Wedding Favors: Uniquely Yours Wedding Accessories & More

Wedding Accessories & Wedding Favors ~ A Short History

the birthplace and evolution of wedding favor trends

Weddings & Wedding Accessories

Before we discuss wedding favors and accessories, we're best served if we orient ourselves to the wedding ceremony itself, its customs across a myriad of cultures, and indeed the history of "the union of a man and a woman" beyond just the agreement between two people -- the point in history at which the simple union blossomed into a ceremony and indeed a celebration with guests.

Although the institution of marriage is thought to pre-date reliable recorded history, many cultures have legends concerning the origins of marriage. The way in which a marriage is conducted and its rules and ramifications have changed over time, as has the institution itself. Even today, wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes. Most wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of wedding vows by the couple, presentation of a gift (such as rings or other symbolic items, flowers, or money), and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or leader, such as a minister.

Historically speaking, however, the birth of marriage past the union of two people, has its origins in the transfer of wealth and social status. Ceremonies marked the occasion, not so much to celebrate the union of two, but rather to publicly announce a political alliance between two aristocratic families. This need to protect the family lineage and wealth spawned the need for a ceremony. And, it is in these ceremonies beginning around 500 AD, that the first wedding favors were created. Prior to these elaborate ceremonies, a religious official often blessed the marriage, but the marriage was considered created by the two people, not by any officiating religious representative. The earliest wedding favors on record were baskets of food and drink, given to the invited guests at their point of departure. These gift baskets were practical in that the journey home was often long, and quite often arduous. Noble or otherwise exalted families began to compete on the luxuriousness of their wedding favors.

The next major change is found in the creation of the concept of "appropriate wedding attire". Certainly guests wore their finer clothes to a special wedding held in upper society, but it's not until the 15th century that we find the first "wedding gown", defined as such. The first gown to have this distinction was worn by Princess Philippa, the daughter of Henry IV in 1406. At that time, the gown was decorated with jewels and pearls. Since that time, the pearls have remained popular, though made of plastic, and the jewels have been replaced by sparkling sequins. In terms of the color white being associated with a wedding gown, this tradition was popularized by the wedding of Queen Victoria in 1854. She is reported to have said that her "white dress symbolizes the purity with which I enter this union.

The exchange of wedding rings is actually quite modern. Traditionally, there were jewels bestowed upon the bride, jewels belonging to the family in most cases for many generations. These jewels and rings were symbols of the union of the families. Jewels were commonly exchanged in both directions. However, the first actual wedding bands weren't introduced until the turn of this century, an invention of several enterprising jewelers who had the good future to have enough advertising money to ask brides, "Did your groom give you a wedding ring?" Far too many girls were uncomfortable with answering "no"; and hence, a ring was demanded, later became expected, and now we have a tradition that DeBeers spends millions of dollars on every year keeping alive.

A wedding reception is a party held after the marriage ceremony as hospitality for those who have attended the wedding, with the couple "receiving" family and friends for the first time as a married couple. Hosts provide their choice of food and drink, although a wedding cake is popular. Entertaining guests after a wedding ceremony is traditional in most societies. Before receptions became popular, weddings were more typically celebrated with wedding breakfasts (for those whose religious traditions encouraged morning weddings) and balls (for those who were married in the evening). The popularity of receptions, rather than breakfasts, dinners, and balls, during the 20th century led to the name reception being applied to any social event after a wedding, whether it is brunch, tea, dinner, or a dance.

Although Christian weddings in the Arab World bear similarities to Western weddings, Muslim weddings in the Arab countries are influenced by Muslim traditions. Muslim weddings start with a Sheikh and Al-kitaab (book) for the bride and groom. A wedding is not Islamically valid unless both bride and groom are willing, and the groom is often encouraged to visit her before the wedding (as advised in many aḥadīth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad). However, these visits must be chaperoned to ensure purity of action between the two. Men and women in wedding ceremonies and receptions are segregated, with areas for men and for women.

By contrast, in the Far East, traditional Chinese marriage in the modern era is a ceremonial ritual that involves a marriage established by pre-arrangement between families. Within Chinese culture, romantic love is allowed and monogamy is the norm for most ordinary citizens. A band of musicians with gongs and flute-like instruments accompanies the bride parade to the groom's home. Similar music is also played at the wedding banquet. Depending on the region that the bride hails from, Chinese weddings will have different traditions such as Tea Ceremony or the use of a wedding emcee. Also in modern times, Chinese couples will often go to photo studios to take "glamour shots" posing in multiple gowns with various backgrounds. Wedding favors are not a part of traditional Chinese ceremonies, as it is felt that the entertainment provided is sufficient favor paid.

Japanese wedding customs fall into two categories: traditional Shinto ceremonies, and modern Western-style ceremonies. In either case, the couple must first be legally married by filing for marriage at their local government office, and the official documentation must be produced in order for the ceremony to be held. There are two types of mate selection that may occur with the couple: (1) miai, or an arranged marriage and (2) ren ai, or a love match. The Japanese bride-to-be may be painted pure white from head to toe, visibly declaring her maiden status to the gods. Two choices of headgear exist. One, the watabōshi, is a white hood; the other, called the tsunokakushi, serves to hide the bride's "horns of jealousy". It also symbolizes the bride's intention to become a gentle and obedient wife. Traditional Japanese wedding customs (shinzen shiki) involve an elaborate ceremony held at a Shinto shrine. Japanese weddings can be very extravagant with all the elaborate details placed into thought. However, in some cases, younger generations choose to abandon the formal ways by having a "no host party" for a wedding, in which the guests are the couple's friends who pay an attendance fee. Clearly, this option is quite the reverse of wedding favors given. In this case, the guests do the bride the favor by paying to attend! In recent years, the "Western Style Wedding" (influenced by Christian weddings) has become the choice of most couples in Japan and an industry has sprung up, dedicated to providing couples with a ceremony modeled after church rituals. Japanese western style weddings are generally held in a chapel, either in a simple or elaborate ceremony, often at a dedicated wedding chapel within a hotel.

Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are small gifts given as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude to guests from the bride and groom during a wedding ceremony or a wedding reception. They are generally placed on the reception tables at each guest's place setting. Gifts like wine bottle stoppers, bookmarks, letter openers, key chains and photo albums are elegant and practical items given to guests at the wedding or as gifts to the bridesmaids and groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner.

The tradition of giving wedding favors is a very old one. It is believed that the first wedding favor, common amongst European aristocrats, was the "bonbonniere", which was a small trinket box made of crystal, porcelain, and/or precious stones. The contents of these precious boxes were generally sugar cubes or delicate confections, which symbolized wealth and royalty as sugar was an expensive commodity at the time. As the price of sugar decreased throughout centuries, the tradition of providing gifts to guests reached the general populace and was embraced by couples of modest means.

As sugar became more affordable, bonbonnieres were replaced with almonds. For centuries, almonds were commonly given to wedding guests to signify well wishes for the bridegroom's new life. In the thirteenth century, almonds coated with sugar, known as confetti, were introduced. Confetti soon transformed to sugared almonds, which later evolved into the wedding favor for modern day weddings. Traditionally, the small boxes contained five candies or almonds, which stand for wealth, longevity, fertility, happiness, and fertility.

Today, gifts to guests are commonly known as wedding favors and are shared in cultures worldwide. Wedding favors have become a part of wedding reception planning, especially in the United States and Canada. Wedding favors are diverse and usually complement the theme or season of the event. Classic favors can range from the classic sugared almonds or individual chocolates to candles and scented soaps. Modern gift trends include: CDs with the favorite music of the bride and groom, shot glasses filled with colored candy or silver or beaded picture frames with a photo of the couple. Gifts may also be personalized with the couple's names, initials and/or wedding date. Other favor ideas include place card holders doubling as mini picture frames, candles and candle holders, wine bottle openers and stoppers, key chains, luggage tags for destination weddings, religious event favors, and cosmetic bags and mirror compacts. Other keepsakes can include photo frames that can be of various styles, such as photo coasters, key chain photo frames or even keepsake boxes with photo frames. These are great options since you can include your photography along with the photo frame so that this favor will allow your guests to cherish the memories of your wedding party. Other practical options you might consider are small yet useful gifts like cookie cutters, favor pails, notebooks and pen sets, key rings, barware, bookends and letter openers.

Choosing Wedding Favors

It can be considered bad manners to not give your guests some kind of wedding favor. Remember that the wedding favor is likely the one thing that your guests will take home as a reminder of your wedding. Every time they use that bottle stopper, candle or coaster they will fondly remember your beautiful day. Most couples want to be sure that people remember their special day, so they give out favors that are meaningful as their expression of appreciation.

When it comes to choosing your wedding favors, there are a variety of ways you can go. You may want to go with traditional favors, practical favors (such as soaps, cosmetics bags or totes), seasonal favors or even theme and destination wedding favors. Here are a few tips that can help you make the right choice for your wedding.

Traditional Favors

Before you start thinking of the various options available for wedding favors, keep in mind several important factors. Think of the number of guests that will be attending the wedding party, and also think of the budget you are ready to allot for your wedding party favors. Often wedding party favors are much more economical when bought in lots. You can present pieces of the bridegroom's cake in beautiful boxes, candies or almonds in festive favor boxes, picture frames with pictures of the couple, or even baked goods in lovely ribbon tied boxes.

Theme & Destination Wedding Favors

Not to be confused with an elopement, a destination wedding is one in which a wedding is hosted, often in a vacation-like setting, at a location to which most of the invited guests must travel and often stay for several days. This could be a beach ceremony in the tropics, a lavish event in a metropolitan resort, or a simple ceremony at the home of a geographically distant friend or relative. If you are having a wedding with a theme, you may want to carry over the theme when choosing favors. For example if you are planning a beach wedding: beach-care kits complete with tanning lotion and beach towel or favors with seashell designs are wonderful ideas. Other great ideas, which are both useful and practical for destination weddings are keychains or luggage tags, which will remind your guest of your wedding every time they travel in the future.

Winter Wedding Favors

Winter weddings are not as common, but regardless they are still very romantic. Light blue or white decorations create a winter wonderland mood and things like snowflake favor boxes or glass ornaments can give it a winter feel. Other favors such as snowflake bottle stoppers can also be a great way to express your appreciation to the guests at your wedding party.

Bath and Soap Favors

Wedding party favors can include a wide range of bath and body products including shower gels, perfume samplers, lip balms, moisturizers, or even soaps and bath salts. Make sure to pick elegant bath and body products and present them in pretty bags or wrappings. You can also include aromatherapy products like bath oils, bath candles and bath salts. In case of shower gels and perfumes it is better to get the sampler packs for the guests since these are useful as well as economical.

Personalized Favors

Personalized wedding favors make for a brilliant idea since this ensures your wedding favors are truly unique and one-of-a-kind. Personalizing your gift is possible by adding your name, your wedding date or even a photograph of yourself on the gifts. You can have personalized photo frames, engraved wine glasses or even personalized mint tins. If you are looking for something more fun and exciting, you can get personalized shot glasses for your guests.

What your guests take home with them will be the talk of the town, a permanent memento of a beautiful time shared at your special occasion... so choose them carefully and keep in mind that thoughtful and practical often equates to beautiful and memorable wedding favors.