Bridal Bouquet: Favors with Flavor


If you want to spice up your guests’ tables at the reception, think literally. Boston’s Spice Genie offers a line of spice blends, flavored sugars and soy candles


FAVORS WITH FLAVOR
If you want to spice up your guests’ tables at the reception, think literally. Boston’s Spice Genie offers a line of spice blends, flavored sugars and soy candles inspired by founder-owner Alisa Taylor-Kapoor’s global travels and love of international cuisine. “I was fascinated by how every culture celebrated spices in a different way,” she says.

Giving the gift of spices has a rich history, says Taylor-Kapoor: “Hundreds of years ago, spices were a luxury and only the kings and royalty could afford them. They would shower their brides-to-be and friends and family with spice around their wedding time.”

Great for tea, coffee and baking, Spice Genie’s flavored sugars are infused with all-natural flavors and packaged in darling tins. Spice-scented soy candles are clean-burning and come in exotic scents such as Persian Pomegranate, African Lemongrass and Moroccan Mint. Spice blends come in individual packets or tins, in flavors such as Herbes de Provence (a French blend of thyme, rosemary and lavender) and an Indian curry blend. —Emily Gagne

RESCUE ME
If you’re feeling more Bridezilla than Princess Di these days, never fear: Your homeopathic salvation is a drop away. Rescue Remedy, a soothing serum imported from England by Wilmington-based Nelson Bach, combines five plant and flower essences that ease away tension with a few drops under the tongue or in your usual bottle of water. That means that—despite mothers-in-law and whiny flower girls—you’ll feel as though you just left your yoga mat. “Quite a few brides have thanked Rescue Remedy for helping them cope with the build-up and stresses that go into planning a wedding,” says Curt Finckler, senior brand manager.

Or use the essences solo—Bach’s online Remedy Chooser pinpoints which of the 38 essences your body needs most. Overwhelmed? Try Elm. Exhausted? Oak revives your tired spirit. Post-altar, Finckler recommends Walnut for coping with the transition. —Jenna Bergen

PAPER PARTY
Setting the tone for your wedding happens right from the beginning—as in, the second your guests unfold their invitations. To make sure they know your wedding’s going to be fabulous, send them Lauren Franklin’s beautifully handcrafted invites from her Boston company. She’ll make ceremony programs, place cards, menus and wine tags to match.