One way to ensure  your guests will take home their wedding favors at the end of the night is to go handmade!

There are oodles of ideas when it comes to DIY favors, and whether you opt for goodies your guests can eat or something non-edible, chances are you will need some adorable packaging to make them perfect. Well, guess what? We  have rounded up 10 uber clever packaging ideas that we think you will love!

If you are having a rustic wedding, these pint berry baskets from FancyThatLoved are perfect for wedding favors. Fill with fresh fruit, chocolates or other handmade goodies.

Looking for something unique? These ornate triangular favor boxes by PenAndFavor added an elegant touch to your wedding decor! Imagine how gorgeous these will look at each table setting.

The good thing about buying packaging for DIY favors is you don’t have to make each individual favor. Place a stack of personalized treat bags on a table for DIY favors, like these by StampsJubilee.

Favors that involve food are always popular. A simple patterned bag decorated with ribbon or twine make a nice gift for guests to open. Try these chevron paper bags by LingsWedding

Having favor bags at the late night snack station or popcorn station can also give guests an extra treat to take home, like these popcorn wedding favor bags by mavora.

Nice packaging can elevate and personalize any DIY project. Make or buy your own soap and then wrap it in this soap sheet wrapping paper by SatuNolStudio for a professional-looking finishing touch.

The good thing about buying custom products from Etsy is that most vendors will work with you to create your vision. Choose from different colors, materials, designs and messages. These kraft paper seed packets by Megmichelle are definitely made with love.

Make assembling the favors into a special occasion by inviting some friends over to help assemble them. They will love packaging gifts into these rustic lace wedding favor boxes by Gracefuleventfavors.

To give your guests a truly personalized gift, write each person’s name on the favor, as well as a message. These chalkboard glass and cork favor jars by WeddingRusticFavors are practical, reusable and personal.

A wedding favor that reflects you as a couple is the best kind of favor. Whether you like food, crafts, candy, plants or drinks, having something meaningful will make everyone feel loved like these sweet honey jar favors by EventDazzle.

*This post includes Etsy Affiliate links

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Coffee lovers step aside and tea aficionados rejoice; there is an abundance of ways to include tea in your wedding. Whether you have a penchant for afternoon tea or just enjoy a comforting brew before bed, teas are a great wedding detail. From teacup decor to signature drinks, we’ve found 10 ways for you to use tea in your wedding. 

1. Antique Tea Bar 

A tea bar is a nice refreshment for guests during the day. For an outdoor wedding, you can decorate the space with an antique chest that will double up as a bar. Serve a wide selection of loose leaf teas, tea bags, lemon and sugar.

2. Chamomile Honey Whiskey Cocktail 

For a signature drink with a difference, go for a tea-based cocktail. The soothing taste of chamomile and honey is elevated with the addition of whiskey. A perfect summer cocktail!

3. Bath Tea Bag 

Give your tea bar a twist by giving your guests a bar filled with loose leaf teas to make their own bath tea bag. You can provide suggested recipes for them to fill up the bags in preparation for a relaxing post-wedding bath.

4. Tea Pot Vase 

Incorporate the tea theme into your table settings with an antique silver tea pot filled with fresh flowers. A great alternative to a vase and will work well if you mix and match the tea pots.

5. Iced Tea Bar 

If your wedding is in the warmer months, you might be more interested in an iced tea bar. Large jugs of flavored iced teas are perfect for an outdoor wedding.

6. Succulent Teacups

These succulents placed in teacups can be used as either centerpieces or favors. They are also a fun DIY project.

7. Tea Bag Cookies 

For an afternoon tea theme, go an extra step further with these tea bag cookies. They are adorable, fit in with the decor and also taste good.

8. Tea Tin Favors 

Instead of going for a bar, you can prepare your tea favors in advance with these tea tins.

9. Bridal Shower Tea Party 

A garden tea party is a wonderful idea for a bridal shower. A selection of decadent treats and fragrant teas is the ideal way to relax with your ladies before your wedding.

10. Teacup Escort Card Favors 

Escort card favors are one of the ways you can cut costs and reduce some of the items on your planning list. These teacups will look great on the tables and your guests will be able to use them long after your wedding.

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More and more couples are embracing simplicity when it comes to their wedding day. Less stress, less money, less headaches – it’s no wonder simple weddings are a growing trend.

Simplicity allows couples to focus on the bond they have with each other – rather than the extraneous details of a wedding. In fact, this is often the sole motivation for couples to have a simple wedding.

Having a simple wedding doesn’t mean it won’t be any less beautiful or memorable – in fact, the opposite is true. Want proof? Here are 16 gorgeous simple weddings that showcase stunning style, great locations and an overall laid-back feel. Click on the links before the photos to see the full weddings.

Sam and Dougal’s seaside Scottish wedding. Photography by Tandem Photo.

Baryl and Vernon’s relaxed and elegant wedding. Photography by Claire Nicola.

Mahalia and Campy’s camping weekend wedding in Oregon. Photography by Leah Verwey.

