Do your guests a favor and avoid favors that may fall under the category of trinket and tchotchke. These run the risk of being left behind or thrown out at home, They are not a good use of your wedding budget.

An edible favor is always a good idea and rarely wasted. Personalized cookies,
nuts, a favorite snack or a family recipe is often very well received.

Choose something that is a nod or unique to the location. Share something meaningful or significant to you as a couple.

For example, I recently suggested a Milwaukee, Wisconsin couple offer her guests:

Coffee from Alterra. Alterra is a popular local coffee shop on the lakefront in Milwaukee. This will give guests that jolt they need the day after celebrating at your reception. Attach it to a cool coffee mug or travel cup if your budget allows. Take it a step further and include a miniature loaf of bread or a muffin and you can package it as breakfast in bed.

Milwaukee is famous for beer. Send each guest home with a bottle of local brew with a note that reads “Cheers to you for coming to our wedding!” Add on a bottle opener if you want to add on a keepsake.

Wisconsin is the Dairy State. Give guests a gift certificate for frozen custard if people are local and if you think traveling guests will have time to try this local specialty.

Here are other thoughtful wedding favor ideas I like.

Making a donation to a cause in honor of a loved one is lovely sentiment.

Sharing a family recipe for cookies, jam or tomato sauce that you love and want to pass on. Attach the recipe to a jar of jam, sauce or a bag of homemade cookies.

Create a CD of your favorite songs. A couple married in Rochester, Minnesota a few years ago did this and I still love the music they introduced me to. The had a winter wedding and hung the cd’s from a Christmas tree. Some songs were played at their wedding and other songs were their favorites or had significance to them as a couple.

Holiday ornaments. Being sentimental, I love decorating my Christmas tree and my ornaments have significance. An ornament from your wedding will encourage me to remember you and your wedding each year as I hang your favor on my tree. I attended a wedding on Block Island and their ornament, a house on Block Island, has earned a special place on my tree each year. I love remembering the beauty of this lovely New England treasure.

Lottery Ticket. We are so lucky to have you in our lives!

Candy Stations and Photos Booths both add life to the party and are built in favors.

Whatever you choose, keep it simple, present it well and people will appreciate it.

Personalize the favor with a well-designed label, creative packaging, a personal message or note, your names and the date.

Do me a favor, what is the best favor you ever received at a wedding or event?