From Proposal to Wedding Day: to Favor or Not to Favor?

Wedding favors are here to stay. Dating back to 1700, this tradition started out with European aristocrats gifting a trinket box (bonbonniere) filled with sugar cubes to their guests symbolizing their wealth. Soon after, almonds replaced sugar as sugar became more affordable. Traditionally, five Jordan almonds were presented in a confection box to represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness. The bitterness of the almond and the sweetness of the coated candy symbolized the bitter sweetness of a marriage.

Nowadays, favors tend to be more personalized and more creative, with Jordan almonds becoming a thing of a past, in many circles.

When trying to come up with a creative favor to thank your guests for coming, think of something that wouldn’t be bothersome and hard to take back home with them. Small, preferably non-breakable, items are most appreciated. 

Also, try to think what you would like to receive as a small token of appreciation? A tiny picture frame that you’ll never use? An engraved vase that will break on a way home?

I usually suggest favors that can be consumed right away, are personalized and tie into your wedding theme.

Choose candy in your wedding colors to enhance the decor, or different candy shapes to fit in with the theme weddings, like pumpkin shaped chocolate for Halloween wedding or a snowflake for a winter wedding.

M&Ms are great, but a personalized piece of chocolate or candy that you loved as a child is better. If your heritage dictates so, include your “national” candy as a favor: baklava, macaroons, biscotti, etc. Anything out of ordinary will surprise your guests and send a message that you really put thought into choosing the favors.

Other good options are couture teas and cocoas in an exquisite packaging or personalized cookies with photos or designs printed on them.

Think of these little items not as an additional expense, but as an enhancement to your décor. With a monotone palate of centerpieces and napkins, you can bring a pop of color and create a nice contrast.

One of the Pumpkin Coach Events’ brides purchased artisan made venetian masks for her Marie Antoinette inspired wedding. Each mask was unique and beautiful and made for a great conversational piece.

And there’s the very popular trend of donation favors. Choose your favorite charity, write a nice thank you note to your guests with a mention of the donation and the charity you’ve donated to. I personally like to attach something sweet with it, so there’s still a physical favor that guests are so used to receiving.

In my next blog, let’s talk about decor. We will start with flowers! In the meantime – happy wedding planning!