Essence of Events, LLC

We’ve all been to those weddings before with the favors that make you think “thoughtful, but what on earth am I going to do with this tomorrow?!” You know the ones I’m talking about. The couple, who give you things like, say, a framed photo of them. It’s beautiful, but unless you are their sister or close family member, why would you want to have a picture of someone kissing on a beach?

But now you’re about to get married and you need to choose some really amazing favors, so that when your guests leave your reception, they have something to look back on and remember what a fantastic time they had at your wedding.

Besides, no one should feel twinges of guilt the next month when they decide to throw out a useless favor. So make it indispensable, as opposed to just putting more trash out there into the world. And choose something so people can look back, and smile about your big day.

Essence of Events have compiled a list of 20 of the top gifts your guests would actually want to receive from you, and no, they aren’t going to blow the bank, or your budget, for that matter! A lot of them you can DIY yourself, and if you’re not that kind of bride, there are plenty of people out there willing to do it for you, like friends and family.

A s’mores kit if you have a bonfire, or just because they’re so yummy. And a jar of jam passes TSA regulations, which is perfect for out of town guests.

We can all use extra water bottles. Buy them at the dollar store and put the appliques on yourself.

Sunglasses for a summer wedding. Coffee beans, because, well, we do live in Seattle after all.

Succulents double as favors and place settings.

Journals or sketch pads. See if you can have your guests draw a picture or write a poem or note about your day for you to keep.

Local honey in cute containers, and cookie cutters.

Bottle openers are always fun, you can ones like these that have a vintage look, or ones that have a local feel if you get one in the shape of the Space Needle or other native icons.

Candles made from thrifted tea cups.

A cookie or candy buffet with takeaway containers.

Luggage tags (check out the hilarious inscriptions on these ones!) and tiny pies in a jar.

Charity donations made in your guests’ name, and pretty smelling soap.

Seed paper; its paper that you can plant! Just make sure if your wedding takes place in the park that there aren’t rules about handling seeds.

Tea diffusers.

Alcohol is always popular.

Candy in mugs.

For more favor ideas, plus help organizing and planning your wedding, make sure to contact Essence of Events to set up your free, one hour initial consultation. Our planners are happy to talk about all of your wedding and event related questions. Call 253.292.1482 or email info@essenceofevents.com

Written by Samantha Macrae

Out with the old, in with the new. New guest books, I mean. This year I’ve seen such a trend in fun, fascinating guest books that I’ve just had to share a few of my favorites. These are so cool, and it blows my mind that people actually come up with some of this stuff!

If you ever want to have a boring guest book again after you see these, I might seriously have to consider what century you are from, because this trend is so fun, fresh, and new, that you might even have to go back in time to find a normal book anymore.

Guest Quilt; this is something that the couple can use, or hang on their wall as art. You can make one in your wedding colors and it is a really fun and unique idea.

Everyone brings their favorite picture of themselves and the couple together. They can sign the back and write a note to the bride and groom who can put it in an album later.

Everyone puts their thumbprint and initial on a piece of paper; it’ll turn into art. This works with anything; trees, flowers, stars, you think it and this abstract idea works.

Have your guests write on Jenga blocks. You can display them in a glass jar, or play with them later. It makes a great alternative than regular paper and pen.

I love this one; Mad Libs for a guest book. This is wonderful because it’s funny and you can collect some words of wisdom from people who have married before you. Years down the line it is something fun to look back upon and definitely different than many of the others. You are sure to get unique responses.

Whatever kind of guest book you decide upon, be sure to make it personal to you, your style, and the theme of the wedding. Essence of Events, LLC would love to help you come up with unique and customizable ideas. If you don't have the time to plan or create any of these ideas we would be more than happy to help. Give us a call or contact us today for a free initial consultation at 253.292.1482 or info@essenceofevents.com

Pocket Invitations

Pocket invitations are definitely a new trend in wedding stationary. They allow you to send all the necessary wedding-related materials in one chic envelope, including the invite, RSVP card, maps, and accommodation card. All these articles then come bundled together in a satin ribbon, paper sleeve, rhinestone incrusted pocket, or any number of fastener. And just like your wedding, these invitations can be customized to fit your style and budget. To get the best deal though, you will want to order wholesale. Here are a few great options of pocket invitations, as well as their suppliers:

This black and white ecru invitation and accessory cards are a stunning classic.

Price: $1.99 each

https://www.yourinvitationplace.com/Detail.aspx?ItemNum=T2333BL&WebName=wholesale

The bright white invitation card has beautiful scalloped edges in pearl. It sits inside a decorative sheer wrap.