Andrew and Katie’s Big Sur redwood wedding. Photography by evynn levalley.

Rose and Denis’ Rosscarbery seaside wedding. Photography by Rory O’Toole.

Ashley and Kevin’s downtown Chicago restaurant wedding. Photography by Artistrie Co.

Bethan and Craig’s outdoor garden wedding. Photography by Grace Photography

Corrine and Whitney’s beach wedding. Photography by Mi Amore Foto.

Alex and Jaclyn’s Ohio stone cottage wedding. Photography by Lane Baldwin photography.

Zoe and Owen’s chic London city wedding. Photography by Clare.

Jennifer and Casey’s California farm wedding. Photography by Plum Jam photography.

Kari and Duncan’s New York state backyard wedding. Photography by De Nueva photography.

Genna and Ian’s cozy Philadelphia restaurant wedding. Photography by Peach Pear Plum photo.

Cathryn and Brian’s At-Home San Antonio wedding. Photography by Kat Bevel photography.

Karelena and Tom’s Soho rooftop elopement. Photography by Cassidy Parker Smith.

Marcus and Amber’s styled urban elopement. Photography by Liz Anne

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With their families meeting for the very first time, Kenna and Anthony wanted their wedding day to be a low-key, tranquil affair without any outside distractions to take away from the momentous and meaningful nature of the occasion. They opted for an intimate ceremony at Chapel Dulcinea officiated by the bride’s father, and filled their celebration with lots of special personal touches, family traditions, and handmade and heirloom pieces, making it a heartfelt family celebration.

A huge thank you to Al Gawlik for capturing Kenna and Anthony’s beautiful day and sharing it with us!

Kenna, 31 & Anthony, 34

Driftwood,TX

Wedding Date: May 15, 2015

Number of Guests: 13

Wedding Cost: less than $3,500

Wedding Ceremony Location: Chapel Dulcinea 

Wedding Reception Location: We had lunch following the ceremony at Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood, TX. The following week we did a reception for extended family and friends at Generator Coffee House in Garland, TX.

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

Our idea was for the ceremony was for it to be a private, meaningful, and tranquil occasion. It was the first time our immediate families would be meeting, so we wanted the wedding to be a bonding experience between the two groups, without too many outside distractions. An intimate wedding really allowed us to focus on each other and our families. We also were trying to keep costs and stress low.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Because we had so few guests there was less pressure to get things planned far in advance, which made for some last minute scheduling/decisions. We didn’t do formal invitations and I realized I hadn’t even told our families when to arrive…oops!

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

We went back and forth several times on where to draw the line with the guest list. It was a tough decision because it can be a slippery slope – if we expanded the guest list by a little it had the potential to grow exponentially. In the end we decided immediate family only, so it didn’t feel like we were drawing a line arbitrarily.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

I tried to manage expectations as early on as possible and let friends and family know that we were not planning to have a big traditional wedding. I really didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. People seemed to understand. We had a slightly larger reception the following weekend, and I think everyone appreciated a chance to get together and celebrate with us.

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

We approached the event with a DIY philosophy. My mother, grandmother, sister, and I did all the flowers the night before and included wildflowers and sage that we picked from the hill country. Since we had so few people, we were able to make small bouquets for all of the mothers, grandmothers, and sisters, and boutonnieres for all the men. I had also made the straps of my sandals from extra fabric from the hem of my dress.

The heirloom mantilla veil I wore was originally hand made by my Mama Jo (maternal grandmother) for my mother to wear at her wedding in 1979. My aunt also wore the veil at her wedding in 1981, so I was the third woman in our family to be married while wearing it. I was so fortunate that the dress I liked matched the color almost exactly! All of my jewelry was borrowed from my mother and grandmothers, and Anthony held an antique compass, which I gave him as an engagement present.

Our niece carried our rings in a dove’s nest we found in my parents’ garden and had preserved for the occasion. My sister Lindsey read a blessing that has been read at nearly every family wedding for the past 40 years. My father is a minister and was our officiant and at the end of the ceremony he pronounced us husband and wife, and then gave Anthony permission to “high five the bride” (but that didn’t stop the groom from going in for the kiss).

The final tradition was to ring the bell in a bell tower overlooking the Texas hill country. It was much louder than expected, but oh so fun!

What were the highlights of the reception?

We had a delicious lunch directly following the ceremony at Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood, TX. The formal reception was held the following weekend at Generator Coffee House and Bakery in Garland, TX. Instead of a cake, we had dozens of mini-pies and a trail mix bar, which were both a hit. Instead of a traditional guest book, we had a “guest quilt” with squares for people to sign. We really love the quilt idea because it allows people who weren’t able to attend a tangible way to be involved in the celebration. We are sending quilt squares out to friends and family from all over the world. Quilting is a tradition in the groom’s family, so it was the perfect opportunity for the me (the bride) to learn!

