| For many centuries wedding favors have been a | | | | limited to her imagination when it comes to |
| part of traditional wedding ceremonies, across a | | | | selecting the gifts that will demonstrate esteem |
| wide range of cultures. Initially wedding favors | | | | from the blessed couple. |
| were an extravagance at celebrations hosted by | | | | Since the sixteenth century, bridegroom couples |
| European upper classes, who had the wealth to | | | | have been giving gifts to wedding guests as a |
| provide elaborate gifts to guests. The early | | | | gesture of gratitude for sharing in the beginning of |
| wedding favors began as small fancy boxes, | | | | their new life together. Today, gifts to the guests |
| known by their French name of bonboniere. A | | | | are known as wedding favors and are |
| bonboniere was fashioned of crystal, porcelain or | | | | commonplace in ceremonies worldwide. The small |
| gold and often encrusted with precious stones. | | | | gifts may vary according to the culture, wealth |
| The delicate boxes were meant to hold bonbons | | | | and the interests of the couple, or theme of the |
| or other confectionery delicacies, at a time when | | | | wedding. When it comes to the decision for the |
| sugar was quite expensive. Sugar was also highly | | | | right wedding favor, the options are unlimited. A |
| valued by all, as it was believed to have medicinal | | | | beautifully decorated placecard at the reception |
| benefits. | | | | table, can make a lovely and inexpensive |
| The tradition of providing gifts to guests was | | | | memento. For couples with larger budgets, a |
| adopted by individuals of modest means by | | | | vintage bottle of wine with a personalized label is |
| selecting simple treats as gifts. Every culture | | | | an excellent way of commemorating the event. |
| across time has a approached marriage as a | | | | Frequently a bride may select wedding favors |
| wonderful event, with the nuptials celebrated | | | | intended to complement the décor of the |
| throughout the community. In many societies the | | | | reception table. |
| bride and groom are associated with good luck, a | | | | Wedding party favors are special gifts provided to |
| common thought was that everything they | | | | members of the wedding party. The heartfelt |
| touched would be charmed. By gifting members | | | | gifts may be distributed by the bridegroom couple |
| of the community, they would then pass those | | | | at the time of the rehearsal dinner or before the |
| same blessings onto others. Many brides would | | | | wedding, in appreciation for assistance in creating |
| choose to distribute this good luck by preparing a | | | | the couples memorable day. Like the wedding |
| small gift of almonds, beautifully wrapped in an | | | | favors given to all guests, there are unlimited |
| elegant fabric. The custom in the Middle East is | | | | possibilities for these special gifts. Typically they |
| for the bride to provide five almonds to represent | | | | may be specialized items of a higher dollar value |
| fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness. | | | | and may be engraved with the name or |
| For more than a millennium, almonds were | | | | monogram of the individual in the party. |
| commonly given as wedding gifts to the couple, | | | | A common denominator among all modern brides, |
| signifying the good wishes on their new life | | | | regardless of cultural background or budget, is for |
| together. In the thirteenth century the practice of | | | | the bride to take pride in the giving and selecting |
| coating almonds in sugar became popular, the new | | | | the right wedding favor. The majority of wedding |
| confections were called "confetti". Over time, | | | | details are bound by tradition or cost, but the |
| confetti has transformed to Jordan almonds, now | | | | wedding favor provides the bride a chance to |
| a staple of many wedding celebrations. The | | | | show her personality and really consider what will |
| combination of the almond and candy signify the | | | | delight her guests. Many reusable favors from |
| bitter sweetness of marriage. Today, Jordan | | | | candles, to statuary can be purchased for as little |
| almonds provide one of the most common and | | | | as a dollar each. Edible favors can be purchased or |
| traditional wedding favors when they are wrapped | | | | created for as little as fifty cents a person, while |
| in small bundles of delicate fabric or lace and tied | | | | maintaining the European tradition of giving |
| with ribbon. Though the most traditional of | | | | confectionery delights. |
| wedding favors are still appreciated, a bride is only | | | | |