StyleSchool

You’re a multitasking bride, so why should your place cards only do one job? Though their main function is to designate seating, and being decorative is nice a nice bonus, Paper Per Se (paperperse.com) really puts their cards to work. Custom calligraphy adorns pretty paper boxes, and announces guests’ table numbers, but the real delight is inside. Lift the cover to reveal handbound photo albums for guests to take home and relive the celebration.

Paper Per Se will work with you to select a beautiful decorative handblocked paper from India or a Japanese silk-screened Chiyogami pattern to personalize these favors to your color palette. The memories will last for years to come when the photos are mounted on the acid-free, archival quality paper used in these accordion style albums. Brides can also order a matching album from Paper Per Se for themselves (these larger books can be hand calligraphed with the couple’s name, wedding date and location, as well as special quotes, song lyrics and vows). One look at their beautiful work, and any bride would be happy to delegate some of their needs to Paper Per Se.

-Randy Miller, Editorial Assistant

It’s simply a known fact: no truly decadent dessert bar is complete without some chocolate. So, when no ordinary chocolate will do—on your wedding day, for example—we have a few delicious (and surprising) suggestions:

Li-Lac Chocolates (li-lacchocolates.com) in N.Y.C. has been the go-to spot for rich, chocolate confections since 1923. These shops produce delicious, handmade morsels like French style cream rolls (in mouthwatering flavors like rum and mocha) and s’more-esque all-American bars. For a new take on the classic monogram, order Li-Lac’s chocolate letters in your initals.

After everyone’s indulged in cake, guests will want something light fare so have Mousse Temptations by JELL-O (brands.kraftfoods.com) on hand. These airy new pudding treats come in delicious flavors like Dark Chocolate Decadence and Caramel Crème (not actually chocolate, but still sure to please). Best of all, each portable cup is sugar-free and 60 calories, so even your dieting pals will be pleased.

The celebration shouldn’t end when your guests head home. That’s why VitaTops (vitalicious.com)—in rich varieties like decadent banana fudge and triple chocolate chunk—make for perfect parting gifts. The morning after your “I Dos” you friends will awake to a satisfying and indulgent breakfast. When you taste VitaMuffin in you’ll never want to fuss with the muffin stump again!

—Randy Miller, Editorial Assistant

It’s easy to understand why cupcake towers are the trend du jour for brides looking for an alternative to a traditional tiered cake. These frosted treats are perfectly portioned bites of sweet goodness. And now, thanks to the Gourmet Gift Company (gourmetgiftco.com), they’re portable, too. GGC’s cupcake kits are the perfect favors because they make whipping up a dozen cupcakes at home a piece of cake for your guests.

These custom-labeled mixes are elegantly packaged and come in four decadent flavors including vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and our personal favorite, champagne. Gourmet Gift Company only uses the finest ingredients—think rich cocoa and Madagascar bourbon vanilla—so you can bake assured every batch will come out perfectly. Nothing but the best for your guests, of course.

—Randy Miller, Editorial Assistant

Did you know that cacao beans were originally used as currency by Native Americans? Neither did we, but we do know that chocolate makes a great wedding favor. One of our new favorite brands is Taza chocolate. The chocolate is obviously delicious, but company's cool packaging makes it an even better parting gift.

Take our word for it, Taza Chocolate is a far cry from a Wonka bar—it’s stone ground in the traditional manner of Central and South America and is minimally processed to preserve the natural flavors of the cacao bean. Because it has such a unique flavor, here are a few tips to best taste Taza chocolate:

Since the dawn of desserts, two facts have held true for brownies: 1) they are delicious 2) they are square. Well, Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties (sugardaddys.com) is about to rock your world. This Ohio-based bakery offers up edgeless brownies! That’s right: no corners, just chewy deliciousness. These round-cut Brunettes and Blondes are among the tastiest we’ve ever tried, and that’s including mom’s homemade batches. Flavors like Tahiti (a toasted coconut, chocolate, pineapple and cashew blondie) or Fiery (a chocolate, chipotle and cinnamon brownie) are as bright as they are pungent. Sorry mom, you can’t compete.

Cleverly packaged in individual plastic “tins,” these brownies are crush-proof, so no matter how far they travel with guests they won’t mush or break. Sugardaddy’s is wise to guarantee that every bite is not only perfect in taste, but in quality as well. Tied up in a colorful bow, the cellophane-wrapped duos ($12) make the perfect favor for your wedding. Wait for the appreciative phone calls when guests get home and dig into these dense, flavorful bites—that is if they can make it through the car ride home, without being devoured.

