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.

Soap Favors: THE Ideal Gift

A wedding or a party usually has a thousand threads to attend to: occasion, location, guest list, seating arrangement… Then there is the inevitable question you have to ask yourself - what gift have you planned for your guests?

For wedding, business party, or social cocktail, soap favors are always on the top of your “ideal gift” list. They can be classy or cute to suite the occasion. Moreover, soap favors are functional, not something to be tossed over and forgotten in the corner by your guest- definitely a plus for choosing them as a gift. So, let’s have a look at several stylish soap favors.

“For You” Scented Heart Soap in Silver Gift Box

The refreshing fragrance of fresh rose bursts from this tiny beauty bar… a delicate heart-shaped soap that fits in the palm of your hands. Guests will have the promise of many luxurious showers and be blown away to a fragrant rose garden each time they use the soap. The soap is elegantly presented in a nest of white paper thread in the equally beautiful gift box that comes with a silver applique design, with matching “For You” tag attached.

Calla Lily Soap

3 pieces soap calla lily’s with shredded green soap confetti. Lily scented. Comes packaged 3 pieces of a calla lily soaps in a clear gift box wrapped with a ribbon. These unique lily scented soap favors are practical as well as useful.

Lavender Orchid Flower Soap Lavender Heart Soap Confetti

Lavender orchid flower glycerine soap comes with lavender heart shaped soap confetti in a clear PVC box. With a hot bath and these wonderful flower soap, while music is softly playing in the background, it has the magic to turn your ordinary day into something extraordinary. Romantic, huh?

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.

Love Actually

I can’t remember which movie once said “it is love that made life bearable”.  I can’t remember the name of the movie but I can’t agree with it more. And I really wish everyone, everywhere, will find their true love eventually. So, today, let’s take a look at a group of love-themed favors.

“Love Letters” Letter Opener in Personality Box

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you can adore

L-O-V-E. These for magical letters are combined into this unique LOVE letter opener. Made of solid silver chrome, these letter openers are romantic, practical, and elegant and make wonderful guest favors that your guests will appreciate for years to come.

LOVE Heart Compact Mirror in Black Velvet Pouch

Classic and sleek, these compact heart mirrors are a great way to “reflect” your appreciation to your guests. Each chrome silver heart compact has LOVE across the front and is packaged in an elegant black velvet pouch.

“Love Notes” Sticky Notes in Nostalgic Dispenser Gift Box with Dainty Heart Charm 

It’s true that action speaks louder than words. So, why don’t combine action with words and actually write your love one a love note? A step above the typical sticky-note pad, this unique note dispenser is a perfectly fitted box that offers one note at a time, each one delicately etched with “Love Notes” in pretty pink-ideal for exchanging words of passion with someone you adore. The perfect favor for Valentine’s Day parties, wedding showers, anniversary parties and more, your guests will love you for it, and they’ll remember your day fondly whenever they “make note” of their emotions.