The giving of Wedding Favours is always a topic of conversation when it comes to planning a wedding for every couple. Its also widely debated in the industry.
Wedding Favours have fallen into the tradition bracket of the wedding formula like the speeches, the first dance and the cutting of the cake. However, they are not compulsory, you do not have to give wedding favours to your guests!
This questions why do we give them if we dont have to? Simply, its a thank you, a token gesture to your guests to say you are grateful that they are sharing in your day. To give thanks is beautiful and always appreciated. Traditionally, favours or Bonbonnieres, as originally referenced, were first presented centuries ago by European Aristocracy. In the 13th century you presented your guests with a small jeweled trinket box filled with sugar to symbolise wealth; sugar at the time was highly expensive therefore only affordable by the wealthy. As time moved on sugar coated almonds replaced sugar and the tradition became widely used throughout the social classes. The giving of almonds cemented the act of giving thanks as a wedding tradition. The symbolic meaning also evolved; favours no longer demonstrated wealth but signified good wishes for the couple.
Guests were provided with five sugar-coated almonds symbolising; Health, Wealth, Happiness, Fertility and Long Life. This tradition continued for centuries right up to the 1990s when you would find a bag of sugar coated almonds on your place setting at the Wedding Breakfast as a gift from the couple.
The turn of the Millennium and a shift in tradition in the wedding market seen favours take on a new form. The meaning behind the individual almonds lost over years of translation created an opportunity for couples to get creative with their token of thanks, leading to today, when we are questioning, should we or should we not budget for wedding favours? I follow three simple rules:
1. Is it practical?
2. Does it have meaning?
3. Does it enhance the experience for your guests?
If you answer yes to all three, then yes, include favours. If you are scratching your head wondering why and what, then I suggest you direct your finances and effort to another component in your wedding planning.
If it serves a purpose within the logistics of the day both emotional and practical, thats one tick! If its a thank you or symbol of appreciation or a gesture, thats two ticks! If its edible, drinkable, useful or helpful, delighting and creating a significant moment for your guests, thats all three ticked!
Recently, I had the pleasure of absorbing all things traditional and combining our English wedding heritage with traditional Japanese influences for a beautiful wedding experience to truly symbolise the commitment the couple were making to one another. To give thanks and celebrate the couple in a long and happy marriage was a delightful experience enjoyed by us all. WEDDING FAVOURS The giving of Wedding Favours is always a topic of conversation when it comes to planning a wedding for every couple. Its also widely debated in the industry.
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