1. Think how your favors fit within your theme
Before you buy wedding favors, evaluate whether it will look good with your chosen wedding theme. For instance, a nautical wedding theme will undoubtedly feature seashell motifs.

As such, it is important to visualize how certain elements can be combined to either enhance or complement your overall wedding d�cor (e.g., color palette, texture of your decorations, arrangements of floral decorations, etc.), which present your theme in the most elegant and authentic, yet cost-effective manner.

A great money-saving tip is to find favors that double as table decorations. For example, you may find place cardholders that complement or even replace your reception table's floral centerpieces. This allows you to reallocate your resources towards other items in your wedding budget.

2. Discover your personal style and interests
Although many wedding publications feature the hottest favor picks of the season, don't be readily swayed; it is essential to know how you want to express your style and interests, which may eventually translate to a theme. Take some time to examine the style and interests that both you and your fianc� share.

This is vital because many make the mistake of buying their favors on impulse, only to be faced with strict vendor return policies and cancellation fees. In fact, some return policies stipulate restocking fees as high as 20 percent of your order amount! So before making a large purchase, review your vendor's policies. Spare yourself the trouble and take the time to understand and explore what favors will best complement your style and wedding theme.

3. Know the quality and workmanship that your money buys
With countless choices available in wedding favors, the quality, workmanship, and use of a product often go behind what readily appeals to the eye. Just as you would check the authenticity of your wedding ring, so is being aware of what materials have been used in your wedding favors.

For instance, if you have an Easter wedding theme and would like to give egg-shaped favor keepsakes, pay special attention to the favor's materials (e.g., porcelain, ceramic, poly-resin). Although you may save money by buying ceramic or even poly-resin containers, it is worth noting that these materials are less durable when compared to porcelain. The goal is to know what value your money is buying. You may save money on cheaper materials, but they may not be of high quality.

4. Find seasonal discounts
Brides can save a lot of money on wedding favors, and other bridal accoutrements by shopping during the off-season, as prices may be lower. For example, brides may be surprised that buying your heart-themed wedding favors after Valentine's Day might end up being more affordable.

Another great example is Christmas weddings -- look for Christmas ornamental favors during spring where many vendors may want to get rid of last year's winter inventory, and sell them at closeout prices.

By shopping off-season, you will be able to find bargains on wedding favors that would be normally selling at much higher prices.

Choosing wedding favors does not have to be a daunting and time-consuming task. By following the guidelines above, you will find that the process of selecting your wedding favors can be a lot of fun. Before you start looking for favors, don't be tempted by the cheapest or most popular favors of the season, as you may find that they may not necessarily fit with your own sense of style and interests, as well as wedding theme. Take some time to think about how you really want your special day to be remembered. After all, wedding favors are lasting mementos that capture your heartfelt generosity and gratitude, so make them count.