Weddings can be very expensive, but there are ways to cut back on the cost. Most guests will expect you to have centerpieces and to give wedding favors as a way of showing you, the soon to be newlyweds, care about them. So why not take care of both with only one bill to pay? Here are some ideas for how to incorporate favors as center pieces.

1) Floating items in water.

Not every venue will allow you to have candles, though if they do, I suggest you go with floating candles above. For my roommate’s wedding we deconstructed silk flowers, added a light, and reconstructed the flower around them then floated the flowers with beads at the bottom of each one with one of the wedding colors. I have found some soap flowers that could do the trick as well if you would prefer to not spend the 20+ minutes per flower.

These beautiful orchids can be used in 2 ways. The first is that you could just take the confetti and place it in the water and leave the orchids surrounding the bottom or you could reverse. You could also place both inside the water. HotRef has a few different varieties of the flowers and also just plain confetti.

2) Beach themed

Beach themed weddings open up a lot of options for the combining of centerpieces. First thing you can do is use sand and favor bags that look like beach bag. Fill them with some M&Ms and you have a cute center piece and favors in two easy steps.

You can also find sand in many colors to fit your theme.

You can find sea shells and small candles; place them in the sand with some driftwood (or just sticks) to give a being on the beach feel. Below are some wonderful seaside inspired tea light candles that are inexpensive. Sailboats placed strategically in blue sand will give the feeling of being on or next to the ocean! Adding a candle behind the sails that can give the feel of being at the beach and watching the stars.

Get creative, make your own or just combine items to get the centerpiece and favors that your guests can take home. You don’t need one item for every person because you will have couples, families, and people who don’t want to take anything home. This is your special day, so don’t forget to have fun!

All items listed shown above can be found at www.hotref.com, click on the images to be taken to the item pages.

Here are some great wedding favor ideas that will be used over and over again.

Wine Charms

I know when I get together with the family, there is going to be wine. Most people in my family have a small collection of wine charms they are hoping to use. I also know they are consently asked where they got each set. And if you are looking to save some more money, you can give these out individually instead of as sets!

Wine Stoppers

So many different options, so little space! There are stars, hearts, seashells, grapes, angels and so many more! They will be a great gift or decoration for your next event. With so many options to choose from, you are bound to find the perfect match for your theme.

One for the groom anyone?

These are just a couple of the options out there.

Wish Upon a Star~~

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you

If your heart is in your dream
No request is too extreme
When you wish upon a star
As dreamers do

Fate is kind
She brings to those who love
The sweet fulfillment of
Their secret longing

Like a bolt out of the blue
Fate steps in and sees you through
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true!

Star shaped favors are so versatile. They can be used in almost any occasion. Make a wish upon a star, and your wish is sure to come true. (Just be careful what you wish for. ^_^)

Silver Star Placecard Holder with Candle Holder

Well, here’s a shining example of a useful and fun favor! It’s a perfect choice as a memento for any day that’s sure to make you and your guests feel like stars. So elegant and absolutely CUTE!

“A Star is Born” Star-Shaped-Glass Votives

They are gorgeous baby shower favors which will make your guests’ table shine. The filled votives are in a tanslucent glass holder that gives the star candle its shape. Each votive is exquisitely presented in a shimmering organza bag (pink for girls or blue for boys) secured by a shiny, satin drawstring and a tag which features a stork delivering a tiny “star” and the words “A Star is Born”.

Vineyard Collection Star Design Wine Stoppers

Great as favors for any fun-filled occasion, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars that you chose these delightful star design wine stoppers for your special event. Each wine stopper features a stylish star chrome star outline perched on a sturdy chrome stem.

Crystal Clear

Crystal favors are definitely the icing on the cake. They will add a touch of class and romantic innocence to the occasion, and upgrade your party to the next level. Who wouldn’t like Cinderella’s glass shoe for their wedding, or crystal baby carriage for their baby’s shower? It’s the extra something that makes your party shine.

