Wedding Favors
March 3, 2010
Wedding favors is a popular wedding tradition and it is also known as ‘bombonirere, favors, or bridal favors. The word bomboninere comes from Italian tradition. This popular custom of wedding favors was established in historic European times. The idea originated in the country of Italy and involved a decoration of five almonds. The wedding favors are known as a gift that is given from the bride and groom to the guests that attend the special day celebration. In historic times, wedding favors were given to guests as an appreciative gesture and usually were given out at birthdays, milestone celebrations, general celebrations, wedding receptions, and marriage ceremonies.
The essential meaning of wedding favors is a symbol of the bride and grooms acknowledgement of each of their family members and friends that are there to share their special day. They are usually a gift that the guest can take home and remember the special celebration. A wedding favor can be anything from candy, unique nuts, chocolates, a broche, a personalized frame, snow globe, jewelry, or a personalized goblet. In many cases the bride gives the bridesmaids a piece of jewelry such as a necklace or colourful fashion jewelry. The Italian origination of the wedding favor involves taking some sugared almonds, wrapping them in cellophane, and then tying a colourful ribbon around them. Almonds have been known to be a symbol for wellness, longevity, health, fertility, and happiness. Usually they are primarily given to all the female wedding guests. The nuts are used as a decoration on a gift box, or placed on the table in front of the seat. This type of wedding favor is still used to this day and remains a tradition like no other.
Some other ideas include lilac organza bags, personalized gold wrapped chocolates, plastic teddy bear gift boxes filled with candy for the kids, flavourful crackers, tiny bottles of wines, bubbles, gems, scented coloured candles, herbal remedies or essences, soaps, goblets, candy love hearts, and so much more. Some of the more traditional wedding favors are gold organza bags with chocolates and candies within, personalized sweets, lavender scented gift boxes with mini-treats inside, wedding handkerchiefs, and Chinese take-out boxes.
Another idea for a wedding favor can be a themed unique gift. For example, if the wedding and groom are having a Las Vegas themed wedding, the wedding couple can give the guests a personalized deck of cards, or lottery tickets. If the wedding couple are having their ceremony on an island or beach, the wedding couple can give the guest personalized shells, or other under-the-sea themed gifts. Another idea could be music as a wedding favor. If the wedding couple has a culture themed wedding such as Latin, Greek, Italian, British, Caribbean, Mexican, or Irish, the guests will love a CD of the music played at the wedding.
There is a variety of wedding favor options that wedding guests, bridesmaids, and groom’s men will love. Family and friends will appreciate how much the bride and groom has thought of them and they will be able to take the memory of the wedding and unity home with them. Pictures do speak a thousand words, but wedding favors add a personal touch.