Q We're confused. Should our favors be ordered per person or per couple?

A It all depends on the favor. If you're boxing something simple and sweet for guests to take home (M&M's, almonds, or other candies in your wedding colors, for instance), give one package to each guest. If, however, you're distributing a pricier item like silver votive candleholders, you can distribute one to each couple.

Q What's the best way to distribute favors? Should we hand them out personally or leave them by each place setting?

A It depends on what the favor is and how it's packaged. If the favor has a scent, don't set it on the table, since it may interfere with the aromas during dinner, advises Joyce Scardina Becker, of Events of Distinction in San Francisco. If it's scentless and comes in attractive packaging, you can leave it on the table, above each guest's place setting. If you're big on presentation, hand the favors out personally or have them distributed individually to guests by the waitstaff. --Donna Christiano

Q I have a very tight budget, and I really can't afford to give favors. Do you have to have them?

A They are by no means mandatory. So if you can't afford something you really like, just let 'em go. Your guests won't even notice. But there are a few ideas that can be pulled off on the cheap. Get two things for the price of one: Your florist can design breakaway centerpieces, so each guest can take home a tiny bouquet of flowers or a pretty plant. And some of the most guest-pleasing favors--a sweet little bag of candy, tiny packets of flower seeds--are also some of the least expensive. Lastly, some brides opt for making a donation to their favorite charity, and print up cards that read: "In lieu of a favor, a donation has been made to the ASPCA." You'll help out a good cause with the money spent, and your guests will be touched by your generous spirit.

Q Do you know how I can save money on favors?

A If you visit www.beau-coup.com, you can save 10% on your order by entering coupon code JUBILATIONS when you check out. This is just another way Jubilations helps you save money!

Budget Question

Q. How do we get married on a small budget?
A. You can have a beautiful wedding on any budget. The key is to be realistic about what you can afford. Know what you have to spend – Ask all involved parties what they are willing to contribute. Then, determine your priorities and establish your budget off of them. If photography is most important to you, make sure to put enough in the budget to get what you want. But, also, know that you will probably have to compromise somewhere else. Consider your options. You will have options in each vendor category. For example, when picking your wedding date, look at a time of year, day of the week and time of day when prices are not at a premium. Finally, the easiest way to cut cost is through your guest list. 50-60% of most budgets are consumed by the price per head of their guests. At $30 a person, those extra 20 people you don't really know are going to cost you $600.00.

And remember, a wedding planner should be able to save you not only time, but money as well. Their experience with the local vendors and any discounts they receive should allow your budget to go further than if you were working by yourself.

Our New Look!

We are just launching a new website. Thanks to Jennifer Yarnold at iTech Solutions, the site is better than ever. We have new tools such a shopping cart to build your custom event package, a gallery that shows many of our events and testimonials throughout the site. We will continue to update the galleries as our events take place. Since we are new to blogging as well, we will continue to post topics that our clients will find interesting such as budget advice, answers to wedding etiquette questions, new trends in ceremony and reception decor and much more. If there is information that you would like to discuss, please send us an email.