When I think back to when I planned my wedding, the toughest part was picking out the perfect favor to show your guests the appreciation deserved for attending the happiest day of your life (and bringing you and your new spouse a gift). When you really think about it, those in attendance spent a lot of time picking out the perfect ensemble and getting ready for the festivities. They are as happy to be there to share on your special day as you are to have them, so thanking them properly is crucial.

The ideal favor will be something your guests can actually use, not collect dust on the back of a knick-knack shelf, or worse- something that ends up in the garbage. This is your hard earned money, so don’t let it go to waste. Here are some good ideas for wedding favors that won’t end up on the floor in the attic closet:

• Hand-Held Photo Albums- A photo album will be used and appreciated by all of the guests at your wedding. Now any snapshots taken by your friends and family will be kept in a very special place in their home.

• Heart-Shaped Soaps- Not only will the recipients of these favors be thrilled, they’ll be clean, too! A few miniature ones in different colors can be placed in an organza bag, tied with a ribbon with a heart-shaped “thank-you” note attached to the top. Or one larger soap in a pretty box and tissue paper makes a great favor that won’t end up in the trash.

• Custom Chocolate Bars- A delightful delectable that’s wrapper will add a beautiful focal point to any scrapbook page.

• Wedding-Themed, Salt and Pepper Shakers- While they might not be used every day, anything that comes in pairs is a great favor, as one represents the bride and the other, the groom. They certainly won’t go to waste and might just end up coming out on special occasions when the reminiscent topic of the day will be your special day.

• Heart-Shaped Coffee Scoop-Again, it’s something that nearly every guest will enjoy, use and keep forever. If you have the means, you can add a single-pot package of gourmet coffee.

• Heart-Shaped Bottle Opener and/or Corkscrew- Another item that will be brought out on special occasions.

There are a lot of companies out there, both on the World Wide Web and brick-and-mortar physical locations that specialize in favors for weddings, showers, and other festive occasions. No matter where you choose to buy from, make sure you read all of the fine print for any extra charges (like customization) that may send your budget out of whack. But most of all, you need to relax and have fun picking out the perfect “thank-you” for the biggest day of your life.