The History of Favors Wedding

by mark paul


Modern conceptualization of a favors wedding is one in which the wedding couple has an opportunity to express a gesture of gratitude and appreciation to their guests for attending the wedding reception or ceremony. The favors are usually small personalized gifts that can range from edible items to keepsakes. In many a favors wedding the favors are kept in strategic places in the reception venue for guests to pick at their own pleasure although in small weddings the couple can hand each guest his or her favor. This amicable tradition of favors wedding is not a novel invention of modern wedding planners though. It is actually an offshoot of a very old tradition in many cultures. The European aristocrats for instance had 'bonbonniere' gifts that couples could give their guests. These were small trinket boxes made of porcelain or crystal. Inside the small boxes, a couple could pack sugar cubes and delicate confections to symbolize royalty and wealth. Sugar by then was an overly expensive commodity only found among the wealthy. Nonetheless, as prices of sugar lowered through the centuries, the favor boxes became common among the general populace and could easily be afforded by any couple of modest means. Favors wedding in 13th Century Europe saw the introduction of sugar-coated almonds (confetti) and the tradition continues even to modern day European weddings. Jordan almonds were and are still used by the Scots as wedding favors, presented in a small confection box and or wrapped with an elegant fabric. The five almonds represent health, fertility, wealth, longevity and happiness. The tradition changed somehow when it was exported from Europe to North America in the 18th century. Many types of gifts saw their way into the favor box such as chocolate lilies, candy bars, lollipops etc. Americans even transformed the box into other functional items like kitchenware, candles and such items. Today, favors weddings have become a norm in almost all cultures worldwide. They are a pertinent part of a wedding ceremony and reception planning. The tradition has especially become rooted in Canada and the US. The favors are used to complement a wedding's theme, season and mood. Classic European and North American favors wedding usually give sugared almonds (a borrowed leaf), chocolates, silver picture frames, couple's photos, colored and shaped candles, CDs or MP3s (with the couple's favorite music), scented soaps and cookies. Most modern favors wedding also personalize their favors with a couple's initials, names and or wedding date.