Lovin' Limoncello!

Source: mattbites.com via Audrey on Pinterest

Want to make your wedding guests 'happy' in more ways than one? How about bottling your own Limoncello? Add a gift tag (this one is tied on with bakery string) and has some simple tags with recommendations on how to serve it. These bottles are pleasing to the eye, have labels to die for, and are lookin' so good to serve to guests at a summer wedding or picnic wedding.

Similar Bottles from The Container Store.  Tags from Avery.  Font Caslon Graphique. Photo from: Matt Bites, A Man Obsessed With Food, Drink and Everything in Between!

Who Doesn't Love Gourmet Fudge?

Source: tablespoon.com via Chris on Pinterest

Love the idea of making candy for your guests? Why not give them some fudge? And not just the usual chocolate or vanilla. Try this rainbow fudge! It's pretty and full of fun for your guests. Other unusual fudge options include:  key lime fudge, pumpkin fudge, creme brulee fudge, or lemon fudge.
If you can't find one of these to please your guests, just keep on looking! There are a million fudge recipe on the 'net and think of the sugar high you'll have taste testing all of them!

Source: cookiesandcups.com via Chris on Pinterest

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Source: notquitenigella.com via Chris on Pinterest

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Source: tasteofhome.com via Chris on Pinterest

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Source: sweetpeaskitchen.com via Chris on Pinterest

Heart Wedding Favors

Photo courtesy of The Art of The Wedding Cake

You can learn how to make these purple ombre hearts to use as wedding or shower favors by visiting The Art of The Wedding Cake by Erica O'Brien. Erica gives you a nice tutorial that is easy to follow even for the neophyte DIYer.

Photos from The Art of The Wedding Cake

Easy to make ahead of time and bag for your guests! Also you can adjust the colors to match your wedding colors.  Not having a wedding or wedding shower anytime soon? Choose a different cookie cutter and use these for any occasion!

DIY Wedding Favors by Twig and Thistle

"We Make The Perfect Pear" as seen on Twig and Thistle make the perfect wedding favor! This DIY project is so easy even I can do it with no errors! Find the directions for making these DIY wedding favors on the Twig and Thistle or purchase them from their Etsy store.  The toughest part is picking out the perfect fruit at your farmers market!

Gifts in Jar? Easy and Taste So Good!

(This in Kristan's (of Confessions of A Cookbook Queen) Great Photo! And using those disposable spoons and twine and recyclable jars are just more reasons to recommend this for Eco-friendly brides!)

Desserts in a jar...hmmm...not messy, easy to transport, show off your creativity, yes I think that all adds up to a great idea for a wedding sweet table or wedding favor for the DIY bride. I've seen many versions of these on the web but the one that makes my mouth water is by Kristan at Confessions of a Cookbook Queen. (use that link to find this recipe (with yet more photos as well as the exact recipe) and other creative ideas Kristan offers her readers on a regular basis!) Check out other recipes for cupcakes in a jar as well!

Also don't forget you could use peppermint flavoring with some red food coloring for a wedding with a pink theme. It's all in the details ladies!

Think how much your guests will enjoy both the taste and presentation of this well thought out gift from you and your new spouse. Now head over to Kristan's blog for more great ideas to make your mouth water!

Hot Chocolate To Go -- Handmade Projects For Your Wedding

DIY Cocoa Favors

These are so simple. Buy the jars and sterilize them. Let dry overnight so they are all the way dry. Fill with high quality cocoa mix and seal. Add decorations by using a ribbon in your bridal colors or in brown to accent the cocoa, and add a snowflake punch or if you are having a spring/summer wedding try butterflies etc. (see your craft store for assorted punches). Add a jewel in the center for a little bling. This is so easy! Done in two days, and one of those days is the one you spend sterilizing the jars.

Favors For Your Picnic Wedding

Photo courtesy of: http://www.favorsandflowers.com

Having a garden wedding or picnic reception? Consider offering your guests fans as a wedding favor. Favors And Flowers, (their web site is http://www.favorsandflowers.com/) offer a variety of shapes and sizes of fans.

This heart traditional bamboo hand fans measures 13" L top to the bottom tip of the fan and 10" across. It is made of quality sturdy bamboo strips. Just add some silk ribbons and a tag or some silk flowers and your favors are complete. This site offers a variety of sizes and shapes of fans, so stop by and take a look.

This favor is guaranteed to be used by every guest at a summer wedding!

Wood Picnic Basket Wedding Favors

Photo courtesy of FavorsandFlowers.com

I love the idea of favors that are packaged in gorgeous containers. Favors and Flowers (visit their web site at http://www.favorsandflowers.com/) offers you picnic basket favors that are perfect for picnic or garden weddings. Each one can be purchased with ribbon and hang tags (also available on their site) or you could make your own. Choose your favorite candy filling to make your guests day complete.

Mini Glass Flower Pots

Photo and design courtesy of: http://www.favorsandflowers.com/mini-glass-flower-pots.htm

Fill these mini glass flower pots with water a freshly cut flowers, they can also be used as votive holders. Each clear glass pot measures 2.5" tall. Top diameter is 2.75” and bottom diameter measures 1.75". Holds up to 4 oz. Fits votive and tea light candles. The perfect holder for any votive candle. Pots are $1.30/each.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.favorsandflowers.com/mini-glass-flower-pots.htm

Centerpieces and Favors That You Can't Break

Tired of centerpieces or favors that you have to worry about breaking? Try using rocks. Yes rocks. Sets of rocks are available that you can write on. You can put the date one, the word 'Love' or other appropriate 'wedding type word'. You can stack them or use stones are part of a Zen design with some pillar candles.

You can purchase these rocks at http://www.stonedecorative.com/. Photos courtesy of stonedecorative.com.

Packaged Chocolate or Caramel Pretzel Rods

Dip pretzel rods in pastel colored candy and white chocolate mini chips for spring colored pretzel favors.  Also consider dipping in caramel and rolling in white, milk and dark chocolate chips or crushed candy canes.

Eco-Chic Wedding Favors

Using the Small Zig Zag Pot from The Container Store (http://www.containerstore.com), (it looks like a cupcake wrap) add some dirt to the container, then add seeds for herbs or flowers, and a ribbon with 'thanks' written on it. If you add herbs consider adding a recipe for using them, for instance if you put seeds for basil in, then add a recipe for pesto. Just run the ribbon through the container by punching holes in it with a hole punch. The pot comes in yellow, lime green, blue, red, white and hot pink. These zig zag pots are perfect for gift baskets, party favors or - because it's food safe - creatively presenting snacks.

Chocolate Ballotin's to Die For!

Anyone familiar with the King of Prussia Mall outside Philadelphia has probably sampled sweets from Antoine Amrani.  For other locations got to: http://www.antoineamrani.com/wheretobuy. For those who don't live nearby, they can order favors from their web site at: http://www.antoineamrani.com/weddings-events/2-pc-ballotin.html or from other specialty shops carrying their brand.  Simple & perfectly sized for wedding or shower favors & gift bags their 2-pc Ballotins come in brown, white, ivory, gold, or select a custom color to coordinate with your event. Each is sealed with an Antoine Amrani label.

Another option is to take their classes, but register now because they fill up quickly! Payment is required at time of your class reservation.  What a great gift for someone who loves sweets! The class schedule is on their web site.  They also offer factory tours which are... awe inspiring.  So if you need a time out from wedding planning consider a quick trip for inspiration and relaxation.