Wedding Favours

Wedding Favours are usually small gifts given by the bride and groom to their wedding guests. They can be given before the wedding at the rehearsal dinner, or after the wedding during the reception itself.

The practise of giving Wedding Favours dates back many centuries, and was probably started by European aristocrats. Back then they were known as ‘Bonbonniere’ and were usually small fancy boxes filled with cubes of sugar. At the time, sugar was very expensive and could only be afforded by the wealthy.

As sugar came down in price, it was replaced by almonds. Usually five almonds were given to signify health, wealth, happiness, longevity and happiness. These almonds were traditionally Jordan almonds. In the 13^th century, almonds with a sugary coating were given to signify the two sides of a marriage; namely the sweetness and bitterness. These were actually known as ‘Confetti’. Maybe it’s a good thing that confetti is nowadays usually paper or rice, as no-one would like being showered with almonds.

Today, Wedding Favours are a worldwide phenomenon, but they are particularly popular in the United States and Canada

So what are today’s most popular Wedding Favours

The practise of giving Wedding Favours is probably one of the most individual forms of expression shown by the new bride at her wedding. Rather than being ‘steeped in tradition’ as much of a wedding service and the whole event may be, when it comes to Wedding Favours, it’s all up to the bride!

These days, favours can include CD’s of the couple’s favourite music, framed photographs of the happy couple, and other such memorabilia.

Unsurprisingly, sweets remain one of the most popular forms of Wedding Favours!

Multi-coloured sugar beans can be placed in individual shot glasses at every place setting, or the bride may choose individual boxes full of her favourite type of sweets.

Sometimes, rather than give Wedding Favours individually, a larger glass jar or individual sweets may be placed in the centre of each of the guests’ tables, allowing them to help themselves during the speeches, or after the main meal if they’re ‘not quite full’!

Nostalgia can also play a big part in which sweets to choose from as Wedding Favours.

Nowadays, not only can you no longer find an ‘Olde Fashioned’ sweetshop on your high street, but those sweets you do see -usually in supermarkets, are modern, pale comparisons to the ones you used to buy as a child.

I recently discovered ‘A Quarter Of’ online. They sell proper sweets in all the old shapes, sizes and flavours you remember from your youth. They even sell most of the ones your granny used to buy when she was a girl!

As well as the proper sweets, they now cater for weddings and in particular Wedding Favours, and if you check out their range, you’ll see they cater for every taste.

…Yes, even 14 different types of humbug for your Gran!

So, if you’re planning your ‘Big Day’, then don’t forget the details.

Choose Wedding Favours that show your style, your you!