On a wedding I just worked on the couple had a very nice and touching favor. Throughout their courtship, the groom showered his future bride with roses ALL the time. And guess what?! She saved them, dried them and for their wedding tied them up in white netting. They even had a sign that told the story of the rose petals and asked that guests shower them with the petals as they came down the aisle as husband and wife. The funny thing was, once people read the story, they didn't want to throw the roses! They kept them and those that did throw wanted more. It was so sweet.
Now that I've written all that you are thinking what is the money saver here?! Incorporate something from your courtship or relationship into your favors. Start now, saving rose petals, letters, etc. If your intended always writes you poetry or stories, use one of those, (be sure the content is PG) copy it onto colored or nice paper, tie it with pretty ribbon and use them as favors. Presto! A unique and personalized favor that costs you next to nothing!
