Weddings can mean a lot of planning, but can also be a great outlet for your creative side! When done correctly, wedding favors are a great way for your guests to remember your special day. Here are some great ideas for inexpensive and fun wedding favors to think about for your wedding.

1. Homemade Lip Balm

This is a great DIY project for the dedicated bride! You can create your own flavor that will compliment the drinks and cuisine at your wedding, or you can buy some great homemade lip balms from online crafters on sites like Etsy.

2. Salt Water Taffy

This is an excellent favor for summer weddings, especially Jersey Shore weddings! Who doesn’t love a delicious treat like Taffy?

3. Shot Glasses

These are a relatively inexpensive favor, and can be bought in bulk and personally engraved. You can also add some candy to these and wrap them in ribbon to really make guest happy.

4. Custom Flip Flops

This is a great favor for any wedding, especially a beach wedding. Female guests are sure to be thrilled when they get to kick-off their heels and dance the night away!

5. Smores Kit

Last but not least, a cute homemade Smores kit will surely be a hit.  These are simple to make, inexpensive, and will work well for guests of all ages.

Ready to start planning your wedding or social event? Contact us or call 732-542-5050! Our knowledgeable staff  is here to help make your day one to remember.

A beautiful way to bring together a bridal shower is to take one of the bride’s wedding colors and create a monochromatic theme.  For example, if her colors are purple and green, use all purple and play with shades and textures.   Here are some creative and affordable ways to add color throughout a bridal shower or any type of event, such as a wedding, social gathering, or corporate event.

* Colored Napkins are an affordable way to add a pop of color to each table, they usually come in a large variety of shades so you can truly get creative.

* Colored or patterned overlays add not only add color, but texture, and enrich the feel of the event across the entire room

* Escort Cards that double as favors are a great way to add color, and with two items covered in one, it’s good bang for your buck!

* The cake is another way to compliment your theme and doubles as decor. You can even try a different shade on each layer!

* Favors can add a pop of color to the table and give guests a great way to remember your event.

* Tissue Paper Flowers are an amazingly inexpensive way to add tons of color and guests are sure to love them.

Still unsure about what theme to use at your event or where to get started? Contact Branches Catering!

One of the most common wishes a bride has is for her wedding to be unique and memorable.  Small details, such as wedding favors, can really set the mood during and after the reception.  Here, at Branches Catering, we understand how important these creative details can be.  We work hard to not only bring you some fun ideas through our blog, but also to help you implement them on your big day.

Source: www.etsy.com

Fragrance can immediately evoke a feeling, and a wedding is the perfect occasion to incorporate a signature scent. Rose complements a rose-filled flower arrangements, and citrus is perfect for a garden wedding. Spices like clove and cinnamon make an autumn day warm and memorable. Woodsy pine works well for a mountaintop ceremony. You can also pick a scent associated with your first date or proposal — just don’t forget to share the story!
Choosing and making your own solid fragrance is personal, fun and rewarding, and handmade perfumes make wonderful favors for guests or beautiful gifts for the wedding party. Add to the good feelings of the day by choosing botanicals with aromatherapy benefits. Florals are uplifting and romantic, vanilla is warm and sweet, and woods and resins can be grounding and calming. (And they smell amazing!)  Solid perfume is easy to package, carry, and re-apply at leisure. Let’s look at one way to make your own solid botanical perfumes.

You will need:
Essential oil(s)
Carrier oil (you can use jojoba, almond or olive)
Beeswax pieces (or soywax/ candelilla wax)
A small pot (stainless steel or enamel)
Measuring cups / small glass jars
Wood chop sticks or skewer sticks
Small tins / solid perfume containers
Your nose
Optional: Double boiler, kitchen thermometer, droppers / pipettes

Tip: To make a dozen half ounce perfume tins, you will need 4 oz carrier oil, 2 oz beeswax, and 120-150 drops essential oil.

Part 1: Blend the Essential Oils
If you’re new to perfumery, stick with one essential oil or simple blends of  2 or 3 scents. Add your chosen essential oils to a small amount of carrier oil in a jar. (Tip: Jojoba oil is a favorite carrier, as it has little smell of its own and a long shelf life.) As you add the essential oils, carefully note the number of drops used (you may wish to make more of the blend later). For the smoothest result, add the oils in the order of heaviest to lightest – base, middle, then top notes. Test by smelling above the container (not into it) and on your skin, using a chopstick. Test a few times; oil blends change with time. I recommend waiting 48 hours for the perfume oil to settle so you can get an accurate whiff.

