Confetti, and not the kind you throw!

If you were planning on getting some favor boxes and putting Jordan almonds in them, why not consider this option.  They're called 'confetti almond favors' and they're typically used in Italian weddings, but would work in almost any setting.  You buy ribbon known as 'coccarde' and fill it with almonds, then make it into a flower.  Decorate the top, add some ribbon to personalize it, and you're in business!  It takes a little time but once you're used to what you're doing they go pretty quickly.  You'll need the ribbon (cost - $35), almonds (cost - $8.99 lb), Personalized ribbon (cost - $44 for 100), silk/organza flower (cost - $20). The total cost per favor? $1.30! I used some pearl accents too but you don't have too and it was more work so it may not be for you. The total cost came to $1.50 with the pearl accents.  You can either provide a loop of ribbon so the confetti can be hung up or let it lie flat.  I've included some pictures of both DIY confetti and some that are premade, all are available from http://www.ilbelloitalianfavors.com/. 

                                          (Photo courtesy of http://www.ilbelloitalianfavors.com/)
This very elegant Loop Edge Satin Coccarde Roll (above) will help you to design your very own Bomboniere (very easy to assemble just place an almond in each petal pocket and pull the strings at the end to create your flower) to present to your guests. Choose a color to suit your color scheme and then ask us about the embellishments we carry to enhance your confetti flower. Each roll contains 500 petals to help you create 95 - 100 confetti flowers. Embellish with porcelain flowers, paper flowers, organza and silk flowers, organza calla lilli flowers etc.  Other roles of conccarde make different number of favors so read before you order!

Other DIY confetti:

 

Here are a few ready-made confetti to inspire you, also courtesy of http://www.ilbelloitalianfavors.com/. 
All of them are

If you're looking for your confetti to do double duty, use them as a centerpiece for a table.  The confetti used to make this are $3.50 each, You'd need about fifty or fifty-five for this centerpiece.  You could also make a wreath with them. 

DIY Chocolate Covered Apples

These favors for your guests a easy to make and economical too.  Not to mention chocolate covered apples are tasty.gifts for your wedding guests.
Ingredients





2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1 can sweet condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

24 granny smith apples (bought from Costco wholesale $7 dozen)

3 lbs. butter at Costco $7



pointed wooden round sticks at local craft store or candy making supply company online



ribbon from Costco ($8 for 50 yard roll at Costco)



Instructions

Melt the butter in a sauce pan, add the brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon over medium heat. Add the sweet condensed milk, continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to 245 degrees F. Once off the stove, add the vanilla and stir. Cool down to about 210 degrees and dip your apples or pears.



Twist off the stems on your apples and put in the wooden sticks.



Place your dipped fruit on a sheet pan which is lined with parchment paper. Let dry and then dip in melted chocolate. While the chocolate is still wet, dip in toasted coconut, chopped nuts or add pieces of candy. Place back on the parchment paper to thoroughly dry. Melt some white chocolate and place into a zip lock bag, cut the very corner off and drizzle over the apples for detailing.



Package up in clear cellophane and tie up with a pretty ribbon. These make for incredible gifts from the heart. Store in a cool place or refrigerate. To enjoy, let them sit in room temperature for 1/2 hour. Place on a cutting board and slice.