Another project I took on for the reception was collecting wedding photos from our families to display. It turned out to be such a cool experience learning about the history of the family I was marrying into, and it was very special to see all of the photos from my side of the family as well.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

The best thing about having an intimate wedding was the ability to spend more quality time with each other and our immediate family members. Also, on the day of the wedding, external pressures, stress, and nerves were almost nonexistent. It was storming that morning and we were significantly delayed, but it really didn’t matter since we weren’t keeping a huge number of people waiting – our families were relaxed, listening to the classical guitarist, and enjoying the scenery!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

An intimate wedding really is a wonderful thing, but let others find ways to celebrate with you outside of the wedding!

Vendors:

Dress: ModCloth

Shoes: Sseko Designs 

Photography: Al Gawlik Photography

Rings: Jewelry by Johan 

Sister/Mother’s Dress: Etsy  

Hair, Flowers, Makeup, Veil: all DIY!

Music for Ceremony: Joseph Palmer Guitar 

Wedding Lunch Venue: Trattoria Lisina

Reception Venue/Catering: Generator Coffee House & Bakery

Music for Reception: Derek Lorin

Quilt Guestbook Fabric: Spoonflower

When Erin and Trevor decided they should combine their love of travel and wine on their wedding day, settling on a destination wedding in Tuscany became a no-brainer for the couple. With a handful of their closest friends and family, the bride and groom took off to Florence for a long weekend of wine tours, cooking classes, and family style dinners before exchanging their vows overlooking the vineyards of the Chianti countryside at the Castello il Palagio.

Thankfully for us, their photographer, Francesco Spighi, was there to capture the gorgeous newlyweds, the stunning setting, and every breathtaking moment of their romantic Tuscan celebration.

Erin, 32 & Trevor, 32

Florence, Italy

Wedding Date: September 30, 2014

Number of Guests: 27

Wedding Cost: Well this is a loaded question! The total cost was about $30,000 Cdn. One of the things that made this “event” so special for us was the fact that it was a destination wedding, so we had everyone fly into Italy on the Saturday prior to the wedding (the wedding was on Tuesday) and had a few different activities planned for everyone. On Sunday we had a boys/girls day with the boys going to Chianti’s largest wine festival in a neighbouring town and the girls going to an Italian cooking class. We all met up afterwards at a local restaurant (Via Vai) for a family-style dinner at an incredible restaurant, with everyone eating around a large harvest table. On the Monday, Erin and I chartered a bus for us and all of our guests and we visited 3 wineries in Chianti. We took care of all the costs for the wine tours, lunch and transportation on this day.

Wedding Ceremony Location: Castello il Palagio, in the Fountain Garden

Wedding Reception Location: Castello il Palagio, in the Courtyard

Why did you have an intimate wedding? 

Originally we were looking at having a “typical” Canadian wedding with 100 or so guests, but while searching for a venue we quickly fell in love with the idea of combining our passions for travel and wine with our wedding. When we were looking at a destination wedding, we were able to narrow down the list to our closest friends and family. We really wanted to ensure that our guests were those people that we wanted to spend several days with. It was also very important to us to know everyone at our wedding very well and know that when we look back as we get older that we’ll still be close with everyone that attended.

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding? 

Our biggest challenges were around planning a wedding in a completely different time zone and the challenges that surrounded planning from afar. There were also customary issues that arose during the planning process, but we had excellent help from all the vendors and nothing was more than a hiccup.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

It really wasn’t too difficult for us to come up with a small guest list. Both Erin and I have some great friends, but don’t have big families. We also feel that having a wedding so far away allowed us to justify not inviting acquaintances, and focus on having just our closest friends and family with us.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Neither of us felt any pressure from friends or family to invite more people or certain people. We both spoke to our respective parents about what our vision of the day was and our parents were very on board!

What were the highlights of the ceremony? 

For me the highlight was obviously seeing my bride for the first time in her gorgeous dress! It’s very difficult for us to just list one “highlight”; it was a combination of everything, really – the weather was perfect, the string quartet played brilliantly, our friends and family were all there with us and having a phenomenal time, and we had one of our photographers climb a tree to get that perfect shot! It was really quite surreal to have the ceremony overlooking the Tuscan vineyards, with the castle behind us.

What were the highlights of the reception? 

Well as you can see by the pictures, it was a perfect location to host the reception. When we were planning the wedding, one of the things that we really wanted was to have dinner with everyone at one table in order to truly capture the intimate feeling that we were going for. The thought we had when planning was to make the night feel like we were hosting a dinner party, but at an amazing location, dressed to impress. We wanted the speeches and toasts to flow with the evening, but were amazed at all the laughs, and what a highlight they ended up being.

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding? 

The best thing about having an intimate wedding, in our opinion, was that we didn’t need to have a receiving line. We got a chance to spend some real time with each of the guests throughout the night without having to even think about it.

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding? 

Absolutely DO IT!!

Vendors:

Photography: Francesco Spighi

Venue: Castello il Palagio

Wedding Management and planning: Castello il Palagio

Celebrant: Andrea from Tuscan Pledges

Caterer: Delizia Ricevimenti Firenze

Music: Alma Project

Dress: Moonlight Bridal

Florist: Violamalva