The vows have been said, happy tears have been shed, and the guests are now arriving for the reception celebration.
How better to delight them all and to thank them for being there than to provide original, thoughtful wedding favors? Historically, the giving of wedding favors is thought to date back to old European aristocracy, who had the wealth to provide elaborate gifts to guests.
The early wedding favors began as small fancy boxes, known by their French name of bonboniere.
Fashioned of crystal, porcelain or gold and often encrusted with precious stones, the delicate boxes held bonbons or other confectionery delicacies at a time when sugar was quite expensive.
In many societies the bride and groom were associated with good luck, so a common belief was that everything they touched would be charmed.
By gifting members of the community, the happy couple would pass a blessing along to others.
Many brides distributed this good luck by preparing a small gift of five almonds, beautifully wrapped in an elegant fabric.
The five almonds were thought to symbolize longevity, fertility, health, wealth, and happiness.
In the thirteenth century the practice of coating the almonds in sugar became popular.
The combination of the almond and candy symbolized the bitter sweetness of marriage.
Today, these "Jordan almonds" provide one of the most common and traditional wedding favors.
Though traditional of wedding favors are still appreciated, a bride is only limited by her imagination when it comes to selecting the gifts that will demonstrate esteem from the happy couple.
Today the tradition of thanking guests for coming and for their support of the bride and groom continues in the form of unique and delightful wedding favors.
Favors can also serve as mementos of the day, bringing glad remembrance to the minds of those who receive them.
Wedding favors fall into many categories.
Consider the below when thinking through the options.
oPersonalization.
Can the wedding favor be inscribed? Many items, from napkins to cheese spreaders, can carry the imprint of the wedding couple's names and wedding date.
An especially charming gift is a tasteful bud vase imprinted with the wedding information, which can be used for years to come to grace the recipient's table.
oLasting value.
Does the wedding favor have a use or value beyond the wedding day? Wine stoppers, heart shaped measuring spoons, or seedlings of favorite flowers can recall to mind the wedding day indefinitely.
Guest soaps in the shape of hearts or roses are especially lovely.
oDecorative value.
Can the favor contribute to the overall décor of the reception? Candles, bells, or items in the wedding colors can bring a special festivity to the reception tables.
Coasters with a special message of love can accent any decoration scheme.
oSpecial interest.
Perhaps the wedding couple enjoys golf, or diving, or movies.
Wedding favors that reflect these interests can bring a special touch and allow the guests to participate in the couple's favorite pastimes.
oRecreational value.
Sometimes wedding favors are just there for the fun of it.
Bubbles, candy, disposable cameras, yoyo's and the like give guests something enjoyable to do while celebrating the happy couple's new commitment.
oPractical use.
Bookmarks, key rings, matchbooks, imprinted pens--all are handy little gifts that will be used many times after the wedding day.
oEdible gifts.
A favorite wedding favor remains the one of good taste--literally.
Gourmet chocolates, mints, kisses, fortune cookies, homemade jam all compliment the festivities with a bit of sweetness.
Regardless of background or budget, the bride and groom can spread the blessing of their wedding day with a thoughtful wedding favor.
It's just one more fun detail for the perfect wedding.