider Your Timeline It’s not unusual today to start planning your wedding months or maybe years in

advance. Pulling together a formal event that lasts for days and involves dozens or even

hundreds of people is a test of skill for the most organized person. Things get missed,

deadlines fly past at the speed of light, and it always feels as if chaos is just around the

corner.

And somewhere amid all this wild and wonderful planning, you need to make time to get

your wedding favors. If you’re not careful, this small but important part of you day can

be lost amid the seemingly more urgent details such as dress fittings and cake

selection. That’s why it’s necessary to consider your personal timeline before selecting

your favors.

Be sure to remember:

Ready-made favors require at

least six weeks from the time of

order to delivery.

If you intend to assemble them

yourself, plan on an additional

two weeks to allow for all the

pieces to arrive and for you to

create them.

If you’re planning a wedding

favor assembly party, make

sure everyone knows (and has RSVP’d) about it well in advance, so you don’t

end up a party of one with a lot of work to do.

In addition, it never hurts to build a little padding into your timeline, especially if you’re

ordering various parts from different vendors. Out-of-stock situations or delays in

shipping can cause all your careful planning to fall apart, so order as far in advance as

you can, just in case something goes wrong and you have to rethink your options.

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Step 5: Go Shopping! Now that you’ve considered your personal and overall wedding style, the types of favors

you like, your budget, and your availability, it’s time to do some research and find your

perfect favors. There are a lot of suppliers to choose from. Some are budget friendly;

some offer customized gifts; some provide truly unique and unforgettable wedding

favors. Which one you choose is up to you, but there are a few guidelines to keep in

mind.

Researching Suppliers

The Internet is the ideal place to research a wide variety of vendors for your wedding

favors. Online shopping makes it easy to find unique treats at competitive prices. Plus,

you don’t have to spend hours on the phone, wait for paper catalogs to arrive in the

mail, or spend your days driving from store to store looking at samples.

Shopping via the web is clearly more convenient, but there are some things you should

watch for, such as the availability of contact information. It’s easy to hang out a virtual

shingle and declare that you’re in business. With just a little skill, anyone can appear to

be a professional, well-respected organization. So how can you know if the supplier you

chose is reliable?

For starters, their website should show:

A phone number that someone answers. It’s not enough that the phone

number be on the site. Call and make sure it’s answered or, if you leave a

message, that your call is returned in a reasonable time.

Multiple contact points. You'll want to see a physical address, email address,

and perhaps a contact form. Again, email or call, just to be sure someone is

listening and responding to customers.

Happy customers. Does the site have testimonials or are there other online

reviews available? Reading the experiences of former customers (even the ones

that aren’t glowing) can help you make a better decision.

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Price Isn’t Everything

Everyone has a budget, and that’s understandable – especially when the average

expenditure for a wedding today has topped $25,000. Just don’t make the mistake of

shopping by price alone. There are other things that must be considered, including:

Customer service. If you have trouble reaching your supplier or getting answers

to your questions, that’s a big red flag that can’t be ignored, regardless of their

competitive pricing.

Quality and value. Don’t “settle” for a substandard wedding favor just to keep

costs down. You don’t have to spend a lot, but you do want to feel good about

the gift you choose, and you want your guests to love them as well.

Making a lasting impression. Your guests have been to a lot of weddings.

While they’ve certainly enjoyed sharing in all those special occasions, wouldn’t it

be nice to make your day stand out from the rest with a unique wedding favor?

Hidden Fees

Don’t be fooled by the advertised price. That per-favor cost rarely includes everything.

Some other fees that might not be so obvious include:

Shipping and handling

Printing fees for customized labels, ribbons, or gift cards

Rush order fees

Assembly costs

Set-up charges – especially for small orders

Sales tax

Be sure when comparing costs between vendors that you are looking at similar items.

Ask about hidden charges and always get a detailed, itemized quote.

