by Nicole Chireau
In the first of this 2-part article, Nicole helps us understand the history and tradition of wedding favors.
Wedding favors are as ancient a tradition as weddings themselves. As simple as candies or as elaborate as miniature golden carriages filled with rose petals, these token gifts for those who attend a wedding have become a big industry. These gifts, gestures, really, of appreciation to the guests from the marrying couple, are such a small detail, but can make such a large impact on those who receive them. In the past wedding favors were, on the whole, simpler objects, but as our cultures changed, so did all the things that comprise our culture…down to the details of wedding favors. Nowadays, there is an ever-growing range of wedding favors available for couples to give their guests, and it’s not just an American phenomenon: From country to country, wedding favors have become big business.
The concept of wedding favors has long been there in the human civilization and changes have occurred as times changed. The wedding favors in the older times were far simpler but they did have that unique touch to them which made the favor a special thing for the guests who attended the weddings. The wedding favors are a gesture of gratitude towards the guests, friends, and relatives who attend the wedding ceremonies and grace the occasion. Today there is a wide range of wedding favors available for couples to give to their guests and the sheer demand for them has given birth to the wedding favor industry in the world. Although the wedding favors vary from culture to culture, the idea behind it is common across all cultures.
The Tradition of Wedding Favors
The tradition of wedding favors dates at least as far back as the aristocracy of the Europeans in medieval times. These rich Europeans aristocrats lavished their guests with fancy wedding favors called bonbonnieres. Bonbonniere is a French word that means a bauble or a small box with attractive ornamentations on it, and this little box was generally made of porcelain, crystal, or even precious stones. The aristocracy would then place little gifts within these ornate boxes, often sugar cubes or other such confections.
Since sugar was a rare and expensive item in those times it symbolized the status of aristocracy. By giving a gift of sugar to their guests, the message was clear: We are well-off, look at what we can give away. Of course, as sugar become a common household commodity, it lost favor amongst the aristocrats, who then began favoring almonds and other expensive nuts. Later, confetti became popular. It’s interesting to note that modern weddings often make a nod to their aristocratic past by giving sugared almonds as a wedding favor.
If there’s one key difference between past and present wedding favors, it’s one of personalization. The aristocrats’ goal was to impress people with their wealth. The trend among modern couples, however, is the custom creation of gifts that bear the personal touch of the families and the couples. What better way to truly say thank you for thinking of us, than to give out thoughtful, meaningful gifts. It makes all the difference.
A Note From the Author
I have 10 years of event planning experience. I received my planning background in music and television industry and with the professional background friends and family were always requesting assistance with planning their event especially weddings. After many years of being the “unofficial” wedding planner I found my calling to start my own company. I absolutely love planning weddings. My unique focus is serving busy career couples; and that includes students. I’m the perfect match for couples that are finding it difficult to get free time for all the specifics that go into planning a fabulous wedding, yet don’t want to miss out on throwing the event of their life.
Because of my tremendous strengths in the area of organization and time management, I liberate in-demand brides and grooms from the worry and stress that can take away the fun of planning a wedding. I allow them to spend more time developing their tastes and preferences, while I handle the details that will make it all come together.Go to www.memoiresdamour.com and get your FREE report, 8 Secrets for Letting your “Inner Designer” Plan your Wedding, While Still Keeping the Details In Check.