Favours
A brief look at wedding favors through the ages.
The couple's budget is a significant factor to consider when selecting wedding favors, however a resourceful and creative couple can easily find a solution to their problem.
The history of wedding favors dates back several centuries ago in European countries. People then believed that weddings were a fortunate occasion and that the giving of wedding favors by the groom and bride is a way of sharing that luck to family and friends.
Wedding favors began as a tradition of upper class families in Europe centuries ago. French and Italian families would hand out 'bonbonnieres' to guests as wedding favors. These confectionary delicacies are placed in small fancy boxes made of metal, crystal or porcelain. The boxes are also decorated with precious stones that create a precious keepsake for guests.
Later on, other social classes took on the tradition of giving wedding favors to their guests. Almonds were popular wedding favors given by couples in the earlier days. People believed that the almonds represented longevity, happiness, wealth, health and fertility. Up to now, almonds are still common wedding favors given by couples in the form of candy-coated almonds.
Modern day wedding favors
Wedding favors are now an essential part of the preparations for the wedding day.
Wedding favors can be bought or made to match the style of the couple's wedding.
Many sensible couples opt to give out practical wedding favors that guests can use afterwards. These can either be small kitchen gadgets like salt and peppershakers, coasters or cookie cutters, or maybe soaps and candles.
Ideas for wedding favors
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| Bride and Groom Cookie |
Bride and Groom Bottle Stops |
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| Cowboy Wedding | Tropical Wedding | Beach Wedding |
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| Cinderella Wedding | Bride& Groom Note Pad | Chair Favour & Place Setting |
In the Italian tradition the bomboniera (or wedding favour) is a small object, a memento of the happy day but not only that. The bomboniera is also an expression of the evolution in art and customs.
Originally in the 15th century “sweet boxes” were swapped by the engaged couple’s family as sign of good fortune. In Italy at the end of the 18th century bomboniere began to be used as “wedding souvenirs”. At first they were made mostly with porcelain.
Today bomboniere are proposed in a wide variety of materials and colours. Most bomboniere contain five sugared almonds symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. Each bomboniera can be personalised by a small folded card with the bride and groom’s first names and date of the happy occasion.
The “Gift bomboniere ” are normally given by the marrying couple as a memento and as thanksgiving for the wedding gifts received. The “Tulle ciuffetti ” are normally distributed to the guests at the wedding feast. The Traditional Almonds and Tulle can either be given with a gift, a small momento of a special day, or on their own. They look gorgeous on the tables set out by each place setting, or displayed in large wicker baskets for the bride and groom to hold and distripute them from. This is a great way for the happy couple to meet all their wedding guests and have a few moments for a chat with everyone they invited.
Traditionally used in wedding favours almonds represent the “bittersweet life” of a married couple. These days Chocolate dragees, and even pot pourri have been substituted for the traditional almond.
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| Everlasting Bubbles | Hot Chocolate Wedding Favour | Mint Bride & Groom |
