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Wedding favors are traditional. They originated in Europe many years ago as a thoughtful way of saying thank you to guests.

Wedding shower favors do not trace their roots back as far, but are a growing tradition. Small trinkets that are hand-made or purchased should be chosen for their ability to convey your thanks.

Wedding shower favors of seed packets are a creative and inexpensive way to convey that thank you. No matter what time of year you have your wedding shower, seed packets chosen from one of the groups below will be appropriate.

Bird Seed Packets

In many countries, wedding guests traditionally throw rice at the young couple as they hurry toward a waiting car. Rice was a sign of fertility, and although many people never thought of that, the fun of pelting the bride and groom with handfuls of the grain was common.

When it was found that rice could be dangerous to birds that swooped in to clean up after the wedding, bird seed began to take the place of rice.

Wedding shower favors of seed packets, made up of bird seed, are a way of telling friends ahead of time that you want to care for the birds.

How to Prepare Wedding Shower Favors of Bird Seed

Bridesmaids or friends giving the wedding shower can purchase wedding shower favors of seed packets ready filled ' or make them by hand.

1. Begin with small throw pouches made of tulle. Pre-made throw pouches may be purchased in a variety of colors. Or make your own tulle throw pouches. Match the colors to the wedding color scheme, or use a rainbow of pastel colors. Bird seed throw pouches are usually about 3' x 4', closed at the top with a drawstring in a matching color.

2. Wedding shower favors of seed packets can be filled with your own special blend of bird seeds that will appeal to the birds present at that season. Or purchase mixed bird seed at your local garden or hardware store. Filling the pouches will be easier with a 'favor creator' such as those sold by companies that make throw pouches.

3. Attach tags that invite friends to carry the favors to the wedding and throw the bird seed in place of rice.

Flower Seed Packets

Wedding shower favors of seed packets are especially nice for a garden wedding. The bridal shower can be themed as the wedding will be, and flower seeds used as wedding shower favors.

Any wedding shower theme, however, can be enhanced by the idea of planting daisies or forget-me-nots. If you choose daisies, invite guests to plant the seeds and watch the bride and groom's love for one another grow and blossom. If forget-me-nots are your choice, suggest that they be planted as a reminder that even though the bride is beginning a new life, old friends remain dear.

How to Prepare Wedding Shower Favors of Flower Seed

To make wedding shower favors of seed packets, follow these instructions.

1. Buy flower seeds in bulk.

2. Wrap suitable amounts of seed in cellophane, or pour seeds into 2" x 3" clear poly bags available in craft stores.

3. Tie the mini bags with ribbon in colors to match your theme.

4. Attach a small dried flower or silk flower for an accent.

5. Using white or pastel colored business card stock, print out directions for planting the seeds.

6. Attach a business card to each of the bags.

Wedding shower favors of seed packets can also be purchased. Some are wrapped in clear plastic with an appropriate bridal shower label. Others are packaged in the usual envelopes, with a special wedding sticker.

Matchbook Wedding Shower Favors of Seed Packets

This unique wedding shower favor caught our eye while browsing the Internet.

1. Each seed packet resembles a large matchbook.

2. Inside is stapled a packet of wildflower seeds that attract butterflies.

3. The matchbooks measure approximately 2 1/4" X 3 1/2" and are printed on glossy photo paper.

4. The back of each matchbook features a word of thanks with an invitation to plant the seeds as a memory of the wedding.

A Lasting Tradition

Not that many years ago, there was a wedding tradition of seeds. Relatives of both bride and groom wanted to be sure the young couple had seeds to plant for food, so each family passed on some of their family garden seeds, ensuring that the new garden would be full and fruitful. It was a good tradition then, and could well become a lasting tradition.