Part 2: Make the Solid Perfume Base
Measure out plain carrier oil and wax (start with 2:1 by weight, or 1:1 volume). Pour the oil into a stainless steel or enamel pot, and heat it gently on the stove using the lowest heat. Keeping the heat low, carefully add the beeswax, blending continuously using a chopstick until the wax melts entirely into the oil. Remove the pot from heat. Test the consistency by getting some of the mix on a spoon; let it cool off on a paper towel for a few minutes. When it is cooled and appears solid, test it with your finger. If it feels too soft, add more wax to the pot; if too hard, add more oil.

Part 3: Make Your Solid Perfume
Add your essential oils to the base. Heat can ruin essential oils, so be very careful if you have to reheat the base; keep the mix under 120° Fahrenheit. Test your solid perfume with a spoon and on your skin; add more ingredients if needed, until you have the desired scent intensity.

Part 4: Pour Perfume in Tins and Decorate
While your perfume mix is still liquid (reheat gently if necessary), pour it into the tins. Wait until the mix is set (hardened and cooled), before moving the tins, closing the lids, or cleaning up any spills; this should take under 10 minutes. Decorate to your heart’s content!

To see more of this article, please visit www.etsy.com

NJ wedding receptions are always a treat for guests and the bridal party! And what better way to let your guests indulge during your Central NJ wedding that providing a candy buffet table! Branches Catering, your perfect sport for a NJ shore wedding, loves the idea of displaying a candy buffet table. What candy will you be offering at your wedding?

Source: Project Wedding

Presentation

• Use a color scheme that matches your wedding palette:  wedding colors aren’t just for the flowers and bridesmaids dresses!   Taking advantage of the colors you’ve already established can enhance your candy table’s presence, and bring cohesion to your entire reception.
• Create depth and height in your display:  with simple boxes or even phone books, you can sculpt a beautiful landscape on your table.  You can wrap the boxes in decorative paper, or even leave them bare and covered with matching linens for a refined, free-flowing cascade.
• Take advantage of your centerpieces: whether they be flowers, candles, or tiny little goldfish, using an extra centerpiece or two will not only tie into the rest of your reception, but it can also add life and freshness to your candy table.
• Don’t be afraid to use trimmings: details like good quality linens, ribbons, and paper can add nice touches to your overall display.
• Less is more:  trimmings are definitely your friends, but don’t go overboard!  Too many space fillers can potentially clutter your table and cause sensory overload!
• Consider the table: where will it be located?  Will there be a nice backdrop or wall behind it for pictures?  Or will it be open so people can access it from all sides?  Will it even have sides, or will it be round?  These are all good questions to ask yourself before deciding on a set-up design.

Candy

• Color is key:  as mentioned before, having a specific color scheme can really make your table pop.  Monochromatic palettes can also be striking and elegant.  Make sure to consider different hues and shades – for example, if your colors are red and brown, don’t be afraid of using different shades of reds and pinks.  If using primarily dark colors, try to use trimmings in lighter shades to bring energy to your table.
• Check the weather:  Will it be hot or sunny?  Will the table be indoors or outdoors?  If indoor, will there be AC?  If you’re worried about warmth, save the stress and avoid candies that could easily melt (unfortunately this includes most chocolates)!
• Fruit seasons:  if you’re planning to use fresh fruit on your table (e.g. chocolate dipped strawberries), make sure you consider if they are even in season.  Strawberries in the winter might not be as sweet as when they’re at their peak in the summer!
• Not just candy:  if you’re open to treats in other forms, consider mini cookies, kettle corn, or spiced nuts as sweet additions.  Placing the wedding cake or groom’s cake on the same table can add visual diversity.
• Be creative:  candy isn’t just made to be eaten, but also to play with!  Bundle large lollipops together like a bouquet of flowers, or skewer some marshmallows to simulate kabobs – the possibilities are endless.
• Keep it simple: having a variety of flavors and different types of candy can be satisfying to everyone, but don’t be afraid to go with a specific flavor profile.  Whether it be a gummy bear bar or a chocolate truffle tribute, your guests will definitely enjoy the sugar rush!
• Don’t buy too much!  It’s easy to worry about not having enough for everyone, but if you’re planning to include a meal and cake in your reception, guests probably won’t be stuffing themselves with extra sugar.  A small portion of ½ cup (4 oz) or less is a good estimate per person.  If you want to buy in bulk for a visual effect, save large containers for popular candies so you won’t have too many leftovers.

Containers and Supplies

• More than jars:  apothecary jars and similar containers tend to be the standard, but don’t miss out on other shapes and sizes you can find elsewhere!  Vases are fabulously inexpensive alternatives, and are easy to find.  If you’re going for opaque containers, small pails can give a rustic vibe, and wicker baskets can be cute and lighthearted.   Don’t be afraid to use cake stands, flat platters, and other serving ware to give your guests a variety of ways to choose their sweets!
• Scoops and things:  when choosing containers, make sure you keep in mind how your guests are going to get the candy out!  Scoops, tongs, and other serving ware should be small enough to get the goods!
• Individual containers:  if your table is set up as a DIY favor station, little bags or mini boxes can be great take-homes.  Dress them up with a little label and ribbon and your guests have a tasty treat for later.  Clear plastic cups or even napkins are an inexpensive option if you prefer the candy to be eaten on the spot.

