As important as it is for wedding decorations, and bridesmaids to be color coordinated, so should your wedding favors. Thematically, spring wedding favors and garden wedding favors may certainly be linked, but the color tones and hues of these must match the setting. A spring wedding may not be held outside, dependant on which region of the country the wedding will take place. “There are differences between colors used at these events,” says a wedding planner friend of mine we’ll call Mary. “It’s important that the wedding favors match not only the floral arrangements, wedding decorations, and attire of the wedding party, but all aspects of the wedding. Wedding favors are often overlooked, and sometimes distracting.” If color is desired for a wedding favor, choosing one will be most important factor.

First let’s discuss spring wedding favors. “Think Easter,” says Mary. “Pastel colors are the best choices for spring. They’re soft and pleasing to the eye without the stigma of distracting attention from the bride.” Colors such as lavender, pinks, or a light turquoise are some of the better choices. Avoid colors such as orange or yellow, and darker color schemes. Blues and grays are obvious horrid choices.

As for garden wedding favors, Mary says it’s extremely important, and more difficult to match colors with an outside wedding. Though garden weddings are elegant and more uplifting because they are held outside and not in a stuffy hall, there are many factors that will effect how colors are perceived. For instance, if the sun shifts behind the clouds, the colors may affect people differently than if they were sharpened by sunlight. “It’s like looking at a painting in a room with low light. Turn the lights on and people evaluate the painting with a different perspective,” says Mary.

Garden wedding favors are traditionally reserved for fall weddings, but, like their springtime counterparts, are great for outdoor weddings at any time of the year. In order to encapsulate the majesty of fall, garden wedding favors invoke an earthier feel than those of spring. Hues are deeper and more ripe; they capture the beauty of the changing fall season. They incorporate more browns and deep reds, invoking the feel of a bountiful garden ready to be harvested and enjoyed.

Also, try to have a variety of colors for your favors, whether garden or spring wedding favors. Selecting only one color, and spreading these all around the wedding area, will tend to appear bland. On the other hand, spreading too many colors around the area might look tacky. Two colors is always a safe way to go, although three can look stunning when balanced correctly. Also, try not to dazzle people with too much color. Finally, don’t select white by itself. While color can be used to accent white, white by itself appears boring and sometimes blinding.

No matter whether you’re seledcting garden or spring wedding favors, keep in mind that you must keep them simple. Also, it’s important that they blend in well with all of your table decorations. Make sure that they’re small enough that the guests can carry them easily. Too big and they’re not only unwieldy to carry, but might block the guest’ view as they’re sitting at their tables. Finally, be sure that the gifts are enjoyed almost universally. We’re talking about items that have proven themselves over and over such as champagne glasses, bottle openers, shot glasses, candles, keyrings, picture frames, etc.