Ever wondered what the hottest favors were as the end of 2009 draws to a close and 2010 creeps nigh? Think of everything we ve gone through recession, unemployment, and a fond goodbye to some of those fun wedding excesses of 2007 2008, like life sized replicas of the bride in cake form.
Still, couples want to thank their guests for the (sometimes supreme!) effort involved in getting to their wedding, picking out a gift, and often attending one or more bridal showers. But these days, those same couples absolutely insist that the wedding favor be a) affordable, and b) practical.
For these reasons, bookmarks are burning their way up the favor charts this fall and winter. Bookmarks? Probably not the first thing that comes to mind, right? But here s why they re drawing brides and grooms by the crateload:
1) People love to read. Oh sure, you probaby have a nephew or two who disappears in front of the flat screen for four hours a day, but believe it or not, people still read like crazy. In fact, a recent report by CNN showed that today Americans engage in *twice* the reading that went on in 1945. Even more amazingly, more people are reading honest to goodness literature like poems and plays than we ve seen in 20 years. (And let s not even mention the Harry Potter effect, or that your 38 year old aunt is reading the entire Twilight series.)
2) Reading is nostalgic. For some of us, our fondest childhood moments involve curling up with a cherished book, or being read to by attentive parents. Nostalgia and weddings make an unbeatable team.
3) Bookmarks are true keepsakes. Sure, you might actually be lapping up a Stephanie Plum novel instead of The Great Gatsby, but keeping your place with a pretty, well made bookmark elevates the experience. It s kind of like sitting at a study and composing a letter with a quill over blotting paper but a heck of a lot easier.
Best of all, this season brings us some beautiful bookmark favors (like coppery leaves and silvery snowflakes) you can pick up for less than a dollar, and that includes some pretty smart packaging, like a gift box and a favor tag. Practical, truly cute favors for under a dollar? Didn t see much of that two years ago, did you?
If homemade s more your style, you ll find a quick search on Google and Youtube lead you to some fun and easy bookmark making tutorials, but be aware: a trip to the craft store for rhinestones, paper and glue can easily cost you as much as you d spend simply buying the bookmarks outright. Especially if your craft skills are as fabulous as mine!
Lovely, tasseled bookmarks can be seasonally coordinated to your wedding, and are just the type of favor your guests will never toss. Someone could gather up a dozen bookmarks from your tables when no one s looking, and find a use for every single one. Heck, your traveling guests will even mange to put those favors to good use during those hours spent chilling on a 747 as they make their way home.