Do it Yourself Wedding Favors

When planning a wedding one of the many things decisions you will make are deciding what type of wedding favors you will have for guest on your big day as a token of appreciation for sharing in the wonderful day with you. Thinking of unique and creative favors can be a hard decision. Here are three unique and creative wedding favor you can easily create yourself.

Personalized Handkerchiefs:

For this project you will need one handkerchief per guest (light and pastel colors are easier for this project), small gift boxes, one package of blank iron on transfer paper, an iron, a printer and a computer.

Step One: Simply decide what you want to print on the handkerchief. You can choose a special poem, the chorus or lyrics to a special and meaning song or a simple thank you to your guest along with your names and the date of the wedding.

Step Two: Using Microsoft Word or a similar program print the saying that you have chosen onto the blank iron on transfer paper. Practice a few times on regular printer paper. Practicing will insure that you have chosen the correct font and size you like. You can also add a small decorative picture, such a heart or flowers, to give it a more unique look. When you have the look you desire print it on the Iron transfer paper. Carefully cut around the edge of the image and wording.

Step Three: Follow the simple and easy directions on the iron on transfer paper to iron your image onto the handkerchiefs.

Step Four: Place the personalized handkerchiefs in small gift boxes to display at each guest table.

Now you have personalized and memorable gifts to give to each guest.

Small Potted Plant Favors:

This is a project that you will need to have time to prepare well in advance of the wedding date. If you and your husband to be have a green thumb for gardening this is a simple and unique wedding favor you can do yourself. For this project you will need small clay pots, some sort of ivy plant, colorful flowers of your choice (gardenias, roses, hibiscus, lilies, any flower with a thick and hearty stem will work) potting soil and decorative ribbon.

Start by planting small cuttings of the ivy into the small clay pots. Be sure to begin planting at least two weeks in advance before the wedding. Keep the plants well watered and in the correct amount of sunlight according to what type of ivy you have chosen. If you are unsure about the proper way to care for the particular ivy you have choosen, ask a nursery worker for help. This will insure the ivy has time to take root, begin to grow and fill out the pot in time. Place a few of the single stem flowers in with the ivy to add color to the arrangements. Although you will have your ivy prepared and planted ahead of time, you will want to wait until the day before the ceremony to purchase the flowers so they do not have a chance to wilt or turn color. You will need to keep the flowers in water until you are going to add them to the arrangements. Make sure you purchase ones that are not fully bloomed. They will continue to open up and bloom after they are arranged in with the ivy. Wrap a strand of ribbon around the base of the pot. If you wish you can attach a small thank you note to the ribbon.

You can now set these favors in the center of the guest tables to use as centerpieces also. This is an unique wedding favor that your guest can continue to watch grow well after the wedding.

Clam Shell Candles:

If you are planning a wedding on the beach sea shell candles may be just the thing to add to your wedding.

You will need the following materials for this project: a double boiler, a glass candy thermometer, paraffin candle wax (about one pound, I estimate a pound of parrafin will fill at least forty deep shells), tea light candle wicks (with tabs), wick stickers, deep seashells (the clam shell type), and scent. The scent is optional, however I suggest scents such as, coconut, sea mist, sea breeze or tropical paradise. The candle wax, wicks, wick stickers and scents can be found in craft stores or on the internet. I suggest Candlewic.com or Cierracandles.com. If you are not fortunate enough to live near a beach to collect the clam shells yourself, they can also be purchased online in many colors and sizes.

Step One: Attach the wicks and wick stickers to the inside of the clam shell as close to the center of the deepest part of the shell.

Step Two: Melt wax in the double boiler. Always think of safety first. Read detailed instructions for melting wax at the candlewic.com help page.

Step: Three: Carefully pour the melted wax into the clam shells and let cool. The candles should be set and ready to be handled after three to four hours. After the wax has hardened you have your finished product, clam shell candles.

You can choose to simply display the candle with each place setting at your reception or tuck them into a tiny gift bag or box to give to your guest. These can also be used to help light and decorate the reception area.

The ideas listed above are just a few great ways to add your own special touch to the wedding. Do it yourself wedding favors can be a fun project to do with others. Don't be afraid to inlist the help of friends and family.