After the overheated discussion about giving donations as favors, we finally figured out what we were going to do. Mr. Flamingo and I want to give donations as favors because it is something we truly believe in and like many of you mentioned - it is our wedding. I still felt a bit odd giving donations only, so we agreed that the donations will be accompanied by a gift (part 2 of the favors - to come shortly.)
Every Wednesday night, I go to Daddy Flamingo’s for supper and we spend quality time as a family (my sisters included). It’s great that my sisters are my bridesmaids…. it’s that much easier to impose some DIY on them. And that’s just what i did.
Presentation-wise, I thought it would be neat to make breast cancer ribbons so that we can attach it to the favor. But no classic satin ribbon - we went all out and beaded some fabulous charms. (About 2.5 inches in height)
Eldest Sister Flamingo:
Task - To cut the wire to the desired length.
Me - aka Miss Flamingo:
Task - To loop wire at one end to make sure the beads stay in place.
Other 2 sister flamingos:
Task - To bead the wires (make 100 of them)
Me again:
Task - To loop the other end of the wire. And create the ribbon shape.
After all this trouble, I was wondering if the guest would simply disregard our beautiful charms and throw them in the trash. What do you think? If you received a charm like this, would you reuse it, or simply say buh-bye to our fabulous craftmanship?
I like those charms, Miss F! I can’t speak for the majority of the population, as I am one for keeping things, but I would turn it into a tree ornament for Christmas!
It’s a good medium size, an ornament hanger thing will fit on it nicely, and it will serve as a memento from your wedding that will be on the tree for years to come.
Honestly, I would probably toss it (although I would note it’s niceness).
But I just wouldn’t know what to do with it otherwise (although JennyPenny’s ornament idea is cute - I wouldn’t think of it without help).
I am also a ruthless tosser.
honestly, i would toss it too!
Its all good… maybe once you see the finale product. Maybe I would of tossed it too… 
Well… at least I spent some quality time with my sisters. lol
Honestly, I would hold onto it for a few months, not know what to do with it, and eventually toss it.
I hadn’t thought of the ornament idea. You could always attach the charm to a little card with ideas on what you could do with it (ornament, keychain decoration, attach it to a window with a suction cup, add a safety pin and make it a brooch, etc.)
I think they are a nice tie-in to your favours theme, but I, too, wouldn’t know what to do with it! I would refrain from tossing it for awhile just because I would have thought, “gee, a lot of time went into making these”… but after some time, it would probably get misplaced 
I think they are really cute, but I have to agree, I’m not sure what I would do with it.
Either way… these charms cost me 0,12$ to make each. Its not like its a big loss. I wanted to have something Breast Cancer-y to go with my favor.
Once you see the final product you will understand. They will toss the card as well… so I really dont mind.
I would definitely not throw it out, I’d stick it on my fridge 
I like shiny sparkly things and I’m also a sucker for anything handmade by a friend! What about attaching a little magnet to the back? Then it could be a fridge magnet, and a constant reminder of the cause?
Ooo… magnet. Penguin I like that idea. i will try to figure something out… thanks for the suggestion and for actually wanting to keep the charm. Just for that I will send you one … hahah :D:D:D
It might go on my xmas tree, but mostly out of respect for the time you put into it. But something pink and ribbon-shapped and edible would definitely be appreciated!
I think most of the comments above can be said about any favour, Miss Flamingo, so I wouldn’t be too disheartened. I think these tie in really well with your donations, which are after all your ‘real’ favours … these are just objects to represent that. I get it!
And who cares if they’re not kept forever by all of your guests … the food and cake disappear in about 30 minutes, but the main thing is that your guests (and you) enjoy it.
I think I would want to keep it, but would be too lazy to do anything with it to keep it. (Does that even make sense?) I like the magnet idea though.
I’d probably toss it. If it had a pin backing so I could wear it, I might keep it, though.
I think that if you had a little note or a card attached to them, that explained the actual favor (the donation) and noted how you wanted something tangible to associate with that, along with some ideas on how to re-use the favor, more people might save them, people who wouldn’t otherwise, who didn’t realize the time and thought that went into them.
They’re great. I would give it to one of our patients– I work in a Breast Care Center so take this for what it is worth. But it would be a great thing to donate to a local BCC by you!
May I make a suggestion?
If you think some people will toss it as said so candidly above, you could leave a glass vase by the door with a note, “If you do not think you will use this charm, please drop them here as they will be donated to XYZ.” WIN WIN situation!
Either way, you had some quality time with your sisters! I do find that on top of the never ending to do lists, the actual DIY stuff is quite fun and really brings back the creative kid I once was and is so fun!
enjoy!
if i were a not crafty person… i’d probably toss it.
butttt i AM a crafty person and so i’d probalby keep it and hang it on my backpack or something.
i like Lime217 idea about donating the leftovers to a local BCC clinic. you can ask the clinic to set them in a bowl at a sign in desk or something.
Mrs. Flamingo, Montreal, Canada
Age and Occupation: 25, Graphic Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Nursing Student
Engagement Date: December 2004
Wedding Date: June 21, 2008
Venue: Imperia Hotel (modern chic hotel)
About Me: I am a passionate designer who loves anything pretty. I heart all paper products (eco-friendly of course). My passion revolves around anything considered glamour; vintage and modern. In my free time, I love reading Martha mags, designing jewelry and making a pit-stop at Starbucks for a chai latte. I'm also a chocoholic at heart and my family drools over my homemade truffles.
As nice as they are, I probably would not reuse them.