What exactly are wedding favors? Well they are little gifts that the newly wedded couple would give to their guests as a thank you for joining them on their special day.
The tradition of giving wedding favors was started many centuries ago by European aristocracy & where usually little boxes of almonds or sugar cubes. Sugar was not widely available in those times & was only afforded by the wealthy, so as you can imagine they were something of luxurious gift.
Today wedding favors are far more varied in their design & make-up, & can be afforded by people with any size of budget.
The most traditional types of wedding favor are almonds or chocolates. These were usually given in threes or fives, representing health, wealth, happiness, fertility & longevity. They maybe given in little boxes or tulle nets sometimes called Bombonierre which is Italian for confetti. Other traditional favors include small bells, which the guests are invited the ring every time the bride & groom pass by, upon hearing them they have to kiss!
Modern wedding favors include items such as bottle stoppers, bookmarks, coasters, candles, photograph frames, & all manner of decorative items. With the rise in popularity of themed weddings there is now an array of favors available for all manner of wedding themes, from fairytale to Vegas.
Choosing the right wedding favors for your wedding is not an easy task. With such a huge choice available it can be overwhelming for even the most organized of brides. It is important to take into account the following though when choosing your favors:
· The style or theme of your wedding
· Your own tastes & style
· Your own personalities
Your wedding will be a reflection of the last two so your favors should be too, otherwise they will not coordinate. Don’t forget your packaging either & definitely don’t choose this before you have chosen your favors!
You should set a budget for your favors when you set out your overall wedding planning budget. So many brides forget to add them in & then end up panicking because there is not enough money left over to purchase them. When considering your budget it is a good idea to set a price per guest rather than a total figure. If you order them by mail order don’t forget to include shipping costs & any taxes in your calculations.
Always shop around for the best prices. Many retailers will offer discounts for things like total order cost or quantity. If you need to buy a particularly large number then try to buy them through a wholesaler for the best prices.
