The planning phase of a wedding can be hectic. From the date to the dress, there are endless details to tend to that require attention...and money. Even a discount wedding dress costs about $500. Venues that charge by the hour can really add up. Discount wedding favors are a great way to balance the budget without necessarily skimping on quality.

If your guest list is of a manageable size, crafting your own favors is a great way to make your guests feel honored and give them a cherished keepsake to remember your special day. The even better news is choosing your wedding favors should be the least stressful part of your planning. The possibilities are endless. Almost anyone can make a good wedding favor.

The best place to start is with the theme of your ceremony, if you have one. For example, garden themes make beautiful spring weddings. Any discount store will have clay pots in a variety of sizes. Place a packet or flower seeds in a small pot for a pretty, and useful, favor. Add a flowered ink pen to the pot for a little something extra. Inexpensive pens can be purchased in large packages at almost any store. Secure a small cluster of silk flowers to the end of the pen with a dot of hot glue. Wrap the whole length of the pen with green floral tape to cover hold the flowers on and create a stem-like effect.

In recent years, digital technology has become more easily available, user-friendly and inexpensive. Take advantage of the trend. Use your home computer to make personalized CDs for your guests. Use the music from your ceremony, and insert a short message of thanks from the bride and groom. Compile a playlist of love songs using one of several legal peer-to-peer file-sharing programs. Many are available for free download on the Internet. Blank discs can be purchased in bulk fairly inexpensively at just about any office supply store. They often come with their own cases, but if not cases can be brought separately. Using CD envelopes instead of hard cases will take up less space and less of your budget. There are many brands of blank disc labels on the market, but they require a printer and quite a bit of ink, which may counteract your attempt to save some cash. Instead, recruit a bridesmaid with pretty penmanship and some colorful, permanent markers.

If you're not that computer savvy, step into the kitchen instead. Home-baked treats make heartwarming favors. Find a simple recipe that can be multiplied into large batches. Of course, you can never go wrong with chocolate, but if you're looking for something different, consider the season. Maple candy or peanut brittle works well for fall weddings. If you're getting married in the Christmas season, store-brought candy canes add color to the guest tables. Edible favors require some time in the kitchen, but what better way to squeeze in some quality time with your girlfriends while still staying on track with your wedding plans? This could be a bachelorette party activity wholesome enough to include the flower girl or junior bridesmaid.

Don't worry if you're not exactly a culinary whiz; your options are still wide open. The trick to transforming any ordinary object into a wedding favor is the presentation. A bit of netting and some ribbon turns a couple of plastic-wrapped cookies into a coveted treat in seconds. Just wrap the net around the object and fasten with a pretty bow in you're chosen colors. For a more personal touch, mass produce, a message of appreciation with your home computer or a copy machine. Cut them apart and tie them to each favor. An excerpt from your favorite poem or just your names and the date are other ideas.