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When it came to the favors, I wanted to make sure we were giving our guests something that wasn’t just going to get tossed in the garbage or sit on a shelf collecting dust.
Some sort of food item seemed the perfect solution. But what? Those sugary almonds seem very common at weddings. But that’s the problem. They’re common. What about chocolate of some kind? Well that would be fine and dandy, except that Mr. HD and I wouldn’t even get to eat any of it (we’re on STRICT nutrition plans, more on that later!).
So what is a budget- and nutrition-conscious bride to use? JAM!
It’s perfect! We could make our own jam! It’s all-natural, so it’s healthy. And we’d do it ourselves, so it’d be UBERcheap! I am a genius, if I do say so myself. 
And it looks like I’m not the only one with this brilliant idea! Feast your eyes, lovelies.
I love that they add to the country feel, with the fabric tops and adorable label!
These little babies will also have another role on our wedding day. Post forthcoming. 
The question now is, what kind of jam to make. Apple? Grape? Peach? Any suggestions?
And, did I mention that I’ve NEVER made jam before? Haha… it’s a small detail that may make this difficult to pull off! Is it difficult? How long does it take? Any advice is appreciated!
I think that’s a great idea - there is so much you can do with that!
For a country-esque wedding, I think apple jam would be perfect!
this is what we’re using as our seating cards. we’re lucky though, my fiance’s stepmom makes over 100 jars of jam a year so she’ll be doing all the work. she’s going to make a variety, raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry to break up the work, especially since we’re going to be picking them at local farms.
How cute! We gave little jars of honey to our guests and tied their individual table assignments to the necks, so that guests picked them up on their way into the reception and knew where to sit. Also, be sure to remember the 3 oz liquid rule for the airport. With such costly baggage fees these days, most people try to carry on their luggage and I don’t know if the TSA would allow the jam to go if it’s in a jar larger than 3 oz (?).
I don’t remember if you had your wedding date pushed back from the one you have listed, but I say use whatever is seasonal when you’re making the jam, so if you’re doing it now I would vote strawberries, later in the summer, peaches or plums, etc.
Jam shouldn’t take too long, but I have heard that a lot of people run into problems getting their jams and jellies to set when doubling recipes, so keep an eye out for warnings not to double the recipe. Also, if you have friends and family volunteering time, get them to bring large lidded pots so you can water can everything so it lasts.
Good luck!
It certainly CAN be cheap, but the cost of the materials also can add up quick! While I love homemade jam, I would advise you to do a little research on the cost of material (jars, rings, lids, any other equipment you’d need) and also to try a test batch from start to finish (cleaning and sterilizing all the way to processing the jars) to get an idea of the feasibility of the project. Jam making is not that hard, and certainly rewarding, but it does take a certain amount of commitment and a LOT of time. I would recommend Food In Jar’s blog, esp http://www.foodinjars.com/canning-resources/
And re: Christine’s comment: You may have to only make one batch at a time, especially if you only can process a certain number of jars at a time.
Best wishes!
use whatever’s in season (so it’s cheaper)! definitely do a small trial run far in advance. coffeecake has a good point–whenever my sister has made jam there’s equipment involved for sterilizing, but i’m not sure if there are other options.
Good points, ladies… I already have the jars, so that’s not an issue. But I will also look into all the deets a little more.
Maybe instead of making it I could find a local person who makes it fresh and use that…
Sounds like a GREAT idea!! An easy way to speed up the process if by using an electric bread maker (if you or anyone you know has one!) I make home made jam ALL the time with it and it’s SUPER easy, and uses less ingredients for most jams than a stove top variety! I have a gagillion repices if you need any haha!!
plus you can just put it in the bread maker in the morning, then come home and jar it 
make a batch a day, super easy!!
that sounds like a wonderful idea! i second pug’s idea of using whatever is in season. that’ll help keep the cost of ingredients down.
Such a cute idea, I wish we could have done something like this but with over 200 guests, no was in heck was that happening!
sounds like a great idea!! and the opportunities for cute packaging are making me consider doing this 
I’m doing this! We’re making cute little 4-ounce jars. I know people might not be able to carry then on, but the two ounce jars are just too small. I’ve been making a batch whenever I find a good price on seasonal, good looking fruit. Thus far I’ve got five different flavors. I’ll prob end up with 10 or so. I will say, I’ve made a bunch of jam in my time and it helps to be comfortable with the process. It’s not hard, though.
As far as logistics…how long each batch takes depends mostly on how much preparation the fruit needs. Marmalade takes forever (all those peels!), berries are quicker. Much quicker if you use commercial pectin.
I don’t think you need too much special equipment. Pasta pot, jars and lids, jam tongs, maybe a rack. People get paranoid about sterilizing but if you follow the directions that come with the jars, you’ll be fine.
I’m hoping to do blueberry jam made from blueberries that my SO and I will pick this summer. Love the idea. Just a caution though, making jam can take a while and it gets REALLY hot since you have to boil the jam plus boil the jam in the jars to can them. Keep this in mind when you go to do this and make sure its not an already humid-90 degree day or you’ll be dying!
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Mrs. Hot Dog, Cheyenne, WY Age and Occupation: 23, Health Information Specialist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, Personal Trainer Engagement Date: March 2009 Wedding Date: August 2010 Venue: Family Ranch outside Glenrock, WY About Me: I'm a city girl by birth and rural girl by choice. I'm ready to take on the world with a big heart and a big smile! I love all things crafty and DIY. I live in Cheyenne, WY with Mr. HD and our 2 fur babies, our dachshunds, Ollie and Mia. I love travel, adventure, Finding Nemo, '90s music, animals, and laughing. He is the cheese to my macaroni and together we spend more time watching movies than we probably should! I'm an old soul who is super duper excited to pull off our down home-rustic-chic-country wedding (on the cheap)!
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