I have a bone to pick with Glamour magazine and their recent wedding survey. Actually, my bone picking is directed toward some misguided, anonymous wedding planner who suggested that brides "Don't blow your budget on things that people won't remember or care about, like wedding party favors, which no one really remembers afterward."

IS SHE KIDDING? How long does she or he really think guests remember what flowers graced the altar, or what was said at the ceremony, or what color your limos were, or whether your gown was strapless or a sheath, or what your centerpieces looked like or whether your ice sculpture was a heart or a swan? Give me a break! But if you pick the right wedding favors, your guests will remember your day every time they use them.

Want some examples? I got the airplane luggage tag you see in the upper-left corner at my cousin's wedding in Maine. I put it on my weekender suitcase, and everytime I take a trip and see that tag, I remember what a great time I had at her wedding, but I couldn't tell you what her flowers looked like. My brother and sister-in-law attended a wedding where the wedding favors were the gorgeous, silver "The Perfect Pair" Salt & Pepper Shakers. She keeps them on her kitchen table, so every breakfast and lunch brings back memories of their friend's daughter's wedding. And there are some fantastic, chrome bottle stopper wedding favors everyone uses when they get them home. When they pop them into a wine bottle, they'll remember where they got them. And when their guests ask them where they got the cool bottle stopper, they'll tell them about your wedding--and I guarantee you they're not going to remember the flowers or the limos or any of the other details, but they'll always have your "thank you" gift to remind them of your wedding.

If I ever had a wedding planner tell me to get rid of the wedding favors, I'd be getting rid of that wedding planner, who clearly isn't familiar with the amazing wedding favors available--and at affordable prices. A bride on a budget doesn't have to give up anything if she knows where to look!

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