Getting married is an exhilarating and magical time in a couple's life. Planning the ceremony and reception should be fun and exciting from choosing locations, a gown, bridesmaid's dresses and menswear to selecting your accessories to match the theme and colors you have chosen to represent your important day. Cost can easily dampen your spirits and without the proper planning, will easily get out of hand, especially when it comes to the reception. Although it is traditional and a wonderful way to thank your guests for joining in your happiness by buying gifts for the friends and family in attendance, it can get expensive. This is why I have come up with 7 affordable ideas for wedding favors.

When picking out wedding favors, you want to stay within your theme and choose something that guests can take home with them as a reminder of your event. You don't need to spend a fortune on these gifts. Listed below are a few selections that will be a hit without the hefty price tag.

1. Mix and Match Boxes can easily be matched to any theme and filled with candy, confetti or birdseed to throw at the bride and groom as they leave the reception.

2. Key chains can make a wonderful gift that guests can carry with them everywhere they go. You can get them in a leather frame that will hold a picture of the happy couple, or a clever play on words with a "Love beyond Measure" tape measure keychain or a "Love is Brewing" teapot keychain.

3. Photo Frames are a wonderful way for guests to display their favorite wedding picture. Choose frames that double as place card holders in brushed metal, beaded designs or a swaying calla lily.

4. Coasters can be a practical gift that friends and family can use time and again. Snowflake Love Coasters or Glass Photo Coasters are elegant choices and come in a set of 2. For a set of 4, try the Natural Bamboo Coasters which are perfect for a beach or Asian wedding theme.

5. Candles are the perfect way to take a spark of romance with them to remind them of your marriage. There are candles such as the Apple of My Eye mini candle and Rose ball candle in a gift box, votive candles such as Hearts and Vines and even mini coffee cup candles.

6. Bookmarks are a great reminder of your celebration. The Butterfly bookmark is ideal for a garden theme. An autumn ceremony would be perfect for the Turning Leaves bookmark or the Asian Love bookmark for an Asian theme.

7. Love Rocks Engraved Stones are a unique way to immortalize your union in stone. These stones can be used as paper weights, garden stones, or as a decoration anywhere a guest decides to put it!

You don't need to spend a fortune when choosing gifts to send home with your guests. There are a variety of options for affordable wedding favors.