While doing some research the other day I came across these two great ideas for DIY favors.  These are absolutely adorable and guests are sure to love them!  The great thing about both of these favors is that they can be customized, very easily, to go with the theme or design of your wedding.  Use your custom monogram or design a unique tag to make them flow flawlessly with your style.

Having a seated dinner reception?  Like one article says, both of these double as great placecard holders too!

 
The first idea is from the DIY Network

Message in a Bottle

Send your guests home in style with a personalized message in a bottle that's ideal for sending special notes or a thank you.

Materials and Tools:
sand in natural-toned colors
small sauce-sized bottle
tiny shells
small pearl beads
ribbon
sticker paper
printer
printed poem or thank-you note on parchment paper

Directions:
1. Add several spoonfuls of sand to the bottle; you can also layer multiple natural-tone colors and add a few shells and/or pearls.

2. On sticker paper print small rectangle labels with an image and the couple’s name. Attach the label to the bottle.

3. Trim a printed poem or thank you to the appropriate size for the bottle. Wrap it tightly around a pencil to create a scroll.

4. Inset the scroll halfway into the bottle and tie a decorative ribbon around the neck.

(DIY Network http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/bridal-favors-message-in-a-bottle/index.html)

The second idea is from Style Me Pretty

Spice Jar Favor

With this project, you create a very affordable favor that does double duty as a placecard holder (for about $2/favor). Fill the vials with spices that coordinate with the colors and/or theme of your wedding.

Instructions:
1. You will need to create artwork for the spice jar label and placecard. The keytag has two sides so take advantage of the extra space!

Tips about preparing artwork for print: If your design has bleeds (artwork that flush with the edge of the label) make sure you extend your artwork past the “cutline.” This allows you to avoid those pesky and unwanted white edges for when you trim the labels.

2. Carefully fill each vial with the spice of your choice. Once you are finished, wipe down the outside of the vial to ensure you don’t accidentally get any spices on your labels or placecards. Set aside.

3. Print out the labels – in color – onto the full sheet labels.

4.  Using the 1? circle punch, punch out the circular labels for the keytags. To ensure your punch is centered, turn it upside down so you can see the design and where you are punching.

5. Remove the jumpring that comes with the key tag. Adhere the circular labels to each side of the key tag. Using string or ribbon, tie the key tag to each glass vial. (You may need to repunch the hole for the string).

6. Using an x-acto knife, cut a slit across the middle of cork. This groove is for your placecard. Be sure the groove isn’t too wide or narrow to ensure proper fit of the placecard. Place cork back onto the vial. Only add the placecard when you are ready to set the table, otherwise yoru placecard may get damaged during transport.

Here are some helpful resources for you to complete this project…

For spices, it is highly recommended that you buy in bulk to save on cost. The best variety is usually found online (such as www.penzeys.com) or at a local specialty foods store but you can also find good but limited options at wholesale outlet such as Costco, BJs, etc.

Glass Vial w/ Cork Lid – Style #VC5C
($0.59 at www.specialtybottle.com)

Metal Rim Key Tags- Avery, 1.25?
($7.29 for 50 at www.staples.com)

Hole Punch – Uchida Jumbo Circle 1?
($7.89 at www.createforless.com)

Labels – Avery 5165 (laser) / Avery 8465 (Inkjet)
($36.99 for 100 sheets at www.staples.com)

(Style Me Pretty http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/03/25/diy-project-spice-jar-favors/)

Both of these favors are very easy to create and won't break the bank, leaving you with more money to spend on other things, like DIY photo guest books.  

Good luck with your DIY projects, let us know how they turn out!