Watch out for Gators!

Today's post comes courtesy of J's cousin, who is getting married on Kiawah Island (in South Carolina) this fall... apparently there are tons of alligators on the island so she is looking for a cute way to incorporate this common island sighting into the favors.


How cute are these edible gators?!

Clockwise from top left:
:: Gator Cookies from Lori's Place on etsy ~ $32 for 15 cookies ($2.20 each). She has these listed as part of a Reptile assortment, but I'm sure would do all gators if requested!
:: Oval Gator Lollipops from Christine's Chocolate Creations on etsy ~ $20 for 20, buyer can choose the color of the gator & background, also available without the stick.
:: Choc-o-Gator from Anastasia's Confections ~ $4.50 for 6 ($0.75 each)
:: Detailed Gator Lollipops from AmySweetTreats ~ $20 for 12 ($1.66 each)


Once you have your adorable edible treats, how to display them? There are two general options: place one with each place setting, or set them all out in a central location. If putting them at each place setting, they'd be cute in a small poly bag with a ribbon that coordinates to the wedding colors (see the Oval Pops picture above)... even better, make it a personalized ribbon with the wedding details. Also be sure to tie on a tag explaining the significance of the alligator to the location. For chocolates without the stick, the bag would still be cute, or put them in these adorable party cracker-inspired tubes or a cute cylindrical container (both clear or tin with a window top would be great).

Left to right: Fancy Candy tubes from Martha Stewart :: Personalized Ribbon from Beau Coup :: Cylinder Containers from Martha Stewart

Putting all the favors in one spot, allowing guests to grab their own, would also be a great way to make a big impact. Put each favor in a clear baggy - close it off either with a ribbon (like above) or just fold it over and seal with a sticker (personalized would be so cute!) then display all of the gators on a bed of 'sand' made of turbinado sugar (Sugar in the Raw). If using cookies or stick-less chocolates, stand up the baggies on the sugar... if using lollipop-style chocolates, line the bottom of your container with styrofoam before adding the sugar so the sticks have something to stick into.

Favors displayed on a bed of 'sand' via Martha Stewart

Make sure to include a sign instructing guests to take one and explaining the significance of the gator to the location.

To make the event even more pulled-together, include the alligator theme elsewhere... I love the idea of including some alligator gummies (from Candy Warehouse) or an alligator-shaped soap (from Bath Time Bouquets on etsy - you pick the color and scent) in the out-of-town bags.




If alligators aren't your thing, the ideas above could all be adjusted for a different animal or motif!