Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. When your guests leave your wedding reception, it’s customary to give them a small token of your appreciation for their attendance, as well as a memorable gift they can enjoy from your special day. There are literally thousands of wedding favors for a couple to choose from, but the gift should ideally reflect the wedding theme. Also, you must take the number of guests into consideration and figure out what your budget will afford. What are some of the latest favors for today’s bride and groom? Well, they are unique, stylish, and showcase the personalities of the newlyweds. Rather than the commonly given matchbook or almond favors of the past, modern couples let the wedding theme and their individual style influence their favor choice. Winter weddings offer a great opportunity for festive holiday favors. Silver Christmas tree ornaments in the shape of a snowman or snowflake can be engraved with the couple’s wedding date and names. Miniature snow globes are a beautiful way to say thank you to your guests, and are a favorite of children and adults alike. If you want to have edible wedding favors, winter celebrations mean a superb selection of iced holiday cookies, red and green candies in Christmas boxes, and personalized envelopes of hot chocolate or cider mix. Do Your Guests A Favor By Cori Shaw Tiny bottles of brandy or dark rum can accompany the drink mixes if the couple wishes. There are numerous ideas for beachthemed favors, among them seashellshaped candles, chocolate starfish, and colorful photo frames. For something completely different, miniature lanterns, seashell wine toppers or even personalized sunscreen packages are new favor ideas that your guests will remember long after they have left the reception venue. Also check out online stores for a variety of beach inspired magnets, stationery and keepsake boxes. Another hot beach wedding favor this year is personalized cocktail mixes. Add a shot glass or cocktail recipe book so your guests can whip up some summer drinks. Ethnic wedding favors: Let your guests take home a piece of your cultural wedding theme with them. Chopsticks or lucky bamboo shoots are the perfect Asian wedding favor, while a pot of flowering cactus will evoke memories of a Mexican wedding. Do some research and find a fitting wedding favor, such as traditional Indian diyas, (colorful ethnic-inspired candle) which come from the Hindu culture, for an Indian-themed wedding. Destination weddings are increasingly popular, and favors most often include 62 | SOUTHERN MARYLAND WEDDINGS WINTER / SPRING 2009