Money Saving Tips

Disposable Cameras: Cut those photography bills by providing each table with a disposable camera! Allow your guests to capture the moments you might miss. Make an announcement when everyone is seated that this is the purpose of the disposable camera sitting on each table & the guests are welcome to pick it up & use it. Make sure you also ask them to leave it on the table as they leave. We would also like to mention the fact that you shouldn't be paying more than $6.00 per camera.
Make your own favors: Some ideas are: (keep the month in mind and try to coordinate accordingly). My suggestion would be your local dollar store, then your local party store. Try to pick a favor that people will be able to use or display in their home.
November-January : Give out Christmas ornaments (tie the bridal ribbon to the top of the ornament this way the guest has the option to take it off when they hang it on their tree, or remembering the special day always). Depending on the type of ornament, Christmas balls usually come 4 or more to a box depending on the size. This brakes down to less than $2.00 per favor. Depending on how savvy of a shopper you are, you might even plan way ahead & wait for the after Christmas sale to buy the ornaments at 50% off!! Other $$ saving favors for these months: a seasonal cookie cutter, or a frame.
February: Try your local dollar store (most areas have one nearby) or check in your local phone book for the nearest location. Try to buy something that has a heart shape (being that the shower is in the same month as Valentine's Day! Look for votive candle holders with hearts or Valentine's cherubs on the outside. Maybe they have other glass candle decorations in heart shapes. While you are at the dollar store look for small decorative bags and ribbon. You can usually buy in bulk & cheap too. Bargain a little if the owner is available, after all it is a bargain store! They usually have a wide selection in late February/early March (so keep your eyes open) and shop early. You might even find red table cloths and matching cutlery/dinnerware to go with the theme. Other $$ saving favors for February might be a heart shaped cookie cutter.
March: You may go with a St. Patrick's Day theme (color wise). Check the dollar store for matching cutlery/dinnerware, a party store is the next best bet. Potpourri satchels, scented candles, candies wrapped in tulle are just a few favor ideas. Other $$ saving favors for March might be a seasonal (4 leaf clover) shaped cookie cutter.
April: It's Springtime! Easter too! Try spring colors, check your local dollar store for matching cutlery/dinnerware, a party store is the next best bet. You may want to look for springtime favors at the local dollar store. Some ideas would be glass candle holders, scented candles, potpourri satchels, an Easter cookie cutter, etc.
May/June: Same tips as April basically. It's now the summer season so you can also include such shower favors as outdoor pitcher sets (if you buy in bulk this brings the price way down). After all if the guests don't have a family, they can take a cool drink outdoors for themselves. In my opinion guests would rather get a shower favor they can use, as opposed to one that collects dust on the shelf. A set of movie tickets (perhaps you have a Movie Theatre in the area & all guests are local). The theatre may sell them to you at a group rate. Other $$ saving favors for May/June might be a cookie cutter, a glass candle holder, scented candles, and potpourri satchels.
July: 4th of July might be a great theme. Check your local dollar store for matching cutlery/dinnerware, a party store is the next best bet. See what types of candles they have in stock, candle votive holders, etc. In my opinion you can never go wrong with a candle holder. It's reusable, and even if it's a themed votive holder, it can be used year after year. Other $$ saving favors for July might be a seasonal shaped cookie cutter.
August/September: Fall is setting in, go with a fall color scheme. Check your local dollar store for matching cutlery/dinnerware, a party store is the next best bet. See what types of candles they have in stock, candle votive holders, etc. You might opt for a picture frame? If that's the case, try hot gluing some pretty outdoor leaves to it & then attach the shower ribbon as well. Perhaps you can find a medium sized candy dish (at the dollar store) shaped as a leaf to set on the coffee table with candy in it. This is just another favor idea that's under $2.00 & your guests may use year after year. Other $$ saving favors for August/September might be a seasonal shaped cookie cutter.
October: Halloween! Be bold, try going for the color scheme of Black & Orange! Check your local dollar store for matching cutlery/dinnerware, a party store is the next best bet. See what types of candles they have in stock, candle votive holders, etc. In my opinion you can never go wrong with a candle holder. It's reusable, and even if it's a themed votive holder, it can be used year after year. Sometimes they even have Halloween shaped dishes, figurines, etc. Be sure to change between wrappings on your favors (black & orange tulle perhaps, or black & orange cellophane for the full effect). Other $$ saving favors for October might be a seasonal shaped cookie cutter.