If there is one area in your wedding budget where you can save money it is with your wedding favors.  These little gifts are an integral part of your wedding celebrations but they can cost a pretty penny too, especially if you are having a large wedding.  So if your budget is tight or you need to reign back money you have overspent elsewhere, here are some budget saving tips for your favors.

1. Shop Around: it is always worthwhile shopping around, even if at first glance it appears that every wedding favors retailer is selling the same stock.  This industry is highly competitive so retailers will price themselves against their competitors and whilst you may only save a couple of cents per favors, it can amount to a substantial saving for a big quantity.
2. Look for price match promises: as mentioned above, the wedding favor industry is very competitive so many retailers will offer to match prices if you find them cheaper elsewhere.  As well as matching prices you may also be offered a discount or cashback offer.
3. Look out for sales: end of lines, clearance stock and promotional sales are where big savings can be made.  If you are having a small wedding then clearance sales could see you being able to afford luxury favors for very little money.
4. Sign up with retailers: the majority of retailers have ‘customer clubs' whereby just signing up for their free email newsletter will net you a nice discount on your first order.  Furthermore retailers will often run subsequent promotions like free delivery, free packaging or free personalization which can also see you make significant savings on your wedding favors.
5. Make your own: DIY is a big trend for weddings in 2011 and making your own wedding favors is easy and cost effective.  From baking your own cookies to creating seed packets, it is one of the best ways of giving a personal thank you to your guests.
6. Go wholesale: if you need quantities in excess of 200 and this could be made up of both favors and packaging, then look for wholesalers where you can purchase what you need at prices around 50% less than in retail stores.
7. Look for freebies: keep an eye on as many retailers as possible for incentive offers like free shipping, free labels, free boxes etc.  Aside from the wedding favors themselves, all the added extras can quickly add up too.