To continue reading this article, please visit Project Wedding.

Wedding favors are not mandatory, but guests love them and it’s a great opportunity to splash a little more style into your celebration. While doing your wedding planning it may be tough to come up with ideas for your favors, but we have some that can help spark your creativity! Whether you’re having a tented vineyard wedding or an elegant beach wedding, Branches Catering can help you with your amazing day.

Source: Elegala.com

No, they’re not mandatory, but wedding favors are a great way to thank your guests for sharing in your celebration. They’re also a fun little extra to tie in the style of the occasion.

Today, almost anything goes. And just like the rest of the event, wedding favors should reflect the personality of the bride and groom. Not sure where to begin? Read on…
Wedding Favors Ideas

Some of our favorite wedding favor ideas and trends:

Edible Treats
Everyone loves something to eat, so delight your guests with something sweet or savory. Chocolates, almonds and candies are always popular. Or give a regional favorite from your wedding location – peanuts in Georgia, Vermont maple syrup, or hot salsa in Texas.

Something Homemade
Along those lines – test your culinary skills and make a homemade jam or spread for your guests. (package them in festive customized jars!)

Quench their thirst
If your budget allows it, wow your guests with a nice bottle of wine, whether a selection served at the wedding or from a local winery. If you’re really ambitious, consider making your own – and stamp it with a personalized label. This is one of our favorite wedding favor ideas! (plan ahead, this must be done at least 3 months in advance)

Entertain Them
Give your guests something that will forever remind them of your wedding day. Nothing brings someone back to a special moment quite like a song. So make wedding playlist, and feature songs from the ceremony and reception. Getting married in a place known for a great music scene? Feature selections from local artists. Or if the two of you just love music and want to share your tastes with your guests, make a cd of your favorites. Every time they pop it into the player, they’ll think of you and what a great time they had at your celebration.

Personalize it
These days, almost any item or trinket can be personalized, so think of something creative that goes along with your wedding theme, and stamp it with your initials or wedding date. You name it; someone can customize it – golf balls, koozies, ornaments, seashells, matchbooks, candles or soaps. You’re only limited by your imagination. We’ve even seen fortune cookies filled with personalized fortunes!

Give something back
Another one of our favorite wedding favor ideas: Some brides are foregoing the traditional favor altogether, instead making a donation to their favorite charity. You can print nice cards that read “in lieu of a favor, a donation has been made to xyz charity.” Just be sure your chosen charity is legitimate, and get a receipt for tax purposes.
How and When to Give Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are all about presentation. A few m & m’s can be the epitome of luxury when wrapped in a pretty package. Choose packaging that matches or complements your wedding colors and table decor. Matching ribbons and personalized logo stickers or favor labels always add a nice touch. Depending on the favor you choose to give, the choice of packaging may be obvious. If not, consider these fun options:

• Mini Chinese take-out boxes (or any miniature box decorated to reflect your wedding style)
• Miniature canvas bags (printed with your monogram or wedding logo!)
• A Seashell
• Customized bottles or jars
• Miniature baskets
• Small Julep cups
• Mini Terracotta pots

In determining just how and when to present them, you also have some options. Set up a table and display them along with a card that says “Please take one” or “Thank You.” (this makes for a lovely photo opp!). Or make your favors part of your table decor and place one at each place setting. A waiter or coatroom attendant can also hand them out at a designated time. Some couples even add the extra special personal touch of distributing them personally to their guests as they leave the reception. However, due to timing and logistics, this method is best saved for smaller weddings.
What Wedding Favors Cost

Remember, favors are simply a nice gesture to cap off a successfully planned and fully considered event. They need not drain your budget. Expect to spend around $1 per guest on the low end, and just like any other element of a wedding, costs can always creep up to suit your wildest imaginations (hmmm – the diamond encrusted picture frames sure sound nice…).

If budget is a concern, you don’t necessarily need to cross favors off of your expense list. Food and candy items are often inexpensive and always popular. Or round up your family or bridesmaids for a fun night of homemade favor-making. Even if you have your heart set on a high-end item, save by giving one gift per couple, placed between their dinner plates and tagged with the couple’s names (of course, your single friends will each still receive one). Or get two things for the price of one, and ask your florist to create centerpieces that can be split into tiny bouquets for your guests to take home. Our favor budget guide provides even more ways to save on wedding favors

Just like everything else in the wedding planning process, if you would really like to give favors at your wedding, you can always find a way to make it fit within your budget.

For the full article please visit Elegala.com