There are all sorts of fun ways to get your favors into your guests’ hands.

One Favor At Each Place Setting: Place a favor on or around each plate. For this set-up, you should purchase one favor for each guest (including children), as well as a few extras in case of damage or unexpected guests.

One Favor Per Couple: More economical than the previous set-up, this system cuts the favor budget in half. Place the favor between the place settings of each couple, and be sure to label them with the recipients’ names. All couples, including married couples and casual dates, share a favor. Guests who attend without a date should be provided with an individual favor. Don’t forget the kids. Children and young adults attending the wedding with parents should be given their own favors; siblings should not be asked to share.

Favor Displays: Rather than placing favors directly on the guests’ tables, why not place all of your favors in a central location? Arrange your favors in beautiful baskets, or stack them in fun designs. Place a sign next to the favor display inviting your guests to take one. Purchase one favor for each guest (including children), as well as a few extras in case of damage, unexpected guests and “double-dipping.” While you may have favors left over, you should not intentionally provide fewer favors than guests.

Valet Help: If there will be valet parking at your reception, ask the valets to help by placing favors inside the cars of your guests. How about bagels and cream cheese along with the New York Times? Or a small box of donuts? A CD with the two of you singing or giving a “thank you” message is another clever idea, as is a an air freshener hung on each rearview mirror!