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Wedding favours are a well-known tradition, but are they necessary? Wedding favours are small gifts given to guests as a token of appreciation for their attendance and support. They can be an excellent way to add a personal touch to your wedding and show gratitude to your guests. However, they are not required and may be considered unnecessary or wasteful. Couples planning their wedding may wonder if they should include wedding favours and what type to give. This decision depends on individual preferences, budget, and wedding style. This article will explore the pros and cons of wedding favours and provide alternatives for couples who choose not to partake in this tradition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History of the tradition | Wedding favors are believed to have started at aristocratic weddings in England and France in the 16th century. |
| --- | At that time, a simple sugar cube or other confectionery was given to guests as a sign of the host's wealth. |
| --- | Candied almonds and bonbonnieres (small porcelain boxes filled with treats) also became common. |
| Modern-day wedding favors | Candles, chocolates, alcohol, wine glasses, soaps, and hand moisturizers are some popular choices. |
| --- | Wedding favors can be personalized or customized to reflect the personality and style of the couple. |
| --- | They can also be seasonal, such as blankets or hot cocoa sets for a winter wedding. |
| Necessity | Wedding favors are not necessary or required. |
| --- | They are not historically traditional in the US, except for some cultural or ethnic groups. |
| --- | Couples can choose to forego this tradition for various reasons, such as cost or time constraints. |
| --- | The decision to provide wedding favors should be based on the couple's preferences, budget, and wedding style. |
| Purpose | Wedding favors are a way to show appreciation to guests for their attendance, time, and effort. |
| --- | They can also add a personal touch, serve as a memento or keepsake, and create a positive and memorable experience for guests. |
| Alternatives | Couples who choose not to provide wedding favors can consider other ways to thank their guests, such as a donation to a charity or providing welcome bags or guest room bags. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding favours are not necessary but can be a nice touch
That being said, it is important to consider your budget and priorities when planning your wedding. Wedding favours can be time-consuming to create and costly to purchase, especially if you have a large guest list. Many couples choose to forego wedding favours and instead focus on other aspects of the wedding experience, such as providing a memorable reception or donating to a charity in honour of their guests.
Ultimately, the decision to include wedding favours is entirely up to the couple. There are no official rules or expectations, and guests are not likely to notice or care if they are missing. If you do choose to include wedding favours, it is important to think creatively and select something that aligns with your wedding theme, style, or season.
Some unique and budget-friendly ideas for wedding favours include edible treats, such as chocolates, cookies, or customised bags of snacks. Other options could be seasonal gifts, like blankets for a winter wedding or sunglasses for a summer beach wedding. Personalised items, such as monogrammed keychains or engraved wine glasses, can also make for memorable wedding favours.
Whether you choose to include wedding favours or not, the most important thing is to ensure your guests feel appreciated and valued for sharing your special day with you.
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They can be expensive and time-consuming
Wedding favours are not a necessity, but they can be a thoughtful way to thank your guests for their attendance and support. They can also add a personal touch to your wedding and serve as a memento for your guests. However, they can also be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you have a large guest list.
If you're considering giving wedding favours, it's important to think about your budget and how much time you have to dedicate to this aspect of your wedding planning. The cost of favours can quickly add up, and if you're crafty and choose to DIY your favours, the time spent making them can be significant.
Some couples opt for edible favours, which can be a more affordable option. Chocolates, cookies, and other sweets are popular choices, and they provide a savoury or sweet treat for guests to enjoy. Edible favours are also less likely to be left behind or forgotten, as they can be enjoyed on the spot or soon after the wedding.
If you have a large guest list, the cost of favours can become a significant expense. In this case, you may want to consider less expensive options, such as a small packet of sweets or a customized thank you note. You could also get creative and make your own favours, such as homemade jams or cookies, which can be more affordable and add a personal touch.
Another option is to forgo individual favours and instead put together welcome or guest room bags for out-of-town guests. These bags can include snacks, beverages, a schedule of wedding events, and other thoughtful items. This way, you're still showing your appreciation without incurring the cost of individual favours for each guest.
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They are often left behind or thrown away
Wedding favours are not a requirement. They are a well-known tradition, but they are not necessary or expected by guests. Couples may choose to forgo them for various reasons, such as cost, time, and effort.
