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1. Herbal favours - Like parsley, oregano, basil, and tarragon, gives this modern setting an organic feel; planted in sleek pots, the herbs double as inventive displays for a wraparound menu of foods that put the plants' virtues to good use.

2. Sweet pea seeds - Encourage loved ones to dig in -- literally. For cute place settings that will grow and grow on your guests, fill tiny packets with the seeds of your favourite flower, and stitch them onto simply printed seating cards; then watch the happiness blossom.

3. There's nothing more romantic than the rose -- it's a symbol of love and affection that has stood the test of time. Miniature rose bushes make for especially adorable favours that, once planted, will produce blooms for years to come.

4. Daffodil favours - Here, budding bulbs bought from a local nursery are nestled into sake cups beneath beds of rocks. To turn them into take-home favours, use a rubber stamp to imprint planting instructions onto wooden posts.

5. Small tin with seeds - These seed-filled tins make it possible for each of your guests to take home a pop-up garden, affixed labels to each one -- names and date on the front, and simple planting instructions on the back.

6. Matchbooks with seeds - Sure, matchbooks have become a go-to wedding favour, but there's more to these clever versions than meets the eye. Give away a surprising something to remember in the form of a cheery, charming pack of forget-me-not seeds. The best part: Long after the big day, guests will watch the dainty blossoms -- and the memories -- spring to life.

7. A bloom of one's own - Demure and delicate, African violets are pretty little packages and, with minimal effort, can make a dazzling display. Simply slip the potted plants into panettone molds, cluster on three-tiered plate stands or let stand solo, and tuck a handwritten note inside.

A decorative or keepsake favour is a memory of your special day your guests will treasure. Favours you could make as keepsakes include

• Mini wreaths

• Picture frames

• Mini photo albums

• Personalized poem

• Magnets or magnet frames

• Personalized music or photograph CD

• Decorative keepsake or treasure boxes

• Christmas tree or decorative ornaments

• Individual handwritten fortunes or message scrolls

You don't have to be a gourmet chef to make wonderful homemade wedding favours in the food category. Possibilities are nearly endless, but some ideas you may want to consider are:

• Mini bundt cakes

• Fudge or taffy

• Hard or rock candy

• Homemade candy bars

• Dried fruit and nut mixes

• Homemade dry soup mixes

• Chocolate covered pretzels

• Personalized cookies or cookie pops

• Small jars of homemade jam, jelly, or preserves

• Homemade lime cookies, chocolates or chocolate pops

• Chocolate spoons to accompany packets of cocoa or coffee

• Small jars of herbed olive oil -- add herbs to a good olive oil, pour into small bottles