Wedding planning can be a long and complicated affair. Amid planning the big things – like catering and entertainment – sometimes, small details can get forgotten about, or left till the last minute. Wedding favours are one of the lesser talked about elements of wedding planning, and can easily be overlooked or disregarded as unimportant. But offering favours is a lovely gesture for your guests, and a well-known tradition that will help to raise the tone of your celebration.
Wedding favours are small gifts provided to wedding guests by the bride and groom, as a little “thank you” for attending the wedding and celebrating with the couple. Favours don’t have to be large, expensive, or elaborate – nonetheless they can still be fun and meaningful, and are always appreciated.
This guide will talk you through what wedding favours are, how the tradition started and present you some examples of traditional wedding favours from about the world. We’ll also discuss why you should have favours at your wedding, and choosing and present these to your guests.
The History of wedding favors
The custom of giving wedding favours goes back centuries. One of the first references to a wedding favour are available in 16th century England. Being a favour and symbolise their love connection, couples would often give love knots manufactured from lace and ribbon to each with their guests.
A little trinket box made up of crystal, porcelain, and/or precious stones (known as a bonbonniere) was popular among the European nobility. Sugar cubes or delicate confections were commonly found inside these boxes, which symbolised wealth and grandeur.
Back in those days, a marriage was seen to become a lucky occasion. The couple believed that giving bonbonnieres and other goodies to wedding guests, they were also imparting their good fortune on others. These blessed gifts typically consisted of five almonds or candy pieces, which indicated fertility, wellness, riches, contentment, and longevity.
Today, favours are still a favorite tradition for the most part modern weddings. Wedding favours are varied and usually match the event’s motif or season. Traditional favours include individual chocolates, candles, and various other knickknacks. CDs featuring the bride and groom’s favourite music, shot glasses filled up with coloured sweets, or a charitable donation in their guests’ names are also popular modern present ideas.
Wedding Favours from Around the World
Anything goes when it comes to wedding favours. Some Western countries offer wedding favours predicated on the theme of the wedding or the couple’s lifestyle, many other countries have customary favours such as:
1) Guests at Irish weddings are frequently given miniature wedding bells as a favour.
2) Guests at a Spanish wedding receive detalles, such as cigars for the men and a present for the ladies.
3) Favours in Russia include miniature paintings or candles, as well as souvenirs.
4) Guests can expect chocolate-covered or Jordan almonds at an Italian wedding.
5) A hand-crafted elephant is considered an auspicious wedding favour in India.
When it comes to your own wedding, you can take inspiration from your culture’s history, or go completely non-traditional. Hand out something which means something to you as a person – or maybe something pretty that matches your wedding theme!
Are Wedding Favours Necessary?
The distribution of wedding favours is a tradition that has continually been passed on through generations. Obviously, they’re not a necessity, but they’re certainly a nice gesture for your guests and lead to some good pictures and memories.
Aside from being an important wedding tradition, wedding favours also serve two purposes: to thank your guests for celebrating your special day together with you and leave a lasting impression that will keep them thinking of you for years to come.
Favours also serve as a memento of your wedding. Many guests prefer to keep their wedding favour (or the favour box that it came in) as a keepsake afterwards. You can add them to each guest’s goodie bags, place them on your dining tables next to each guest’s place card, or create a particular table near to the access of your reception for guests to choose their own.
What Types of Wedding Favours Are There?
There are many types of small gifts that you can use as wedding favours. Some of the most popular kinds of wedding favours include:
1) Novelty Favours: Think personalised matchbooks, small toys, mints with a monogrammed label, and non permanent tattoos.
2) Edible Favours: From chocolate truffles to delightful candy buffets, edible wedding favours are always appreciated by guests. You can even have beverage favours, such as tiny bottles of whiskey or gin.
3) Inedible Favours: From potpourri sachets to soaps and scented candles, inedible wedding favours are also a great way to thank your guests. They’re particularly well appreciated by guests who might not be capable to enjoy an edible favour (such as guests with special dietary requirements).
Yellow Wedding Favours
Wedding Cake Gift Favours by Bellaswan2008
Emerald Organza Favour Bags
Wedding favour boxes can help you present your wedding favours in style. They’re available in many different colours and designs to match any wedding theme. You can also buy matching ribbons and tags that may be customised with your name and date for the wedding.