Wedding favors, I find, are either loved or hated.  I personally, love favors.  Love them.  But don’t get me wrong, I can see (and have seen) where they cause people to question their purpose of existence.  Favors are one of those details that can be an amazing addition to your reception for your guests, or it can go scary, horribly wrong. Usually the latter occurs when it involves something edible.  Now I would never say don’t have edible favors.  In fact, they’re some of my favorites.  But there are certainly right and wrong ways to create edible wedding favors.  Below are a few examples of some favorites I found online.  Something amazing occurs when a tasty favor gets packaged up pretty and becomes something that guests want to take away.  They fit in beatifully to their respective events, have meaning behind them and are useful.

Photo by Laura Negri Photography and found via The Knot – wrapped up bags of fresh made pralines.  Simple and sweet.

Photography by Blush Floral Design Studios – Dog treat buffet.   I thought this idea was adorable and such a sweet way the couple reminded guests of their own love for dogs.  I love that it takes a common idea, like a candy buffet, and makes it something new and unique.

Photo by Martha Manning Photography.  I love jam.  Most people use jam.  It’s easy to make, easy to store and with some clever design looks amazing.

Photo by Paige elizabeth Photography. 

If you plan of making your own edible favors, here are a few tips to consider before diving in:

• Don’t go it alone – weddings, especially the days right before, are a hectic time and many brides simply don’t have the time to hang out in the kitchen the day before their wedding baking and wrapping cookies.  If you’re determined to offer up your Grandma’s famous walnut crunch cookies to your guests, talk to a local baker who may be able to make them using your recipe and wrap them for you.  Guests get to taste a legendary family treat while you don’t have to worry about the time it will take for you to handle it.
• Opting for items that are easy to prep and package ahead of time is a great idea (think jams or honey), but avoid sourcing them through a catalogue of favor website.  They’ve often been sitting on the shelves for a long time and won’t be of great quality. 
• Make your packaging ahead of time.  Tags, bags, labels, etc. can all be prepped and ready ahead so that wrapping things up goes quickly.
• Check out your local farmer’s market – they offer incredible tasting gourmet goodies, are local (so out of town guests get a little something special from the place you had your wedding) and can often accommodate large orders if you talk to the sellers in advance.