In a time when the environment is one of the most important topics on the minds of everyone, even brides are looking to “do their part.”

Giving “green” favors to guests isn’t a trend - it’s a way for a couple to give back. Not just to guests, but to their children, and their childrens’ children. To the world.

As we become more aware of the consequences of our daily lives upon the earth, people are more appreciative of the little things - like the wildflowers they pass in a field while driving to work, or the perfectly blue sky on a clear, sunny day.

No longer looking for China-made pewter that takes extensive gasoline to export and ship, (mainly due to its weight,) guests are happy to receive plantable favors, bio-degradable packaging, and even notes on recycled paper stating that a donation was made in their name to an earth-friendly charity.

Seed packets and seed tin favors are a favorite among 2008 brides, as are lavender sachets among bridal shower hosts.

Companies like bloembox are making headlines on Oprah, the Today Show, HGTV, and FoodTV, and in major magazines like InStyle, Woman’s Day and Family Circle, with their “eco-friendly” floral seed favor tins and boxes

More companies are jumping on board, but it’s not a bandwagon their joining. It’s a movement.A change. A change in the way we’re all thinking. A change in the way we’re all living.

When planning your wedding, no matter what the theme, consider giving your guests an earth-friendly favor at your event, and make your mark on the world while making your vows to your partner.

Not only will you feel good about it, but your guests will appreciate it too!

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Authored by Tiffany Lamothe of Favor Bonanza.

Tiffany Lamothe is owner of Favor Bonanza - an online retailer offering wedding favors, bridal shower favors, anniversary favors, and more.

The “Candy Buffet”  is a HOT item for weddings and events.  Heck, everybody loves candy!  They are replacing the “Wedding Favors” as your guests will want to take candy home.  They are easy to set up too. All you need is containers, candy, scoops and a little creativity. Your guests will LOVE it.

You can spice up the table with tablecloths, table runners, flowers, and pictures. These things can be added to make your candy buffet table look FABULOUS.

Color makes a difference. Co-ordinated colors look more elegant than random selections. Add extras to the table: Fountain, fortune cookies, cookies, brownies, bowls of fruit for the healthy option, napkins, take home bags/containers.

Add something salty or sour: Yummy! Salt or sour goes with sweet. Your candy buffet doesn’t have to be all candy. Add potato chips or pretzels maybe some sour balls. Fresh fruit and cheese work great as well.

How much candy should you purchase? I wish there was a hard fast rule to this question. Some say 1/4 LB per guest, others say 1/2 LB per guest. But it’s all about the way your candy looks. Plan by how you want the display to look, not how many guests are coming. Having enough candy is crucial in making your candy buffet look good.

Take your candy buffet bags/containers that the guests will be taking home with them to your local grocery store and fill them the types of candy you will have for your event. Then weigh them. Multiply by how many guests, then you will get an idea of the pounds.

It takes approximately 95 Hershey’s Kisses to equal one pound of chocolate, and there are There are 25 Jelly Belly beans in an ounce,

“Love is SWEET !”

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Randi has been coordinating weddings since 1999.  She now gives free advise to brides and is co-owner in CandyScoopStore.com.