Most amateur party planners automatically assume party favors are just for weddings. Think again! One way to liven up the festivities -- whether it's an anniversary, baby shower, birthday party, bridal shower, graduation party, or quinceanera -- is with functional, affordable party favors. Continue reading to discover some unique party favor ideas for your next get together.
One of the many things a bride has to consider is the favors that will
adorn the tabletops at her reception. Since party favors are usually
marketed to brides, however, most party planners bypass the charming
addition that they make for any occasion. Affordably priced and useful,
party favors help liven up a gathering, and party planners who want to
add a little panache incorporate their various party favor ideas into a
celebration to provide guests with a special memento. And regardless of
the nature of the gathering, just remember that party favors are no
longer solely meant for weddings. Here are some party favor ideas to
get you thinking creatively!
Anniversary: Whether it's the first or the fiftieth
time, celebrating the bonds of marriage is a special affair for both
the couple and their family members. Often, anniversary celebrations
are thrown secretly for the couple, who have no hand in its planning.
Friends and family choose the cake or dessert, the decorations, and
invitations; occasionally, they also choose to incorporate party favors
into the festivities, which are always a big hit. Anniversary favors,
usually a spin-off from wedding favors, herald love in all its forms
and are available in a variety of different styles, colors, and shapes;
popular party favor ideas include handy wine bottle stoppers,
personalized champagne flutes (so everyone can toast the happily
married couple!), and always useful barware sets.
Baby Shower: It's an exciting, but hectic time when
it comes to being a mother, and everyone wants to help out by providing
assistance, advice, gifts, and, of course, by throwing a baby shower
for the mom-to-be! With trays of delicious finger foods and cute baby
gifts, the expectant mother and her friends celebrate the momentous
occasion. And the perfect way to decorate each attendee's spot at the
table is with functional baby shower party favors, such as cheese
graters, salt and pepper shakers, measuring spoons, and timers - all of
which have a fun, festive baby shower theme.
Birthday Party: Birthday party favors, which make
excellent grab bag gifts or table decorations, are perfect no matter
how old the 'birthday girl or boy' is. For children's birthdays,
selecting age appropriate party favors, such as lip balm, candy in
personalized favor tins, and picture frames, is ideal; while, for an
older teen's or adult's get together, party favor ideas such as
candles, ice cream scoops, pens, and bookmarks not only help guests
reminisce but are also fully functional.
Bridal Shower: This get together is one of the
bride's most cherished events; she has time to mingle with her best
friends and just kick back and relax. Planning the bridal shower is
often relegated to the maid of honor or other close friend, who takes
care of all the responsibilities of selecting a theme, sending out
invitations, choosing a caterer (or cooking it herself), and decorating
the space festively. Providing just an extra touch of personalization,
bridal shower party favors are a classy, thoughtful way to help your
guests remember the party and thank them for coming. Whatever party
favor ideas you choose - from candles and photo albums to monogrammed
make-up bags and coasters, your guests will have a stylish memento to
remember the festivities long after they end.
Graduation Party: From high school to college and
beyond, the graduate in your life deserves a little recognition for his
or her hard work over the years. And what's the perfect way to
celebrate? With a party, of course! From a cook out to a day at the
beach, there are just as many party favor ideas to complement whatever
theme you choose, including customizable favor tins, memorable photo
frames, and stylish, yet feminine koozies to keep those drinks cold all
summer long.
Quinceanera: Celebrating the day when a girl turns
fifteen - a rite of passage for many - is an important milestone and
one that has been planned for months. Dressed entirely in white, she
looks forward to this day, sharing in the festivities with her friends
and family members. While planning the big after party, finding a way
to thank the guests for their attendance is a necessity! Along with the
food and entertainment, decorating the tables with festive party favors
for all who showed up is a great way to say thanks. From manicure and
pedicure sets for the younger attendees to candles and personalized
shot glasses for the older folks, there are many different party favor
ideas to show your appreciation.
Keep the Memories Alive
The perfect place setting or little thank you gift for any get together
is a party favor! Regardless of whether the event you're throwing is
for yourself or a loved one, party favors add a special touch to any
affair. Small, customizable, and affordable, party favors keep the
memories alive long after the party is over.
Cherie Johnson is the founder and owner of Creative Wedding Favors, a one-stop shop for a large selection of baby and bridal shower, graduation, quinceañera, anniversary, and wedding favors.
Cherie's articles have been published on numerous websites including
Wed Alert, Wedding Lenox, and Wedding Museum. Since starting Creative
Wedding Favors in 2006, Cherie has helped countless couples and families make
their big events a success. Prior to Creative Wedding Favors, she worked as a
professional wedding photographer, capturing the most special moments
of the bride and groom's big day. To find favors and gifts for your
upcoming event, please visit www.CreativeWeddingFavors.com.
