Junior Rasmussen
Wedding favors have been a long-standing tradition, dating back to the 16th century when newlyweds would gift their guests with small tokens of appreciation, such as sugar cubes or confectionery. Today, the practice of giving wedding favors is a topic of debate among couples. While some choose to uphold the tradition, others opt to forgo it, raising the question of whether wedding favors are becoming outdated. This paragraph introduces the topic and presents the contrasting perspectives surrounding wedding favors, setting the stage for further exploration and analysis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of wedding favors | The tradition of wedding favors dates back to the 16th century, when newlyweds would give their guests small knots made of ribbon and lace to symbolize their love. Candied almonds and bonbonnieres, small porcelain boxes filled with treats, also became common. |
| Recent trends | Candles, wine glasses, or scented soaps engraved with the couple's initials and wedding date. In 2022, favors became more creative, quirky, and unique to the couple. |
| Necessity | Wedding favors are not required and guests do not expect them. Couples may choose to forego favors and focus on the guest experience instead. |
| Alternatives | Edible favors, such as chocolates, cookies, or late-night snacks. Welcome bags for out-of-town guests, donations to charities, or enhancing the guest experience with activities or an open bar. |
| Cost considerations | DIY favors can be time-consuming and costly, especially with a large guest list. Purchasing favors can add up, and personalized items may be difficult to donate or reuse if left over. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding favors are not required
Wedding favors are not a requirement for your big day. While they are a well-known tradition, they are neither expected nor necessary. Couples often choose to forego favors and instead focus on enhancing their guests' experience, whether that's through a photo booth, an open bar, a four-course plated dinner, or late-night snacks.
The cost of wedding favors can quickly add up, especially if you're DIYing them, and many guests may not want or use the favors anyway. They can also be time-consuming to put together, and with so many other details to plan and organize for your wedding, it may be one task you decide to skip.
If you're worried about appearing rude or ungrateful by not providing favors, there are other ways to thank your guests for their attendance and support. You could provide welcome bags for out-of-town guests, containing snacks, beverages, and a schedule of events. Alternatively, you could donate to a charity or cause that's important to you and let your guests know it was done in their honor.
Ultimately, the decision to include wedding favors is entirely up to you and your partner. If you decide to forgo them, you can rest assured that your guests are unlikely to notice or mind, and you can instead focus on creating a memorable celebration and guest experience.
If you do decide to include favors, edible ones tend to be the most popular, as they provide a sweet treat for guests to enjoy, and are less likely to be left behind or thrown away.
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They are a waste of money
Wedding favors are not a requirement and are often considered a waste of money. Firstly, they can be costly to purchase, especially if you have a large guest list. The costs can quickly add up, and if you're DIY-ing your favors, the time and effort involved can be significant.
Secondly, many favors go to waste. They are often left behind at the tables or tossed after the event. People rarely use or keep memorabilia with the couple's names and wedding details, and non-edible favors may end up being thrown away. Even edible favors, like chocolates or cookies, may not be wanted or needed by guests, leading to waste.
Thirdly, the money spent on favors could be used to enhance the overall guest experience. Instead of favors, you could provide a late-night snack, an open bar, or a flambé dessert presentation, which guests are likely to appreciate more. Alternatively, you could donate the money to a charity or a cause close to your heart and let your guests know about it.
Finally, wedding favors are not expected or necessary. Most guests do not miss or notice their absence, and the focus is usually on the wedding experience rather than favors. So, if you're debating whether to include them, it's perfectly acceptable to skip them and allocate your budget elsewhere.
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Guests don't use them
Wedding favors are not a requirement and are unlikely to be missed or noticed by guests if they are absent. Many people who have attended weddings report that they do not use wedding favors and often throw them away, deeming them a waste of money.
One person who attended four weddings in one summer noted that two of them did not have favors, and they "weren't missed." Another person who has worked in wedding photography for over ten years and has "received [their] fair share of wedding favors" also notes that most people will either leave them on the tables or throw them away.
Even edible wedding favors, which are often recommended as a universal crowd-pleaser, can be left behind. One person notes that they have been to weddings where "no one wanted them even when they were name-brand candy/chocolate."
The cost of wedding favors can add up, especially if the couple chooses to DIY their favors. This may not be worth it if guests do not use or appreciate them. Instead, couples may choose to allocate that money elsewhere to enhance the guest experience, such as by providing a tableside flambé dessert presentation or an open bar.
