When planning a wedding, sooner or later the budget comes to an end. If you splurge on your gown and the hall and the dinner, don’t be embarrassed to seek out discount wedding favors. There’s no shame in offering favors that are meaningful, but did not cost a lot of money. Here are some things to think about when planning your favors on a budget.
Go Green
There are so many lovely favors that can be found right in nature. Look around you. Do you live in the country? Then your entire backyard is blooming with possibilities. If your wedding is in the fall or winter, collect nice branches, break them down into individual sticks and tie something festive to them. It could be a small ornament for the holidays from a dollar store. Or you could use a pinecone dipped in glue and glitter for a festive favor that costs next to nothing. The idea is to be thoughtful of your guests without breaking the bank. What else is found in nature that you could turn into wedding favors? In spring, there are lovely flowers that grow wild that you could pick and make into individual bouquets for guests to take home. Tie them with pretty ribbon. Just make sure you cut them close to the wedding day and keep them preserved in water so they don’t wilt. You could also give away packets of seeds from a local nursery or inexpensive cards or bookmarks that already contain the seeds. You can find these cheaply online.
Raid the Dollar Store
The dollar store is a frugal bride’s best friend. Head out at a time when you really have the leisure to look for ideas without being rushed, and get creative. Look in the glassware aisle. You’ll find photo frames and votive holders for a mere dollar. All the candles you need to fill them are there too. Or head over to the mug and glass aisle. You’ll find surprisingly sturdy white mugs that you can plant flowers in and give as favors or fill with individual packs of coffee or candies. Another aisle to check out is the toy aisle. You can find some really fun items there that you might not have thought of. Many times there are packs of birthday party favors like bouncing balls and other mini games and toys. You can create a fun and festive environment at every table by scattering yo-yos, jacks, and bubble gum. The guests will love it. More and more dollar stores are now offering a wrapping paper and wedding aisle as well. There are favors you can get 6 for $1, like wedding bubbles and white doves. Check every aisle from the bath beads to the candy, and you’re sure to find a number of things you never considered.
Find a Crafty Friend
Now’s the time to hit up your friends and family for their talents. Is there an aunt who crochets doilies and doesn’t know what to do with them? Offer to take them off her hands and proudly display them filled with Jordon almonds or other candies. Is there a brother who is good with woodworking? Have him scroll out your initials in balsa wood and make them into painted ornaments. Is mom’s specialty bread and butter pickles? Offer pretty jars of her canned wares as your favors. Guests will love the thoughtful homemade touches. Get really creative. If you’ve always drawn, why not draw a pretty thank you card and have it copied? You can hand color each one to make them stand out as originals. Leave them at each place setting with some Hershey’s Kisses.
Hit the Home Store
At stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s you can find some surprising favors on the cheap. Look for the galvanized tin aisle. There you’ll find watering can favors, planters and more in large and small sizes. Look for small empty paint cans you can fill with greenery or candies. There’s a wealth of choices if you really look and don’t limit your imagination. The garden area is also a good place to find decorative pots for a few cents. Rummage around one day when you have time. You might just hit on wedding favors that exactly fits your theme.
DIY Wedding Favor Ideas:
DIY Flower Ideas for the Budget Bride
Do It Yourself (DIY) Fall Wedding Favors
Do It Yourself Wedding Programs for the Ceremony