Choice Crystal Baby Pacifier

If you’re planning a baby shower or looking for a special memento to accompany your birth announcements, then this crystal baby pacifier favors are sure to bring a smile to your guests. Each features a shimmering multifaceted crystal pacifier finished with a shiny silver embossed ring handle.

Choice Crystal Oyster Shell and Pearl Favors

Each favor features a radiant half opened crystal oyster shell with a pearl resting inside. Surrounded by satin inside a Choice Crystal signature silver heart design box, tied with an organza and satin bow with a crystal heart on top and an attached matching heart shaped tag, these favors make for a stunning presentation.

Choice Crystal Swan Favors

According to legend, the swan represents the presence of divine inspiration in our world. You’ll definitely inspire your guests with these magnificent swan favors. Each radiant, multifaceted crystal figurine captures the beauty and grace of the swan. Perfect for all romantic events.

(Guys, here’re some advice from party planning expert Ashley Radar on how to pick unique baby shower favors. Hope you will find it helpful.

Enjoy.)

Baby showers are a fun way to welcome a new child to the family. It’s also a big help to the new parents. The gifts they get at the baby shower can take a huge burden off them when they are preparing for their expensive bundle of joy.

Typically, the party host gives shower favors as door prizes or as prizes for games. The mother-to-be or grandmother-to-be may also give favors as a thank you for the gifts.

Baby shower gifts can be gender-specific or neutral depending on the parents’ preference of knowing what the baby is before it comes. Choose your baby shower favors based on this. Don’t forget to note this on the invitation.

Here are some ideas for cute baby shower favors:

Baby Boy

Blue is always a good color for baby boys, but why not be a little different and go for browns and greens or a sports theme. Feel out the mother-to-be before making it a themed shower. She may prefer it be a boy shower over a baseball shower.

Here are some ideas for boy baby shower favors:

· Blue baby bottle cookies - Serve these at the shower for a themed look. The blue bottle cookies could also be a cute way to announce the baby boy to family and friends.

· Blue teddy bear photo frame - This favor can be a great gift for later. It can hold the baby’s first picture.

· Blue baby blocks favor box - Fill these adorable blue boxes with Jordan almonds or another blue candy for an inexpensive baby shower treat.

Baby Girl

· Pink baby bottle candle - This favor is not just for the mother-to-be. The removable pink top reveals a floral-scented candle that they can include in almost any décor. It comes in a clear package with an “It’s a Girl!” bib tag.

· Baby girl photo glass coaster - This coaster is a great way to welcome the new baby girl into the world. Give before she gets here, and guests can put her first picture in the frame when you send out thank you notes.

· Embroidered bag in girly colors - Embroider the new baby girl’s initials on the bag as a great favor for mom. This tote is big enough to double as a small diaper bag.

Baby Surprise

Some families don’t want to know the gender of the baby before it comes. What do you give as favors when this happens? Keep it gender-neutral with these ideas:

· Umbrella tape measure - This handy tool comes in white, so there’s no girl or boy connotations associated with it.

· Bun in the oven candle - This scented candle smells delicious and makes a great gift for a shower where the bun is still a surprise!

· She’ll soon see her feet again pedicure set - When the baby’s a surprise, focus on mom with this cute pedicure set your guests are sure to love.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ashley_Rader

Invitation, Invitation, Invitation~~

We all say first impression is crucial. For your party or any other event, INVITATION, without doubt, is the first impression you make on your guest. Remember, a good start is half done! Here’re a couple of samples I’d like to share with you guys.

Pink Purse

The pink floral design is so elegant. A good choice for bridal shower invitations.

Plum Blossom

Suitable for any romantic occasions. Do you know what plum blossom stands for? Purity and loyalty.

Shades of Green

Perfect for graduation annoucement.

Hats Off to the Graduate

Throw your hat in the air and get ready to party!

Oh Baby!

Invite guests to come on over and celebrate a brand new baby boy or girl on the way.

Stylish Mom

What a hot mama~~~