Wedding Traditions – what are wedding favours?
Traditional Wedding Favours
What are wedding favours and where did they come from?
Wedding favours are a centuries old tradition that originated in Italy. Five sugared almonds would be given as a gift to each guest. Five is significant because it cannot be divided. It symbolises; wealth, health, fertility, long life and happiness.
Today wedding favours have taken on a different life with many couples seeking to produce their individual take on this custom. You may wish to stick with traditional sugared almonds for their symbolism. Or you may prefer more modern options that are widely used.
There is no shortage of wedding suppliers offering wedding favours. You can choose wedding favours to suit your wedding budget. You can spend anything from the price of a lottery ticket to diamond jewellery. Expensive gifts will probably be too much to extend to all your guests. Therefore you could give larger gifts to your bridal party and immediate family while giving the traditional sugar coated almonds to everyone. That way you can be symbolic and give something just a little extra special to those close to you.
Modern choices for wedding favours can suit your personality and perhaps wedding theme. If you’re getting married by the beach you could give flip-flops. Or perhaps a bulb or seeds in terracotta pots if you are having a green environmentally clean theme. These fun ideas are also more modestly priced.
You could create your own favours if you are practical. You could bake truffles such as chocolate and ginger or just chocolate – yum yum!
These can then be placed in a small gift box or bag and placed on the tables for your wedding breakfast.
Finally my best advice is; do not feel that you have to give wedding favours just because it is traditional. You may be having a low key wedding or are on a tight budget. Bottom line is; you really do not need to give wedding favours!
Pat Bloomfield
