Wedding Favors – the Finishing Touch
Wedding party favors are small tokens of appreciation that are given to guests who attend a wedding. This very old tradition started out as a gift of sugar cubes presented in a small crystal or porcelain trinket box, which was supposed to symbolise royalty and wealth. These were known as “Bonbonniere” and were exclusive to the rich, due to the fact that sugar was an expensive commodity at the time. Over the years, however, sugar came down in price and by the thirteenth century, “Bonbonnieres” were replaced with almonds coated in sugar and these were known as “confetti.” “Confetti” soon became sugared almonds, and it was customary to place five Jordan almonds in a presentation box or a piece of pretty fabric to represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness. Apart from sugared almonds, love knots of ribbon and lace were given as wedding favors during the sixteenth and seventeenth Century.
Today, although sugared almonds are still used as classical wedding party favors, there are now many weird and wonderful themes available to suit weddings of all styles and people of all ages. You can choose from an array of metal designs, such as small mirrors, picture frames, storage tins, place card holders and bottle stoppers. If you prefer something to light up the occasion, you could consider a collection of beautiful candles to give to your guests. Useful and unique wedding favors come in the form of salt and pepper shakers and manicure sets in any design imaginable. As well as an army of confectionary and favor boxes, biodegradable preserved rose petals are also available to add that touch of class to any wedding table. Wedding favors are now big business and the demand for them is growing daily – With so much to choose from, it can be difficult to know which wedding favors will suit your big day the most. Before making any decisions, you need to ask yourself a few important questions:
Has your wedding got a theme?
Where are you holding your wedding?
What time of year are you getting married?
What is the color and style of your wedding dress?
If you are having bridesmaids, what color are their dresses?
What flowers are you having?
What is the age range of your wedding guests?
Once you have established these facts, you will be in a better position to know which favors are right for you.
Wedding favors are now popular all over the world, and follow different traditions. Although some countries also use sugared almonds for their guests, others have different ideas:
Russia – Bud vases, sachets and picture frames are given.
Puerto Rico - A doll is dressed up like the bride and then covered in party favors. The favors are decorated cards displaying the names of the bride and groom, and the date of their marriage. The doll is then placed at the head of the couple’s wedding table for all to see.
Middle East - Five candy-coated almonds are presented in silver tins or cloth mesh bags.
Holland - “Bridal sugar” consists of five pieces of sweet candy that is wrapped up in tulle.
Italy - Chocolate covered almonds or marzipan fruits are given.
Greece - Candy coated almonds are given, which are known as “Bom Bom Yara” or “Koufetta”
Malaysia - Hand painted eggs are used as favors to symbolize fertility.
Planning a wedding these days can be very stressful for all concerned, so plenty of forward planning is essential – right down to the finest detail. Wedding favors make a great addition to any wedding table and are the perfect way to say thank you to your guests for attending your wedding and taking part in the celebrations. As well as saying thank you to family and friends, they also make wonderful keepsakes of your special day!
About the Author
S Canfield, owner of Accent the Party selling many themes of elegant wedding party favors, bridal shower favors and unique party favors to thank your guests with.
