Protocol for distributing favors?

I've been to weddings when the B&G give favors to guests as they are leaving....and weddings where the wait staff distributes them at the table just before the cake is cut.

Are both acceptable??? My dad tells me they should be distributed by us as they're leaving...

You can place your favors on the tables and make them a decoration. At the end of my sister's wedding, she and her husband were so busy talking with guests, that my mom and family handed them out. You can arrange this also with your maitre de'. I think I'm putting mine on the tables.

Hi...looking to find a beach location. Something smaller and more inimate than Sunken meadow. We'd prefer Suth shore. Having trouble geting permisson. Don't want to be forced to leave mid-ceremony. Already have reception plans elsewhere. Any suggestions? Thanks....Lauren

And....how close to your wedding day should the last fitting be?

When my sister got married, we (the bridesmaids) got to the reception hall a little earlier, and put the favors on the table before the guests arrived. It really didn't take that long with the four of us.

You can either have one at the top of each plate setting, or one every other setting (if you choose a favor one per couple). Like Kate said, make them decorative to liven up the table.

That way, the B&G didn't have to think about them again, and enjoyed the night. Make use of your bridesmaids...that's what they're there for :-)

Usually you can drop the favors off a few dyas before the wedding and the banquest manager will make sure they are put on the tables the way you want them.

Well Cathy, with 23 days left, I am doing as good as can be expected!! I finalized everything with FT and you are right they are wonderful!! We are in the process of putting together the seating plan. What a task!! I am just trying to relax and enjoy everything at this point...thanks for asking...Jamelle

- Prayer for the Faithful

It is definetely beneficial to have your favors on the tables for the guests to take home with them when they leave. The favors are added decoration and can look very pretty set out on the tables. We often will either deliver them ahead of time to be put out by the banquet manager or we also sometimes go the day of the affair and put them out ourselves for the bride and groom. Having the bridesmaids do it is also a great idea. Either way it is one less thing for the bride and groom to have to worry about during the wedding.

Good luck!

I would say having them on the table is the way to go. Much eaier for everyone. We are giving small picture frames, which will have the table place cards in them... so when they go to find their table, they get their gift as well.

Brendan

Did you bring your dresses to the stores in order to match the color/edging/pattern??? How did you handle it?

I like the idea of putting them on the tables - my only concern is that we're going to have alot of single folks, families & children & couples all mixed in at the tables. Since I'm not using place cards at the table, they could sit anywhere - I'm handing out Mikasa Bottle Stoppers and at $7 a piece, I only have enough per couple so I can't risk losing any....

I do not have bridesmaides - just a MoH...the wait staff at my cousins wedding placed one favor at each ladies place setting (and each single man's) just before the cake cutting....I'll see if the Milleridge will do the same : )

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

This is a tough one. I have been to plenty of weddings where, at the end of the night, you always 2 or 3 people carrying 3 favors for themselves. Very piggish. I hate that. But, I also didn't want people lining up to hand me the envelopes and we hand them the favor.

What I decided is to wrap the favor in a clear party bag that has blk & white confetti printed on it, and has confetti inside. Tie it up with a ribbon and attach the place card to the bag. This way, one per couple/person. I am also putting together little goody bags for the kids and attaching their placecard to them as well. These will be set up on a table outside the hall ...just like the placecards normally would be. What to you think?

We did the 1 day precana gig. Paul works in NJ and I work in Suffolk county (we live in Queens). the 4 meeting precana would have been difficult to coordinate with our schedules.

Hello, Phyllis! What are you giving kids as favors??? ...I'm curious.

I will have about ten kids (ages 7 to 1.5), and I was thinking of having something else age-appropriate for the kids instead of the "adult" favor. Any suggestions, anyone???

Great ideas!!!

My favors are going to be wrapped in dark silver paper with a white organza ribbon - which I don't want to change...but I can wrap a place card tag to it and put them on a table!

I also like the idea of giving separate gifts to the kids. What are you putting in their bags???

Yes, that is a great idea. A good friend of mine (as well as a frequent poster) turned me on to these sets of coloring books with crayons included that she picked up in the city for around a $1.00 a piece. Not only will it make them feel special because it's recognizing their importance in being present at your celebration, it'll also keep them busy so they don't get underfoot. For my "little" attendants (I have four), I went to the $1.00 store and picked up 10 things for each plus a plastic pail. I made up baskets of goodies for them because as we all know, kids love cheap plastic junk they can spread all over the place like plastic cars, markers, sets of checkers, etc. The cost was minimal and it'll make their day!

Also, I don't know if you planned on including the traditional picture with your thank you. That won't be possible if you send a postcard. I tend to think people would appreciate more a formal written out thank you with a picture included. I usually dump postcards in the trash after time, yet I hold onto the wedding picture from the thank you cards and look back at them fondly. Just my opinion...

I was thinking of buying a bunch of postcards while on my honeymoon and writing them out as my THANK YOU card...instead of using the traditional white stationery. Although, they will likely be mailed after we get back (since I'm not going to write them on the honeymoon). I just figure the words and sincerity will be the same as far I'm concerned...AND it will include the guests a bit more as to where we went.

Great idea!!

Actually I think that a thank you should reflect your appreciation for your gifts, and I am not sure that the post card conveys it…sorry! it's just my opinion!

I also have about 8 - 10 kids coming to my wedding. I have the hands outs from the DJ, you know the normal stuff, leighs, hats. For the kids, he is throwing in illuminated little necklaces and blow up guitars. It's included in my package so it's not costing me anything, and I know they will love it. I've also said on this board before. I'm doing a Disney 1/2 hour for the kids while the adults eat. I and my bridesmaids will dance with the kids for 1/2 hour to Kuna Matada, etc. God Help Me for volunteering this one! LOL And! it will be on video no less! UGH!

Unfortunately, I was too into finding a dress to look at headpieces. I do remember some places had headpieces there but I didn't look at them or noticed the prices. Sorry!

Good Luck!! :-)

age ranges the same for me. I picked up some bridal barbie dolls..about 3 inches high...for the girls at a 99 cent store! and some matchbox cars and yo/yos for the guys. As I get closer and know how many are coming..I'll find some other little party favors at the store.

Unfortunately, I was too into finding a dress to look at headpieces. I do remember some places had headpieces there but I didn't look at them or noticed the prices. Sorry!

Good Luck!! :-)

for the boys, matchbox cars and yoyos. For the girls, I found small Barbie dolls in wedding dresses!!As I get closer and know EXACTLY who is coming, I will include other things...

Unfortunately, I was too into finding a dress to look at headpieces. I do remember some places had headpieces there but I didn't look at them or noticed the prices. Sorry!

Good Luck!! :-)