Inexpensive wedding favors can become great money-savers. Since this is something where it’s easy to spend a lot of money, making your own favors can not only allow you the freedom to be creative, but to save some money for other things too. Here are a few ideas:

• Make candy favors. Buy a simple candy kit of either lollypop or chocolate pops. It’s generally easy to do and you can still be creative with it. Consider putting your initials along with your fiancé’s in the chocolate as it’s drying. You can buy candy kits at Walgreen’s or Sam’s Club.

• Make a tribute to the ones you love.The American Cancer Society has a nice idea for making a tribute to those loved ones you may have lost that you want to remember on your special day. A tribute to your loved one is printed on some fancy paper that is rolled into a scroll and tied with some pretty ribbon. Each one is given to a guest

• Classic Candy and Tulle. Not very original, but inexpensive. Simply take your favorite candy and buy some tulle with ribbon, and place it on each guest’s plate. Or, if you want to be more original, take your favorite-smelling potpourri and put that in place of the candy instead.

• Make your own candles. Buy a candle-making kit and make some pretty little candles. Decorate them as you wish, with beads, lace and colors. Another fun idea is to decorate each candle with a special picture with you and your fiancé together. It will be fun and entertaining for your guests, as well as giving them something to talk about as they compare pictures with each other.

• “Don’t Quote Me On This.” Buy some ribbon and (if you can remember) print or type all the “famous sayings” that you and your fiancé have exchanged through years (or months) of dating. Let it range from funny memories to romantic memories, his first pick-up line and your reaction, maybe even the irate things that were said in a fight that you now can look back on and laugh at. It will be a fun project for you and your fiancé to look back through your dating times; plus, this wedding favor idea allows your guests an intimate picture of how you’ve grown together. Once you have printed all your ribbons, tie them on a pair of bells, or bubble favors, or even just some heart suckers .also

Planning on having a wedding or baby shower soon? Getting favors is a nice way of saying thank you to your guests for coming. Here are some tips for saving money when purchasing baby shower or wedding favors.

1. Buy extras off other people - Oftentimes, people get too many favors for their occasion. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. Once the celebration is over, however, these people may be willing to sell you their leftover favors at a sharp discount. If you don't know anyone personally, then look in the classifieds in both local and national papers as well as online auction sites like ebay.

2. Buy in bulk and sell the leftovers - Sometimes you will be able to save money by buying in bulk. You can sell the extras to other people. If you know other people that are having weddings or baby showers, then you can combine your orders and benefit from lower costs and possibly bulk purchase incentives like free shipping.

3. Make your own favors - If you are crafty, then you can make your own favors. Purchase all the materials at your local craft shop or online. Since you are making them from scratch, you can customize and personalize as well. People will appreciate the effort that went into making your own favors.

4. Find a craftsman - If you find a local craftsman or artist, then there is a chance that you can get a great price from them for your favors. Another possibility is an art student that is still in school. They will usually work for less money than a full time professional.

5. Flea markets and thrift shops - Flea markets and thrift shops are great places to locate bargain items. Also check out closeouts, store sales, garage sales, and live auctions. Oftentimes, you can also negotiate prices with these vendors.

6. As you can see, there are many ways to save money when shopping for gifts for your guests. Follow these tips and you are sure to save money or favors and supplies for your wedding, baby shower, or any other special occasion.