Six Creative Favor Ideas for Summer Weddings

Homemade jam via Shutterstock

When you’ve seen your 50th box of Jordan almonds and your 100th tiny silver photo frame, you might realize that you don’t want to be that couple—the one that loses steam on originality when it comes to favors.

Here are a few ideas that turn ho-hum wedding keepsakes into gifts your guests will remember.

• Have a Jam Session: When it comes to seasonal treats, there’s no better gift than jam. If you’re a kitchen-savvy DIYer, can some of your own fixings and make labels with a personal touch.
• Share Your Grill Skills: If your groom’s such a grill master that your friends drop by for barbecues all season long, put together a homemade dry rub and package it in little mason jars. The outside label should list the spices in the rub, as well as types of meat it would complement best. Maybe this will earn you an invite to their house this time.
• Go Green: For a gift that represents your growing love, hit up the garden shop. Perennial flower bulbs, potted herbs, or seed packets are great ways to add a little something special—and seasonal—to friends’ gardens.
• Cheers to All: A bottle of your signature cocktail or favorite beverage is a great send-off for guests. Mix up a giant batch (provided it’s a flat drink like limoncello or sangria), funnel into swing-top bottles, and tie on a personalize tag with baker’s twine.
• Share a Cuppa: Undo what your giant party did to your guests and invite them to have a relaxing cup of tea the next morning. Package loose gourmet tea with a honey stir stick, then finish it off with a ribbon and fun tag.
• Add a Sweet Touch: Perfect for a rustic wedding, a DIY s’mores kit will be a hit at summertime fire pits. To craft your kit, just pack graham crackers, marshmallows, and blocks of chocolate into mini clear gift boxes. Your guests will know what to do.

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