Contributed by Info Guru Lindsay Shugerman

I think garden weddings are some of the most beautiful choices for celebrating a new marriage. But when it comes to favors for your guests, many brides aren’t sure what works for a garden wedding.

Somehow the ordinary favors pale in the sunshine and breezes of a garden. If you’re wondering how to say thank you to your guests for sharing your special day, here are ten suggestions to make your favors as memorable as your wedding day.

10. Pots of rosemary

Rosemary is traditionally known as the symbol of fidelity, and so were often included in wedding bouquets. Continue the symbolism by using tiny pots with rosemary plants as part of the table decorations, then let guests take them home as favors. You can attach little scrolls with the mean of the plant, or use them as placecards by writing names on the pots.

Start the rosemary seeds growing about two months before your wedding for plants that will just fill your little pots.

9. Tiny umbrellas

No, I don’t mean the kind you find in tropical drinks. I’m talking about the collapsible umbrellas that fold down to fit in a purse or pocket. So why umbrellas?

Weather is unpredictable in the garden. One day might bring showers, the next could be too hot and bright. An umbrella can help guests feel more comfortable either way. And if the weather is perfect? No worries…every one can use another umbrella! Try to find them in your wedding colors…or opt for plain white or black for a dramatic look if they’re all opened.

8. Seed packets

Seeds are a natural for garden wedding favors. Not only does it allow guests to take home some of the garden experience, it’s an inexpensive option. You can tie together two or three seed packets with ribbons in your wedding colors for only a few dollars per guest. You can even order custom printed seed packets with your names and the wedding date imprinted on them. Place the seed packets on the tables, or have them in baskets for guests to take as they leave the reception.

7. Nature sounds CDs

Sending guests home with a CD of sounds from a garden is a wonderful way to remind them of your day. Look for sounds recorded in your part of the world/country for a more personal touch. You can leave the liner notes as is, or insert a message from you two to your guests.

6. Pashminas or blankets

For garden weddings during a chilly season, consider draping a pashmina, lap blanket or light jacket on the back of each chair. If yours is a vintage or shabby chic wedding, shop for these favors in your local thrift store — the mismatched look makes them conversation pieces as well as a way to stay warm.

5. Inspirational stones

Remind your guests of your wedding with small stones engraved with an inspirational word, like “Dream”, “Believe” or “Love.” It’s probably best to leave the message general rather than adding your names or wedding date…those kinds of over personalized favors tend to find their way to garage sales and junk drawers instead of desktops.

4. Bird seed

Encourage your guests to feed the feathered friends we all love in a garden by presenting each with a small bag or jar of bird seed. Or take it to the next step and give each guest a small bird feeder, too. Hummingbird feeders are another inexpensive choice.

3. One or two flowers in vases

Never underestimate the elegance of a flower or two in a pretty bud vase. You can use these small spots of color as table decorations, then offer them to guests as favors. Have a basket of those little green water-filled single stem flower carriers ready when guests start to leave…that way there won’t be water spills in everyone’s cars. (You can buy them online in bulk, or locally from many larger florists.)

2. Watering cans

Small indoor plants-sized watering cans are another good choice as garden wedding favors. Fill them with candy and decorate them with a ribbon with a message of thanks.

1. Windchimes

Use windchimes in the trees during your wedding ceremony and reception, then send your guests home with a tiny set of windchimes of their own. That way the delicate sounds of their chimes will remind them of the special day they spent with the two of you.

Choosing garden wedding favors is easy if you focus on the things that make a garden so special.