Wedding favours are often left behind or thrown away, which can be a waste of money and resources. They may be forgotten or unused, especially if they are not practical or edible. Small trinkets or keepsakes may be left behind, no matter how thoughtful or cute they are. Personalised items, such as those with the couple's names and wedding date, can be challenging to donate or repurpose if left behind.
Some guests may appreciate edible wedding favours, such as chocolates, cookies, or other treats. However, even these may be forgotten or uneaten, especially if guests are already satisfied with the food and drinks provided at the wedding.
If you are concerned about waste, there are alternative ways to show appreciation to your guests. You could provide welcome or guest room bags for out-of-town guests, containing snacks, beverages, and other useful items. You could also make a donation to a charity or non-profit organisation in honour of your guests, or provide a small treat for the trip home. These options can be more meaningful and practical than traditional wedding favours.
Ultimately, the decision to provide wedding favours is up to the couple. If you feel that wedding favours are not necessary, you can focus on other aspects of the wedding experience, such as the reception, entertainment, or food and drinks.
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Alternatives to wedding favours
Wedding favours are not required and are likely not even expected by your guests. However, if you want to give your guests a token of appreciation for their attendance, there are many alternatives to traditional wedding favours. Here are some ideas:
Edible treats
Edible treats are a popular choice for wedding favours as they are affordable and provide a savoury or sweet treat for guests to enjoy. Some options include candy apples, popcorn, doughnuts, mini bottles of olive oil or maple syrup, packets of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, and candy buffets. You could also give out small treats for the trip home, such as cookies or chocolates.
Welcome bags
If you're having a destination wedding or a multi-day affair, welcome bags are a great way to thank your guests for their attendance and provide them with some supplies to make them feel comfortable. These bags can include snacks, beverages, water bottles, welcome notes, and a schedule of events.
Charitable donations
Instead of giving out physical gifts, you can choose to donate to a charity or non-profit organisation in honour of your guests. This is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative that can also be very meaningful if you choose an organisation that is close to your heart.
Photo booth
Set up a photo booth at your wedding and let guests take home photos as souvenirs. This is a fun and memorable alternative to traditional wedding favours.
Glassware
Custom glassware, such as wine glasses or champagne flutes, can be used by guests during the reception and then taken home as a keepsake. This is a unique and useful gift that will remind guests of your wedding every time they use it.
These are just a few ideas, but there are endless possibilities for alternative wedding favours. Get creative and choose something that reflects your style and personality!
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History of wedding favours
The tradition of giving wedding favours is believed to have originated in the 16th century among the French and Italian aristocracy, who would gift small porcelain or crystal trinket boxes filled with sugar or confectionery, known as "bonbonnières". Sugar was a rare and expensive commodity at the time, considered a luxurious delicacy that symbolised wealth and royalty. As sugar became more widely available and its price declined, the middle classes began to embrace the trend of sweet wedding favours, and it eventually became a widely accepted norm across all social strata.
In 16th-century England, one of the first references to a wedding favour can be found in the form of love knots made of lace and ribbon, given to each guest to symbolise the couple's love connection. In Norfolk, with its rural and agricultural history, locally sourced items like small sacks of grain, fruit, or handmade trinkets were often shared as wedding favours, symbolising the prosperity and bounty that marriage could bring.
The tradition of gifting almonds to wedding guests is believed to have originated in ancient Greece and was inspired by the tale of Demophon, the king of Athens whose wife died and reincarnated as an almond tree. The bittersweet taste of sugar-coated almonds was thought to represent life, with five almonds representing fertility, longevity, wealth, health, and happiness. This tradition spread across Europe, becoming a staple at many weddings.
Today, wedding favours can range from traditional sugared almonds or individual chocolates to modern gifts such as scented candles, soaps, photo frames, CDs, or charitable donations in the name of guests. Couples may also choose to add personal touches that resonate with their love story or complement their wedding theme and decoration.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding favours are not necessary but they are a nice way to show appreciation to your guests and add a personal touch to your wedding.
Wedding favours can be anything from candles, chocolates, and alcohol to personalized items like monogrammed coasters, custom keychains, or engraved wine glasses.
The cost of wedding favours varies depending on the item and the number of guests. Some couples choose to spend around \$5 per guest, while others opt for less expensive options such as a small packet of sweets with a thank-you note.
