The best wedding favors are exercises in elegant simplicity, beautiful things are not too taxing to plan, make, or fit into the budget. With that in mind, we've taken a plain paper box and done it up in ten very different ways. All will delight the eye and even offer a bit of excitement (there's something inherently intriguing about a closed box). As for the contents, a handful of candy is all these charming favors need -- but you can fill them with whatever you like.

The boxes can be decorated to fit the mood of any wedding. The Glitter Top box helps create a formal tone, while the Polka Dot box lends a lighthearted touch. You can also vary our designs: The Color Block box can be created with sleek metallic or comfortable solid colors; the Scallop Top box, fancy with our ornate ribbon, becomes more casual with grosgrain trim.

Add a name tag, and the favors do double-duty as place cards. You can easily make these little gifts on your own over a few sessions. Or, with a bit of help from your friends, you can create them assembly-line style in one evening over Chinese takeout: Have one person pink the fabric, another fold the boxes into shape, a third cut and tie the ribbons, and so on. By the time you get to the fortune cookies, the favors will be ready.

Above: A basic cardboard box, two inches square, makes an excellent favor when creatively transformed -- and filled with candy.

Fabric Wrap
Glitter Top
Scallop Top
Flower Top
Polka Dot
Ribbon Twist
Color Block
Tassel Top
Paper Band
Love Poetry