Lodi’s Fourth Annual Bridal Event
Sunday, Feb. 23
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
Chardonnay & Zinfandel Halls
Registration: 1 p.m.
Fashion Show: 3 p.m.

INDEX OF STORIES

» Brides still take stock in traditional invitations
» Discovering where wedding customs originate
» Say 'I do' to dress desingers' latest trend of corsets
» Always in fashion, diamond rings are a centuries-old trend
» Custom-made dresses affordable option to designer gowns
» New ways to top off your wedding-day ensemble
» Ethnic weddings mix traditional and modern customs
» Simple ideas for creative wedding favors
» Flowers create sweet-smelling nuptials for wedding party
» Grooms wanting something with a different ring to it
» Honeymoons put final fun, touch on weddings
» Creative ideas help savvy brides cut costs, not corners
» Take time to indulge yourself before you walk down aisle
» Here comes the bride, there goes the budget
» Don't be left singing the blues when it comes to wedding music
» Planning a wedding can be just as fun for the groom
» Lodi area offers many options for wedding reception sites
» Special ways to say thank you to the bridal party
» Personalized vows are unique celebrations of a couple's love
» Family grape growers open romantic wedding winery

Simple ideas for creative wedding favors

Metro Newspaper Service

Your guests celebrated your special day with you — a gift in and of itself. A traditional way to show your gratitude is with a wedding favor. Ornate or simply made and elegant, these small gifts invariably send a big message, expressing appreciation for your guests’ participation in the wedding. They also serve as mementos of this special day.

The ideas for favors are endless, but here are a few to get you started. You can spend a lot or a little money — it’s up to you. Just make them special.

Go seasonal. Give a gift in the spirit of the season. For February, do Valentine’s chocolates, sunscreen or beach balls for summer affairs, or plastic pumpkins filled with candy corn for autumn weddings.

Create a keepsake. No one wants a favor that will just create clutter. So give guests something they’ll use — try a picture frame, key chain, fragrance or music box.

Get crazy. Have fun with your favor! A pair of boxers, a bottle of bubbles, comic books or lottery tickets will show your wild side.

Just eat it. Who can resist a favor that’s edible. Try a miniature box of good chocolate, gourmet jelly beans or mixed nuts in small canisters. For personalization, attach an embossed ribbon or label with your name and wedding date.

Donate to charity. Make a donation to your favorite organization in honor of your marriage. Print up a card or note to tell guests about your good deed.

Give a tasty beverage. A small bottle of wine or a beer from a microbrewery with a ribbon or label noting your name and wedding date will help guests remember you as they guzzle your gift. You can add onto the favor by supplying them with beer mugs or wine glasses engraved in silver or black ink with your names and wedding date.

Watch it bloom. Small plants or tree saplings potted in antique or pretty pots are sure to last long after your wedding day. Other ideas are flower bulbs, packets of seeds, a single rose or a flower lei at each place setting. Your florist can also design centerpieces that break apart so each guest can take home a flower bouquet or small plant. Or, give boutonnieres and corsages to each guest.

Enliven the senses. Entice your guests senses with potpourri in a bag or small vials of perfume or cologne. Or try scented candles or miniature scented soaps.

Write it down. Blank books, journals or notepads in your wedding colors will let your guests record memories of your big day. Or give small plastic calendars or rip-off-the-date ones. You can add on pens, pencils or markers.

Go sporty. Personalized tennis or golf balls will appeal to sports fans. Or try baseball caps or visors.

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