How to Make a Wedding Favor Box

Choose a pattern and have fun

By Suzie Faloon

Photo by iStockphoto.com

In the weeks before your reception, create miniature boxes that match the favors you have chosen to give to your guests. Find a box pattern that will accommodate the thank you favor that you have ordered or are planning to make for the celebration. Match the card stock to your colors and theme for an additional decoration on your guest tables. The favor box can also double as a place card holder with an attached tag on which you can write the name of each guest.

• What You Need to Know
• Think of your wedding favors as a keepsake for your guests, a constant reminder that they were there to share your day. When choosing a pattern and style for your boxes, think about one that you would use or keep after a wedding.

Step 1:

Choose the favor box shape that you like. You can easily find many patterns to choose from, including a cone, deck of cards, bon bon, pillow, heart, gable and Chinese take-out. Use a template or break down a small box that you have on hand. Carefully pull the small box apart at the seams and flatten it out on your work surface.

Step 2:

Trace the pattern from the template onto the wrong side of the card stock or decorative paper. If you are using a disassembled box for your pattern, be sure to mark all areas that were folded with a dashed line. Any areas that need to be cut should be indicated by a straight, solid line.

Step 3:

Cut out the box shape with scissors or a craft knife. Be sure to cut all of the straight solid lines in the pattern.

Step 4:

Use a rubber stamp to ink an image onto the card stock for a decorative touch. You can also sprinkle the image with embossing powder and use a heat gun to emboss it if you are using plain paper or card stock.

Step 5:

Use a bone folder to score the dash lines that are meant to be folded. Fold each of the lines using the pressure from the bone folder tip to maintain a sharp crease.

Step 6:

Follow the guidelines of the pattern template or flattened box to find the seam area. Adhere the seam with paper glue or double-sided tape to secure it.

• Tips & Warnings
• If you are giving edible favors to your guests, line your box with food-safe parchment paper.
• Choose decorative paper to match your theme. For example, a rich, red paper embossed with gold will make an eye-catching Chinese take-out favor box.