It is customary when attending a contemporary wedding for the bride and groom to offer wedding favors to their guests. Usually, these token gifts are a stem flute, a picture frame, a scented votive, or some other favor which has been inscribed with the couple's name and their wedding date. As thoughtful as these gifts are, just how often do you think they will be used? Instead, a year or two after the wedding ceremony they will likely be boxed up and sent to the thrift store or shelved away in a kitchen cabinet and forgotten. Certainly not what you envisioned after putting much time and thought into selecting favors that proclaim your love for each other. Do not despair, as there are wedding favors available that go beyond the ordinary…to the extraordinary! Let us take a look at what some devoted couples are selecting for wedding favors that are treasured by their guests.

Put away the pilsner glass and do not even think about giving your guests the "two peas in a pod" salt and pepper shakers as favors. Cute, but entirely forgettable! Instead, consider gifts that not only signify your love for each other, but help to build up the relationships of others. Whimsical, yet practical, these extraordinary gifts will be used over and over again and certainly will be the talk of your reception. Some currently desired wedding favors include:

Magnets – Incorporate the words to your favorite song, poem, or saying right on an attractive magnet that will find its place on a refrigerator or other conspicuous location. Remind your friends of your love for them and their deep, abiding love for each other.

Card Games – Why not give your guests something that can promote strengthening of their marriages and/or family ties? Life's Treasured Moments and Straight From the Heart is a pair of resourceful card games meant to help couples connect with each other and are useful in preserving family memories down through the generations. While telling your guests "thank you" you are also helping to build up relationships, the cornerstone of every successful marriage and family tie.

Wedding Poster – Some couples enjoy sharing their picture along with a poem or saying on a framed poster suitable for hanging. A touching gift for the immediate family or something you can consider giving to each of your guests.

Marriage Survival Kit – Did someone say, SOS? Every marriage goes through its challenging times and every bit of encouragement is needed. So, what better way is there to remind couples of their persevering love for each other than to offer a marriage survival kit to them? Suitable for hanging, these kits contain useful and fun reminders to keep couples focused on maintaining a strong relationship. A star is included to encourage couples to keep a twinkle in their eyes; a toothpick is given to remind them not to be "too picky" with each other; and more. Fun little reminders to help couples keep the relationship flame burning bright and their focus on what really matters: building each other up!

Yes, each gift idea listed is a practical and welcomed alternative to the ordinary wedding favor. You will be giving guests extraordinary wedding favors that are both memorable and useful while reminding them that their love for each other is important as well.

Please click here for additional Unique Wedding Gift ideas for that special day. The author, Michael Brito is an Online Marketing Consultant for small business.