Favor-ite Gifts

Who invented Wedding Favors? Well, that is debatable but they have been around for many years. Currently they have become so popular that no wedding would seem complete without these little gifts.

These small packets were given to guests as a gesture of thanks for coming to the wedding. They have become more elaborate though and these days you could even be given a miniature fondue set or piece of crystal to take home with you.

Originally, small caskets, made from various semi precious materials, were filled with sugar cubes or small delicacies and given as gifts. Sugar was very expensive in those days, hence only the rich observed this ritual, and this was a sign of how valuable the guest was at the wedding. As sugar became cheaper, the working classes took up the custom.

In about the thirteenth century almonds replaced sugar as a gift. They were usually presented in small boxes or in fine materials. Later the almonds were sugar coated and called confetti which gave its name to the bits of multi colored paper thrown at weddings today.

Although the tradition fell by the wayside a little it has become fashionable again these days for the bride and groom to give five sugared almonds – long life, happiness, wealth, fertility and health – or some other small gift to the guests as a ‘thank you’ for attending the wedding. Indeed, it has become so fashionable that a whole new industry has sprung up around the custom especially in America and Canada.

Perhaps one of the constraints with this custom is the financial burden it places upon whoever is paying for the wedding. Apart from paying for the meals, including rehearsal dinners etc, there is the decision about an open or paying bar. Most people will opt for paying for everything since they bank on only having to do this once in a lifetime. Therefore, they forget about budget and lavish as much on their guests as their pockets will allow.

Of course the choice is virtually endless with many websites offering many great ideas. Do you want to give an edible gift? Or would you prefer to give a gift that can be used at home? Or would you prefer to give a memento of the wedding to remind your guests of that special day?

For the more practically minded you could give customized heart-shaped calculators, fridge magnets, pizza cutters or even glass, heart shaped coasters. A particularly nice idea is to give heart shaped coasters with a photo of the bride and groom inserted. Your friends and family could not forget you, or the gift, if you gave this!

Other ‘photograph’ gifts that may be treasured are small photo albums. One particularly nice idea is a square sided glass vase with a different photo on each side. You could put in photos from school, the engagement, the wedding and perhaps leave one free for the christening!

There is no need to break the bank though. One Wedding Favorthat is becoming increasingly popular is the cookie favor. These come in a myriad of shapes, sizes and pack sizes.

One particular cookie favor is made in the shape of a wedding dress – three different styles – which can be decorated to match the wedding colors. You can either distribute one, or all three styles in a pack, to the guests to enjoy at home. This only costs about $6 for twelve favors.

Then there are wedding cake cookie favors. Again three styles are available and are customized to the color of your choice. They cost the same as the wedding dress favors.

A more expensive alternative to the wedding cake favors are wedding cake shaped candles. These are delightful, pastel colored candles that also come in packs of three and can either be used to adorn the tables or be used as favors. One good thing in their favor is that they are odorless. Some people are allergic to essential oils which are normally used in scented candles.

All guests love to receive gifts at weddings. It makes them feel special and they always have a reminder of the day. Some people like to give baskets of delectable goodies so that the recipient can have a drink and snack on delicious tidbits that they normally would not buy for themselves. Throw in a couple of customized fortune cookies and you have a truly unforgettable gift.

Of course, you don’t have to be predictable when you choose Wedding Favor. Why not fill a basket with several different favors and give to your guests. There are enough economically priced bits and pieces on these sites to satisfy even the fussiest of people. In fact, you could make a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach by carefully choosing the ingredients in your own specific basket.

First decide on the budget and then peruse the site to pick and choose which gifts you would like to give. Don’t forget that customized gifts take a little longer to deliver so the word is – plan ahead. Also don’t forget that once a gift is customized you will not be able to return it so take care to get the details right. Also don’t forget that, depending on how many guests you have invited, the baskets will take time to pack. Of course, you could always get the wedding planner to take care of this!

Whatever you choose to give, the idea is to have a great day. Sometimes we get so caught up in the organizing that we forget what the day is all about. That is, the bringing together of two people and two families to create a unique and new family. Make sure all the gifts are packed and ready before the big day and let the guests help themselves from one distribution point at the reception. As an alternative you could also place each gift at the place setting. This will give you a more relaxed time and you will have time to chat and communicate with your guests on a one to one basis.