A sweet farewell
Finding the right details to set cake apart
Party favors are a time-honored wedding tradition, allowing the couple to put a special touch at the end of their celebration. Typically, these gifts include nonperishable items; however, couples are beginning to opt for a sweeter option.
Delectable treats are not only pleasing to the eye, but they also leave the guests with a pleasant memory of the event. Here are a few suggestions, although this compilation is not limited to the creativity of the daring couples planning their receptions.
CUSTOM COOKIES
This staple is traditional to the core, and a classic home run for those looking for a simple, yet elegant, way to send off their guests. Shortbread and sugar cookies alike can be designed into a variety of shapes, making them versatile enough to fit almost any wedding theme.
“The most popular wedding favors we make are iced shortbread cookies in various shapes — round, square, heart, plaques,” said Julie Goodnight, owner of Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery in Conway. She added that these cookies can be customized with a bride’s and groom’s monograms, wedding date and more.
CUPCAKE BARS
For those who don’t mind getting handson with their food, a do-it-yourself cupcake bar may be an appealing party favor. All this takes are plain cupcakes, icing bags and an assortment of toppings. Guests can then build their cupcake from the base up, choosing their cupcake flavor and icing type, as well as toppings, so they can leave with a tailor-made treat they’ll love.
MACAROONS
From bags to boxes, macaroons can be gifted however the bride would like to give them. Macaroons can be made by some bakeries or custom shops, and come in varying colors and sizes. If the couple are craving
a special touch, the macaroons can be designed to include monograms, dates, names and more, similar to the shortbread and sugar cookies.
MINI PIES
Mini pies can be either fried or baked, and the couple cannot go wrong with either. Pies are not only unique; they took the cake at a recent wedding that Goodnight worked.
“My favorite idea was an outdoor wedding in the backyard of a Conway home in July,” Goodnight said. “The couple had requested that a hutch be placed near the wedding and groom’s cakes. It was decorated with family doilies, and inside each compartment were their favorite flavors of fried pies.The guests could eat them at the moment, or they could pack them in a sack to take home.”
Not only did this thoughtful idea give the guests something to talk about, but Goodnight said she was swooning over the pies, too.
BOX OF CHOCOLATES
Although it’s another classic staple, a box of chocolates is not only a decadent way of saying “adieu,” it also fits nearly all wedding styles.Whether having the most formal or the most casual wedding, couples can give guests boxes of chocolates. It not only would be acceptable, but the guests would adore it. Couples looking to use this favor should note whether the chocolates will melt, given the time of year and venue of the wedding.
Other tasty favors can consist of dropshaped chocolates, mints, flavored popcorn and more.
The most popular wedding favors we make are iced shortbread cookies in various shapes — round, square, heart, plaques.” Julie Goodnight OWNER OF JULIE’S SWEET SHOPPE & BAKERY IN CONWAY