Favors.... so torn!

[alielizadubois]

Hi girls!
This is my first post here, but Im really excited to have found an active forum to share my wedding planning craziness!

So Hello!

Ok, heres my favor dilemma.....

We are having an outdoor July wedding in upstate New York. (July 2010... Im getting an early start on planning!!)

Our colors are going to be (I think) white, green, and beige. (Im still struggling with wanting a pop of color, but Im thinking that since the wedding is at my parents house, I can have a big part in requesting what kinds of flowers are planted in the gardens, and that could be the pop Im looking for....)

We are planning to have potted orchids as centerpieces like the ones shown here:

http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/potte<br>d-orchids?lnc=f964fa5661cee010VgnVCM1000003d370a0a<br>RCRD&rsc=collage_weddings_wedding-favor-flowers-an<br>d-plants_p4

(Thank god for Martha!)

I am planning to offer/have the orchids as centerpieces that can serve as favors... whether or not people will take them, I don't know. (I figure if I have the butterflies as place cards and they are actually stuck in the pot, maybe people will get the point).

Now, onto real favors.

I would LOVE to have sandalwood fans:

http://www.chicweddingfavors.com/pc/IP1000/Uni<br>que_Wedding_Favors/Sandalwood-Fan-Favors.html?sour<br>ce=SWword

I feel like they would look really pretty opened on each place setting, would tie in our beige color choice well, and would be totally practical...

BUT

I feel attached to the idea of giving boxed tulip bulbs as favors. We are having our wedding in a garden/backyard, and it would really tie in with that theme. I love gardening, and I also love a cute, cardboard colored box tied with a ribbon.

I also love the idea of offering tea bags as a favor:

http://www.beau-coup.com/tea_sachets.htm

I love tea and thought it might be nice to have the fans on the tables, and a "choice" table with the tea sachets and tulips....

BUT

I know that people say that favors rarely get taken home....

What to do??

[missaliss218bcaa]

Get Tanks in your wedding colors printed that say TEAM BRIDE and have the inside tag read : Thank you for being a part of my special day" with your wedding date and size, washing instructions, ect. And for the guys- TEAM GROOM! Sooo cute ! Go to www.taglessthreads.com

[jloven]

I personally like the idea of the boxed tulip bulbs as it is a lasting favor, something people can plant and keep for as long as they keep them alive. They are kind of like a living memory of your special day, and if you are really going for the garden theme it would work great.

I, too, want to have a favor that people will like and take home, not something they will "forget" or throw away as soon as they get home. That is why I am in search for something a little unique that people will actually hang on to.

I think in your case the sandalwood fans would look pretty, but not be something that appeals to everyone in terms of a party favor to keep, you know what I mean?

The tea is a cute idea as well, but I still like the idea of the tulip bulbs :)