Ask for Samples

Shopping online means you can’t touch (or taste) the items. Consider asking for

samples from a few vendors. You may have to pay for them, and it will add a few days

to your timeline, but it’s worth it for peace of mind. It might just save you from getting

something that looks completely different in person than it did online.

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Terms and Conditions

If the goods or services provided don’t live up to their marketing materials or your

expectations, what happens? Can you get your money back, or at the very least, get

replacement items?

Don’t just assume so. Be sure to ask about terms and conditions before you buy. Pay

special attention to the rules regarding:

Out-of-stock issues and other delivery delays

Who is responsible for damages that occur during shipping

What happens if the item you receive is significantly different than what is

pictured on the site – and what constitutes such a difference

Cancellation policies, should you change your mind after you order

Most Importantly, Enjoy the Process

When you have a plan and know what to look for, it’s easy to make shopping for favors

a fun part of your wedding planning. Whether you choose the DIY approach, an off-the-

shelf favor, or a fully customized option, with a little careful thought, you’re sure to find

the perfect wedding favor for your special day.

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Wedding Favor Comparison Chart Bride's Name: ___________________________ Wedding Date: ________________ What's the tone/theme of your wedding/reception? (Elegant, casual, beach, etc.) ____________________________________________________________________ What's important to you when it comes to wedding favors? (Check all that apply.) ___ Buying local ___ Favors that will actually be used ___ Appealing to men & women ___ Being environmentally conscious ___ Fast delivery

___ Supporting animal rights ___ Making a statement ___ Having fun ___ Budget-friendly ___ Do-it-yourself options

Do you prefer type of wedding favors that are… ___ Elegant ___ Custom designed ___ Edible ___ Useful

___ Fun ___ "Stock" items ___ Permanent ___ Disposable

Are you planning to do the favors yourself? ___ Yes ___ No

Website Address Do they offer favors that… Check the total…

www.Example.com

match your tone/theme?

align with what's important to you?

are your preferred types of favors?

are do-it-yourself?

Cost Delivery

www.EMWeddingFavors.com

NOTES:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations from…

www.emweddingfavors.com

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About

If you’re looking for wedding favors that are both unique and affordable,

check out E+M Wedding Favors. Family ownership and operation means

your wedding gets personalized, detailed attention. Purchase from our

online store and we'll happily ship your order anywhere in the U.S. Or stop

by our honey house in Tinton Falls, NJ to pick up local orders.

As a 2015 Pick for Best of Weddings by The

Knot magazine, you know we’ll deliver the level of

service and dedication that made this award

possible.

E&M Gold Beekeepers, LLC

113 Hope Road

Tinton Falls, NJ 07724

Call: 1-732-542-6528

www.EMWeddingFavors.com

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Exclusive Honey Favors from E&M

Wedding Favors

Our bees visit as many as 100 flowers each time they’re out of the

hive, which helps create unique honey flavors not found

anywhere else in the world. Choose from two delicious varieties:

Spring Wildflower and Summer Wildflower. The Spring Wildflower

honey has a lighter color and milder flavor than the Summer variety.

Both make for a beautiful presentation.

Jarred honey wedding favors are available in three sizes. Two-ounce and six-ounce

favors come in charming hexagon-shaped jars, perfect for attaching a personal label,

decorating with ribbon, or adding to a gift bag. Local customers also have the option to

choose a one-and-a-half ounce honey favor in a quaint round jar.

You'll also find a selection of beeswax candles. Select from delightful skep candles in

the shape of a bee hive, traditional tapers and spirals, or adorable heart-shaped

candles.

Our bees are raised using natural methods, avoiding chemicals and pesticides. By

allowing our bees to roam and develop their own natural immunities you receive a much

higher quality honey. In order to be as socially and environmentally conscious as

possible our honey is processed locally with the love and attention to detail only a small

business can provide.

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Our Gift to You! We'd love for you to have these exclusive wedding favor tag templates for

use with your favors. Simply follow the instructions below for an easy, do-it-

yourself tag that's perfect for wedding or shower favors.

Congratulations on your big day!

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