The wedding and its preparation are probably the busiest, most exciting time of a woman’s life. There are so many entries on the to do list. You’ll wonder how you can ever complete every task that you’ve set for yourself to make the wedding memorable. The smallest detail but one that adds to the memory, is the wedding favors. A favor for another occasion is also needed. Fortunately, the bridal shower favors are not the responsibility of the bride. So let’s think about these favors.

The first decision before working on bridal favors is the whole color scheme and theme of the wedding. The color scheme and theme are important because they are an expression of who you are. Are you a soft, pastel person with a lovely soft peach or periwinkle? Or are you dramatic with a stand-out emerald green or orange color? Or can you visualize a shiny, metallic gold for pure drama? Remember that this color will be used for everything from the bridesmaids’ dresses to the invitations and programs to the flowers and table decorations.

You will probably plan out the table decorations and the favors at the same time because they are an indivisible part of the overall decorating scheme of the reception. The most commonly used decorations have traditionally been candles and flowers. There are many ways to use candles in your decorations. Also, remember that the drama of the candles is doubled if you place them on a mirror. The smallest, safest candles are votive candles in beautiful holders. A grouping of these candles among the other decorations can illuminate them from below for a glowing look. Tall tapers are dramatic and cast a warm, yellow light onto the faces of the guests at the table. Candles can be purchased in an almost infinite number of colors to match or contrast with the bridesmaids’ dresses. If you want to ensure fire safety, you can place them into a hurricane chimney or other tall glass or vase. Another dramatic way to light the tables is floating candles. You need a tall goblet for each table and the small plastic floaters with wicks. The goblet is filled about halfway with water plus about an inch of salad oil. The floaters are then placed on the pool of oil and lit. The oil is wicked up to the fire.

More than candles are needed to decorate the tables. Flowers are the usual choice. But is the best choice real flowers, artificial plants, or even living plants? While silk flowers are less expensive and don’t wilt, real flowers have a delicate beauty and opulence that can’t be duplicated. Some brides like to sprinkle the tables with flower petals. Personally, I would find it impossible to to tear apart the box of flowers.

Other motifs are available besides flowers. Odd as it sounds, insects are a beautiful addition. The most popular choices consist of butterflies and dragonflies. I once attended a reception where the decorations consisted of dragonflies made of clear beads strung on wire. These bugs were then stuck onto the lip of the goblet candle. As the flames glowed, they lit the water and bounced through the dragonflies.

Connor R. Sullivan and his wife have recently attended several weddings and have noticed that the wedding favors are becoming more elaborate. His wife purchased bridal shower favors for a friend’s bridal shower she is hosting.