-Randy Miller, Editorial Assistant

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Looks too good to eat.” Well, we’ve found a cookie that may look like it’s precious to consume, but is definitely worth biting into. The Gumdrop Cookie Shop (gumdropcookieshop.com) specializes in iced-sugar cookies that taste homemade but look nothing like your mother’s treats.

The eye-catching confections begin as a 3-inch palette for the creative designs the staff at this bakery dream up. The Gumdrop Cookie Shop’s buttery rounds are embellished with graphics that range from elegant brides holding bouquets to geometric rings in vivid colors. For a totally customized bite, add your monogram to the mix. Placed atop a graphic striped background or surrounded by romantic filigree, your guests will marvel at the artistry of these cookies.

And brides who love color will “wow” at the daring combinations the shop specializes in—purple and lime or magenta and tangerine are remarkably chic. Best of all, the cookies really are delicious; we have the empty boxes to prove it! When packaged as wedding favors in cellophane bags, your guests won’t be able to resist digging into them.

—Randy Miller, Editorial Assistant

Because truffles are so 2008, we found a modern, bite-sized confection that will have your wedding guests asking, “Lindt who?” Landrin’s Waferattos (landrinusa.com) are a decadent, yet surprisingly light treat. Best of all, these mess-free delights are easy eats for your wedding guests.

We recently had the pleasure of sampling the Waferattos and food has never disappeared so quickly! The Classic flavor, Coconut Almond Perfection, was an office favorite. Imagine if you will, an almond and coconut cream-filled wafer, sprinkled with shredded coconut. In a word: delicious. And also elegant—these snowball-like bites would make a beautiful winter wedding dessert tray.

Though we only had the opportunity to sample two flavors, Landrin promises additions to the line by 2010. We look forward to tasting Waferatto Cream, which is covered with white glaze and sprinkled with hazelnuts, and Waferatto Caramel, which has an almond inside of a milk chocolate shell.

Whatever flavor you select, make sure you order extras for your guests to bring home—Waferattos are memorable (and affordable!) wedding favors. There are so many reasons to buy them, but with a taste this good, you won’t need an excuse to indulge.

—Randy Miller, Editorial Assistant

With less and less cash to spare, more and more brides are looking for creative ways to save. Ladies, rejoice: I’ve found your solution.

Oriental Trading has been around for years and they’re a great resource when planning a wedding. There are great items for your ceremony and reception, and the favors (even all of the personalized ones) are only a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere. A set of personalized champagne flutes are $13! A total steal!

Another fave from Oriental Trading? Their destination wedding selection, including reception decorations and favor packaing. Scoop up a bunch of these products—like this seashell wedding book—to dress up your locale at a fraction of the cost.

—Rachel Jacoby, Assistant Editor

Whether your goal is to de-stress on your wedding day, or stay awake to assemble last minute programs, make sure you do it with one of Talbott’s decaf or caffeinated blends (talbottteas.com).

And, if you’re so inclined, share the wealth and let your friends enjoy what Oprah loves—she sells Talbott’s Field of Purple Flowers exclusively at The Oprah Store. Throw a tin of tea into their welcome bags, or pass them out for a favor guests will savor.

Select any one of Talbott’s blends, which come in mouthwatering flavors like Caramel Sundae Escape ($12, talbottteas.com), a black tea loaded with cocao nibs, caramel bits and natural vanilla, and Chocolate Strawberry Temptation ($14, talbottteas.com), which has strawberry leaf and pieces.

Better yet stop by Talbott's Chicago boutique or give them a call for your own personalized tea ($7). The staff will package your tea in a custom organza pouch to compliment your wedding decor. It's truly a gift guests will enjoy for weeks to come, or 30 servings later, whichever comes first!

—Randy Miller, Editorial assistant

Call me a traditionalist, but I’m a firm believer that at a wedding, dessert should be the wedding cake. Maybe it’s because I’m obsessed with how smooth fondant is, the intricate design of sugar paste flowers, and the endless varietals of fillings.

That being said, it’s always nice to send your guests off with an extra something delicious. Why not satisfy their sweet tooth with Godiva’s new Limited Edition European Dessert Truffles? The chocolates come in six reinterpreted dessert flavors like Lemon Chiffon Cake, Caramelized Apple Tarte, Crème Brulee, Bananas Foster and Black Forest Torte. Think of each truffle as a compact version of the most elegant dessert. It's the perfect little nibble before your guests say their goodbyes. Stack the truffles by flavor near the exit, place the gorgeous boxes on the tables, or package the treats in customized favor boxes.

These limited edition truffles are available at Godiva boutiques, specialty stores, and finer department stores nationwide. Or, place an order right now at godiva.com.

—Rachel Jacoby, Assistant Editor