Autumn is here. Vibrant leaves, cool weather, and pumpkin-spiced coffee drinks everywhere. I love this season.
Last week I went to a rustic wedding and reception here in Connecticut. I have to tell you that I'm all about themes and the little details. That said, I was struck by how gorgeous the simple, autumn theme was.
With all the tasks involved in planning a wedding, favors for guests are often last on the to-do list. However, early planning avoids last-minute issues like shipping delays. Besides, choosing wedding favors can be fun!
Here are five ideas worth considering for a fall wedding.
1. Maple syrup
Maple syrup, a traditional wedding favor in New England, makes a terrific wedding favor everywhere during the fall. You can buy wedding favor syrup bottles from several online stores or make your own.
At the wedding I attended, each guest's place setting had a small glass jar of local maple syrup topped off with autumnal fabric and twine. The syrup sat next to an engraved natural wood placeholder. Simple and adorable.
2. Natural wood coaster
Natural wood coasters add the right amount of charm to rustic weddings.
Whether you have them engraved or opt to engrave them yourself (with a wood-burning tool and lots of practice if you're new to this), you can find the coasters on Etsy and Amazon. Choose rustic reclaimed wood coasters with “live” edges or birch wood coasters with polished edges.
3. Harvest candle
Who doesn't like a pretty candle? Candles make attractive and useful wedding favors any time of year. Be sure to embrace autumn's colors and seasonal scents.
A layered candle, like the one above in clear glass, hits the right tone for rustic weddings and more formal weddings alike.
Or, choose a wood candle holder made from a natural wood slice with its center cut out to hold a tea candle. You can buy them complete with personalized tags and accented with tiny dried flowers.
Or, if you're a DIY'er, consider making your own candles and adding a delicious scent like spiced apple cider or pumpkin pie.
4. Coffee beans
Who doesn’t love a good cup of joe? Coffee is always a popular wedding favor plus coffee beans smell great!
Choose your favorite coffee as a couple, or pick several different types. Use your local coffee shop or purchase the beans online. Consider trying fun autumn flavors like Vermont Maple Crunch or Caramel Apple Spice.
Then, keep the rustic autumn theme going by packaging the coffee beans in tiny burlap bags. There are some terrific shops that sell the right size burlap bags and many will even personalize them for you.
5. Mason jars
Mason jars are just so useful and versatile. Available in a variety of sizes, with or without lids, it’s fun to fill them up with candies, chocolates, or just about anything.
A basic cookie mix (dry ingredients and recipe) gives a sweet homemade vibe. Tie on a cute little cookie-cutter, maybe in the shape of a heart or a maple leaf.
Then, dress up your jars with ribbons and lace or simply wrap the mouth of the glass in twine and attach your personalized tag.
Alternatively, you may want to paint Mason jars in your wedding color(s). It's easy to give them a “distressed” vintage look too and they make nice vases.
I also want to mention tiny Mason jars because they’re just so darn cute! I found some on Etsy etched with the words “love” and “perfect.” Naturally, they can only hold a tiny quantity of mints, M&Ms, etc.
Whatever favors you decide on, remember to have fun and not stress over little things like wedding favors. After all, rustic weddings by definition are casual, natural, and simple.