Wedding Day Advice | Reception and Ceremony

What are Wedding Favours?

Favours or bombonieres represent a small and symbolic gift, given to ones guests at a celebratory occasion. The tradition dates back to the European aristocrats who gave out these bombonieres for special occasions like weddings. They were usually box shaped and made of crystal, porcelain or metal, with 5 almonds or 5 pieces of sugared candy inside. These boxes were beautifully wrapped and then presented to each guest.

Since weddings were considered a lucky and joyous occasion, the tradition was an act of the couple’s passing on of good luck and happiness to their guests. The 5 almonds or candied sweets inside, symbolised, health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Today, the act of giving wedding favours or ‘Thank-you’ gifts has taken on whole new life of its own, bridal couples are no longer limited to sugar coated almonds wrapped in tulle, but are able to thank each guest, by personally selecting items that that will show their appreciation as well as complimenting their unique wedding style.

Wedding favours are normally displayed at each place setting, thereby adding to the wedding table decor. Sometimes the bride will have a favour table where the small gifts are displayed and a decorative wedding stationery cards attached containing each guest’s name and table assignment.

Modern Wedding Favour Ideas

One of the most popular wedding favour choices of the modern bride, are little potted seedlings, which symbolise the couple’s new life together and the potential growth that their marriage will endure. This modern play on an old tradition, makes it a very popular choice.

Edible wedding favours are always a hit with the guests. Delicious imported chocolate, freshly made macaroons, hot chocolate and marshmallow cookie mix, whatever treat you decide to give, be sure that they are elegantly packaged in a wedding favour box or decorated glass jar so that your guests will be tempted to open them right away!

African themed wedding favours are very popular. It’s great fun to browse around African craft markets, for that perfect little ‘something’ for your guests, you could select anything from collectible wooden spoons, miniature African masks, soap stone ornaments to beaded bangles and woven plate liners. Should you decide on a live gift, an African aloe potted seedling would be a fantastic choice and will add interest to your table décor as well.

If money is no option, then a small rolled up African canvas painting would be fabulous idea, you could source a local African artist and commission the paintings, add a bit of hessian ribbon, with some African inspired embellishments and you have yourself a wonderful collectable keepsake of your special day.

DIY wedding favours that have been carefully thought out and personally created, add a meaningful touch to the day, that’s why the ‘do-it-yourself’ approach is so popular with the modern bride. If you have wedding budget constraints, this option will also help alleviate the financial stress associated with wedding planning. Mini Terrariums, a personalised music soundtrack of your wedding day or delicious homemade tea or cookie mix, all make wonderfully personalised gifts for your guests.

Photos Courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes