The wedding favors are usually a last minute thought of every bride. In the middle of planning their whirlwind wedding plans, wedding favors may seem like a minor detail, but especially if you are an eco minded bride then there are lots of ideas out there for simple, easy, earth friendly wedding favors that are still classy and elegant in their own way. Here are some ideas to help you choose the most creative, eco friendly wedding favors for your reception.

1.Tree seedling favors. Did you know you could buy tree seedlings from the Arbor Day Foundation for about $3.00? That’s cheap when you consider how much you would spend on non earth friendly favors. The tree seedlings are two years old and the come well packaged, so you don’t have to worry about a mess.

2.Soy candle favors. If you are truly eco conscience, then soy candles are much better that paraffin or beeswax candles. They also have the advantage of burning cooler and longer, and you can usually buy soy candles a lot cheaper than any other type of candles.

3.Handmade stationery set favors. Handmade stationery can be purchased at many fine stationery stores and they are made out of biodegradable materials and many are made with wildflower seeds.

4.Small potted plant favors. Sending your guests home with a gift that just keeps on giving is the best type of favor. Visit a local nursery or farmer’s market and purchase small flowers or other plants and plant them in small pots. You can even hand paint your names and wedding date on the pot to give it an added personal touch. You may even consider attaching specific care instructions for the particular plant you’ve selected such as what kind of light they prefer, how often they need to be watered, etc.

5.Flower seedling packet favors. Why not purchase some personalized seed packets and fill them with your favorite type of flower or maybe a type of flower you used on your wedding day? Wildflower seedlings are also great because they don’t require much attention and they can be planted anywhere.

6.Cup o’ tea favors. You can purchase personalized packets of tea or you can buy organic tea bags from your local super market or health food store and put them in pretty little packages for added effect. There is nothing more relaxing than a cup of great tea, and this is a favor everyone is sure to appreciate.

7.Gift of scents favors. Another great idea is to make satchels or potpourri bags full of organic herbs. You can choose herbs like rosemary, lavender, or rose petals, or you can get creative and create your own mix. You can attach a card to the bag that says your names, wedding date, and a brief history of your chosen herb and what it represents.

8.Charitable donation favors. Another great, eco friendly gift is to make a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of your guests. Even if you just donate $1.00 per guest, your donation could add up to anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the size of your guest list. You can find a list of great charities online or maybe ask around to friends and family and see if they have any charities that hold a special meaning to them. For instance if your grandmother has/had breast cancer, maybe you could make a donation to the Susan B. Komen Foundation, or if children tug at your heart strings, maybe you could make your donation to Feed the Children.