Fancy Favors
Fancy Favors to Suit your Fancy? Let’s take a look back at the history of wedding favors and some modern thoughts on the tradition.
A wedding was considered a lucky occasion way back when. Although specific customs vary according to culture and time period, wedding favors have been around for centuries as a way for the bride and groom to thank their guests for attending the ceremony. Some couples still opt for a traditional “thank you” to their guest, while others find it not necessary.
One of the earliest accounts of a wedding favor dates back to 16th century England. It was common for couples to give love knots constructed from lace and ribbon to each of their guests as a favor and to represent their bond of love. Throughout history, favors have evolved into a tradition that can be seen around the world.
Centuries ago, European aristocrats, most notably those in France and Italy, would send their wedding guests home with a small gift called a bonbonniere, or as it’s called in Italian, a bomboniere. A bonbonniere was actually a box made of porcelain, crystal, precious stones or metal. Inside one would find delicacies made of sugar. It was from these boxed and gift wrapped confections that today’s wedding favors are derived.
By passing bonbonnieres and other treats onto wedding guests, the couple felt they were also bestowing their good luck upon their guests. In most cases, these lucky gifts consisted of five almonds or pieces of candy that represented fertility, health, wealth, happiness and longevity.
Bonbonnieres evolved as confectioners began making candied almonds by dipping them in sugar or some other sweet coating. This tradition is kept alive today with the brightly colored Jordan almonds given out at many of these joyous occasions. In fact, if you count, you may find of these tulle wrapped treats – still represent the five wedding wishes.
While Jordan almonds and bonbonnieres are still a thriving tradition, favors come in all shapes, sizes, flavors, and personality. Here are some of our favorite options:
Romantic / Tuscan Inspired Wedding
Rustic / Country Inspired Wedding
Regional Finds / Treats
I was looking for personalize wedding favors to give at my wedding and I think this is the perfect gift! Those macarons are so adorable and they will look so good with my name and my fiance’s on them! Thanks for the post, I really like your blog, I’ve read it lately and I love this.
Best regards.