Brides - Niagara Gazette January 2020 | Page 5

BRIDES MAGAZINE JANUARY 2020 THE EVOLUTION OF W wedding favors edding favors have changed — and in many cases for the better. Fa- vors have evolved from the inexpensive trinkets purchased in bulk into more personalized mementos that guests can cherish. Today’s couples are interested in customizing their weddings and offering guests something meaningful, or at the very least, edible, so that favors don’t immediately get relegated to the trash can. According to Heather Jones of Wente Vineyards in California, favors have moved from “goodie bags” toward items that are experimental and fun. Wedding planners from across the country offer these wedding favor trends that couples may want to incorporate into their own celebrations. Welcome bags Rather than take-home bags, welcome bags have replaced the tradi- tional favor trinket at some weddings. Many weddings have become multi-day events that ask guests traveling from out of town to attend a wedding weekend. To help greet them and make their experience memorable, couples may fill a gift bag with items guests can use or enjoy during their stay — like a bottle of locally sourced maple syrup or some handmade soaps from a nearby shopkeeper. Experience gifts Instead of a candle or a mono- grammed cake server, think of experi- ences to offer guests. A coupon for free drinks at a nearby brewery, a tour of a 5