Price: $1.99 each

https://www.yourinvitationplace.com/Detail.aspx?ItemNum=T8451WA&WebName=wholesale

This pale pink, charcoal, and white duvet invitation is perfect for holding all the necessary wedding-related materials.

Price: $3.50 each

http://www.elegantbrides.mcphersonsprint.com/We_ViewEns.cfm?sItemCode=WedEns6791&sCatalogCode=WedEnsDT60&iStartRow=33&format=WedEnsDT60a&lCriteria=4528&strcontinue=yes&strsearch=yes

This non-folding white shimmer tea length invitation card features your wedding date, floral design and fuchsia envelopes.

Price: $2.10 each

http://www.elegantbrides.mcphersonsprint.com/We_ViewEns.cfm?sItemCode=WedEns10100&sCatalogCode=WedEnsDT60&iStartRow=41&format=WedEnsDT60a&lCriteria=4528&strcontinue=yes&strsearch=yes

All your wedding materials are bundled in this pewter satin ribbon, while the gorgeous, shimmering invitations feature a pink floral design.

Price: $2.30 each

http://www.elegantbrides.mcphersonsprint.com/We_ViewEns.cfm?sItemCode=WedEns10072&sCatalogCode=WedEnsDT60&iStartRow=65&format=WedEnsDT60a&lCriteria=4528&strcontinue=yes&strsearch=yes

Most companies are willing to send you a sample, so you can see the product first, before you commit to purchasing 200 or more customized invites.

Writen by Samantha Macrae

To answer additional questions on invitations, stationary, or other event inquiries, contact us!

Essence of Events, LLC

info@essenceofevents.com

253 292 1482

It's always hard to come up with ideas for a childrens party that the adults are going to enjoy too. Try to think of a twist on ideas that will work for kids and adults. Working off a theme makes it easier to tie all the stationary, favors, gifts & decor all in. Search for printables that you can do yourself and customize for an added personalized touch. Pull in colors that are more sophisticated that can also be fun for the kids. Use a Paris, Sports or Spa theme to appeal to any age.

An Afternoon in Paris Party

Thought of one of our friends who recenty traveled to Paris with her daughter. This would be great to get some of their friends together to look at pictures and go over memories of the trip. Fun for all!

Mason jars with printables on them. Cute cupcake liners to match and Eiffel tower cookies as favors.

Cute invitations could be for any occasion!

Love this idea of passports! You could have stations of crafts and once they are completed, their passport can be stamped.

Beautiful cookies to fit the decor as favors would be super cute and fun for your little one to help decorate.

Print up your own cupcake liners and top them off with cute tags to match.

Love the use of doilies on these mason jars. Adds a little vintage with a delicate touch

Decorated Cookies ~ Stephanie J's Creations Decorated Cookies

Favor Boxes ~ PamelaSmerkerDesigns

Backyard Football Bash

This would be a great party idea for groups of friends who have to get together and watch football or other sports.

The fun plastic tubing used as a field goal, Water bottle labels, popcorn paper holders & Cupcake liners all easy DIY items.

Print up your own cupcake liners, food name cards and tags to match your teams colors.

Paper holders for your popcorn or cracker jack would be perfect and easy cleanup

This plastc tubing to create a field goal with the name of what team or event

These easy to print labels for water bottles add a special touch

Printables ~ A Blissful Nest

Personalized Water Bottles ~ I Have A Favor

Sweet Spa Party

Who doesn't want to be pampered? Have fun including your little ones in your next spa party with these cute ideas that you and the kiddos will love. Great for any occasion!

The glass bottles with labels, cupcake liners and hanging paper decor make this party easy to put together leaving more time to relax.

Add your personal touch to these cupcake liners and tags

Throw in these adorable cookies as favors

Make these personalized favor bags and boxes complete with everything they need for the spa day. DIY background decor completes the look.

Create different Spa Stations for each to do an activity

A station to decorate your own flip flops, so cute!

Party Designs, Printables & Paper Straws ~ Party On! Designs

Party Favor Gable Boxes ~ Pamela Smerker Designs

Whatever type of party, be sure to think of all ages and find ways to incorporate things that all who are included will enjoy. Essence of Events, llc would love to help you come up with unique and customizable ideas. If you don't have the time to plan or create any of these ideas we would be more than happy to help. Give us a call or contact us today for a free initial consultation at 253.292.1482 or info@essenceofevents.com