Recommended wedding favors?

Question:

(Phone conversation)

Dear Rev. Coleman,

We went to several weddings last year, and I love the idea of wedding favors, but actually, the favors we saw at our friends' weddings were pretty, but not very practical. Any ideas?

2010 Bride

Answer:

Dear 2B (and readers!)

For this question, I defer to my own bride, my wife of almost 2 years now:

Hello, husband!

Sure, no problem! Here are the favors that I find appealing - I got them from a website, Elegant & Unique Wedding Favors, which had a huge selection:

Regal Monogram Mint Tins (Available in a Variety of Colors) Price: As low as $2.10
NOTE: Actually got these at a wedding recently, and I keep them in my purse!

For a couple who loves to travel:
Airplane Luggage Tag in Gift Box with Suitcase Tag  Price: As low as $3.55
OR:
Elegant Chrome Luggage Tag with Engraved Heart  Price: As low as $2.50

For an Asian or Asian-themed wedding:
Double Happiness Keepsake Candle  Price: As low as $1.60

Good Wishes Pearlized Photo Coasters   Price: As low as $1.84
NOTE: I like that these have multiple uses--placeholder, coaster, and picture frame.

Forever Photo Glass Coasters   Price: As low as $1.60
NOTE: These can't be used as placeholders, but they're a nice alternative to the option above if the person would rather not have the writing all over them.

Another photo coaster option:
"Fleur-de-lis" Frosted-Glass Photo Coasters    Price: As low as $1.90

Something Blue Gift Box Candle in Pearlized Box with Satin Printed Ribbon   Price: As low as $1.50
NOTE: A fun takeoff on the iconic Tiffany's box (pictured to the right).

If the bride and/or groom works as a seamstress or carpenter:
"Love Beyond Measure" Measuring Tape Keychain in Sheer Organza Bag    Price: As low as $1.40

If the bride and/or groom is a chef or really loves to cook:
"Love Beyond Measure" Heart Measuring Spoons with Free Personalized Tag   Price: As low as $2.95

If the bride and/or groom is a writer, a big reader, or has a book-related job:
"Love Story" Silver-Finish Heart-Shaped Bookmark with Elegant Silk Tassel  Price: As low as $1.50

An edible gift can be fun. Here's one example:
Love is Sweet Black and White Personalized Hershey Chocolate Bars   Price: $2.55

Some suggestions regarding wedding favors:

• I would suggest not giving anything alcohol-related. 
• Also, it's nice if the gift is something the guest could actually use. If it has the couples' names, monogram, wedding date, etc., it'll probably just get thrown away (which is fine if you're giving chocolates--another favor that's always fun to receive!). 
• Something regional or personal to the couple adds a nice touch.

Let me know if you need anything else, my darling!

Your wife
Julie Coleman
MN Premarital Counseling with Before Your Wedding Day