Therefore, if you are considering skipping wedding favors because you are concerned that guests won't use them, it is entirely acceptable to do so.
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Alternatives to wedding favors
Wedding favors are not required and are likely not expected by your guests. Here are some alternative ways to thank your guests for their attendance:
Edible Treats
A long-standing tradition of wedding favors includes sending guests home with a small treat to eat. This could be a parting late-night snack, such as coffee and donuts or fries and a drink. You could also provide guests with a bag of treats, such as cookies or candy, to take home. If you're having a destination wedding, welcome bags with snacks, treats, and water bottles can be a great way to thank your guests.
Donations
Instead of purchasing wedding favors, you could use that money to donate to a charity or non-profit organization and let your guests know that the donation was made in their honor. This is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wedding favors.
Experience
Many couples choose to enhance their guests' experience instead of providing favors. This could include a photo booth, games, or an open bar. You could also splurge on a tableside flambe dessert presentation or an espresso bar.
Practical Gifts
If you're set on providing a physical gift, there are many practical alternatives to traditional wedding favors. For example, you could provide guests with a small bag containing useful items such as microwave popcorn, painkillers, cookies, and mints. For a destination wedding, you could give out-of-town guests welcome bags with items such as sunglasses and information about the area.
Eco-Friendly Options
If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative, you could repurpose your centerpieces or decor as gifts for guests. For example, you could give away small potted plants or succulents. You could also provide guests with seeds, although it's important to select seeds that are not invasive species.
Ultimately, the decision to provide wedding favors is entirely up to you. These alternatives can be a great way to thank your guests for their attendance and create a memorable experience.
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History of wedding favors
Wedding favours have been around for centuries as a way for the newlywed couple to thank their guests for attending the ceremony. While there is no clear history of their introduction, the first favours of note are documented in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time, bridal couples in England gave out love knots made of lace and ribbons to symbolise their love bond. Wealthy European aristocrats would also send their guests home with a small gift box called a bonbonniere. These boxes were made of precious materials such as porcelain, crystal, gold, or metal, and filled with sugar or confectionery. Sugar was a rare and expensive commodity at the time, so these bonbonnieres were a symbol of wealth and royalty.
As sugar became more affordable, the tradition of giving wedding favours gradually spread beyond the upper classes. Jordan almonds, coated in sugar and often wrapped in organza or lace, became a popular choice. In many cultures, the number five is considered lucky, so these almonds were often given in sets of five to symbolise love, happiness, loyalty, prosperity, and virility. In Greece, sugared almonds are given to guests inspired by the tale of Demophon, the king of Athens whose wife died and reincarnated as an almond tree. The bittersweet nature of almonds is thought to be symbolic of the ups and downs of married life.
Today, wedding favours are still a big part of weddings, but they have evolved to reflect the couple's culture, wedding theme, season, or personal interests. Favours can range from edibles to candles, glassware, or coasters, and are often personalised with names and dates. While food items are still popular, modern couples also gift scented candles, soaps, photo frames, or even CD compilations.
Wedding favours are a way for the couple to share their luck and happiness with their guests, and the type of favour given often depends on the culture of the families involved. In Puerto Rico, for example, it is customary to give guests a doll dressed like the bride, adorned with little charms. In Holland, guests receive "Bridal Sugar", five pieces of candy wrapped in tulle, while in Malaysia, hand-painted eggs symbolise fertility and the hope that the couple will have children.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding favors are not necessary. Couples may choose to forego this tradition as it can be costly and time-consuming, especially if they are DIY. Many guests do not expect or want them and often leave them behind or throw them away.
Instead of wedding favors, couples may choose to enhance their guests' experience by providing a fun photo booth, games, or a tableside flambé dessert presentation. Couples could also provide a parting late-night snack, such as coffee and donuts or fries and a drink.
Wedding favors can be a nice way to thank guests for attending your wedding and to give them a memorable token of the day. They can also be a good idea if you have a specific theme or season you want to highlight, such as a winter-themed wedding where you gift blankets or hot cocoa sets.
Popular choices for wedding favors include candles, chocolates, alcohol, and personalized items such as wine glasses or soaps engraved with the couple's initials and wedding date. Edible favors are often well-received, especially if they are unique to the wedding location, such as beloved local eats.
