“Acceptable” wedding favors used to be cunningly packaged candy-coated almonds. Five almonds were given to symbolize happiness, health, wealth, children, and longevity, and each almond had a touch of savory almost-bitterness with a candy coating for sweetness. In the Hudson Valley of the third millennium, acceptable wedding favors are whatever you decide. They are little gifts that say,
“We love each other, we love you, and we feel so lucky we want it to rub off on you even after the wedding is over.”
So put your own spin on symbolism, and let your favors blend with your theme, your style, and your day. Personalizing small packages is extremely affordable with modern technology at your disposal, and small packages can contain some very special items.
SYMBOLS
Health & Sustenance
Snack-sized artisanal local foods
Personalized seed packages
Miniature potted succulent plants
Aromatherapy incense
Prosperity & Abundance
Small bags of polished semi-pr ecious stones
Ganesha the Elephant G od in anything from
chocolate to metal
Peacock feathers
Light & Wisdom
Candles in pretty holders
A poem or lyric in a small f rame
Certificates describing a donation
you’ve made in their names
Love
Charms or keychains featuring hearts, Celtic love knots, or starfish designs.
sources
Research local growers, food crafters, wineries, artisans, and jewelers. Some places offer specialties designed just for this purpose. Many others offer wonderful products that even a slightly crafty person can divvy up and put into elegant personalized packages
THINKING OUTSIDE THE ENVELOPE…Wedding gifts used to be such a simple subject, and sometimes they still are. Folks just setting up a home need a lot of basics, and some cultures cut to the chase by considering the perfect wedding gift to be the fattest envelope of cash that a guest can muster. After all, who doesn’t need that? The cash tradition does make up for in practicality what it lacks in romance.
There’s a similar logic behind the registry, designed to ensure that a couple gets what they need together without ending up with three identical toasters. It’s a beautiful thing.
…AND OUTSIDE OF HOUSEWARESIt’s increasingly common for the two parties to a marriage to be combining households these days – deciding which of their toasters to keep, rather than hoping that Uncle Ed will crash through with a new one. The whole concept of a registry has evolved to take this reality into account. Couples can and do register for art, books, music,
garden plants, gym memberships, and DIY home improvement supplies. Your favorite indie retailers will be more than happy to help. The perfect gift in recognition of love speaks of the giver’s good wishes and personal blessing on the union. A wedding gift says, “Mazel Tov.” A wedding gift says, “I want to see you thrive.”
FIND THE JOY OF TRUE GIVINGIf you’re giving a wedding gift and there’s no registry to lean on, fear not. Think about your marrying friend or relation and what brings them the most joy, find an object or activity or subscription or gift card that will give them an opportunity to share that with their newly-wedded spouse, and you’ve got a wedding gift with value added that no envelope of cash could match.
FEELING HUGELY BLESSEDIf you’re on the receiving end, make a registry as unique to the two of you as a combined thumbprint. If you really don’t need a thing, you can celebrate your joining with a registry of your favorite local good works. Your wedding can help house the homeless or teach people to read. Wedding gifts are love energy made visible, that’s all. Enjoy.
HERZOG’S HOME CENTER Kingston, 845-338-6300,
herzogs.comOur gift department is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re shopping for a wedding, engagement, bridal shower, or bridesmaid party, you will be pleasantly surprised by their selection. They offer everything from fine candles to cook ware, jewelry, and even gourmet foods. And the best part is they’ll take care of the gift-wrapping, free of charge.
WILLIAMS LUMBER
High Falls, Red Hook, Rhinebeck
845-687-7676, 845-758-5615, 845-876-9663
williamslumber.com At a loss for what to give? You can never go wrong with the gift of home improvement. For 63 years, the Williams family and staff have been committed to providing unsurpassed excellence in service, quality, and price. Pick up a gift card at one of their nine locations throughout the Hudson Valley, and receive guaranteed gratitude for your gift!
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 FROM 1-4PM
bzz@hiveevent.com;
hiveevent.com
Hive Event Collective presents, “off the beaten path,” a wedding expo at Hellbrook Farms LTD. This creative, relaxed, collaborative event will feature Hive members working together to present their clients with an overall wedding-design conception. Hellbrook Farms sits on 50 acres featuring two miles of trails and a horse boarding operation. The stone house, circa 1750, is attached to a Dutch barn, circa 1765. The barn is available as a B&B through airbnb.com and is available for events.
“THE {UNEXPECTED} WEDDING EXPO
SATURDAY MAY 9 FROM 6:30-10PM
168 Cornell Street 2nd Floor, Kingston, 845-594-4428
blog: unexpectedexpo.wix.com/unexpectedexpo
cornellstreetstudios.com
A fun and fabulous way to meet and mingle with wedding professionals in your area, the {unexpected} wedding expo is a bridal show for the senses. This event was created by Cristina Alsip and Renée Darmstadt to inspire Brides and Grooms to envision what their actual wedding day can be like!
This is your chance to experience your vendors and give local wedding professionals the opportunity to showcase who they are and what they do in a totally chill and super creative environment.” At Cornell St. Studios in Kingston.
“We want you to taste the food, smell the flowers, meet your beauty team, mingle with designers and dance the night away to your DJ/ Band. The possibilities are endless!”
