I am obviously an older mom – as my daughter is about to be married. I have been put in charge of the wedding favors – any ideas??

What fun!!! Not only do you have a daughter getting married, but you get to help make personalized wedding favors as mementos for all those involved. Although, it sounds fun, I am sure it also puts some extra pressure on you – the mom!

Here are some ideas I have found:

1. All About Almonds - There's a reason Jordan Almonds are the quintessential wedding favor: they're steeped in tradition. You can learn more about this favorable treat by reading all about Jordan Almonds, but how are your guests supposed to know about their significance? Be sure to attach a little card with a note explaining the almonds' meaning: Provide five Jordan Almonds sugared almonds for each guest to eat - to remind us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife -- Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life!

2. Special Seating Cards - Looking for something a bit more memorable than tented, paper place cards? Make your favors and your escort cards one in the same. From mini picture frames to Christmas ornaments, tag your favors with each guest's name and table number and place them on the escort table.

3. Pair Up - If you wish to give more expensive, high-end favors but need to find a way to skim the fat, give one gift per couple by placing the favor between their two dinner plates, and tagging it with the couple's names. For your single friends, stick with one gift per person.

4. Have a Heart - More couples are forgoing favors for charitable donations instead. But you want to make sure the charity is legit. Research your chosen charity to find out how they spend donations -- and make sure you receive a receipt for tax purposes. Find out more about many charities to support at IDoFoundation.org or JustGive.org.

5. When to Give - If favors aren't a part of your tabletop decor, pass them out to guests as they are leaving the reception. Put the favors in small shopping bags with pretty tissue paper and have a waiter hand one to each guest. In cold weather, the coatroom attendant may hand them a bag with their coats.

6. Clean Your Cans - Looking for a festive favor that'll never go out of style? Try homemade jams and jars filled with penny candy. But be sure to sterilize the containers before use. Detergent residue may cause unexpected flavors (yuck). First, wash the empty jars with hot water and detergent. Then, soak them for several hours in a solution containing 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of water.

7. Match Don't Mix - Whatever your favors may be, pick packaging that matches your wedding colors -- and your table decor. Visit a neighborhood fabric store for ribbons to match your wedding-day palette (if you have one, bring along a swatch of your table linens) and personalize the gift with a monogrammed sticker or unique favor label.