Wedding favours, a delightful and enduring element of matrimonial celebrations, hold a special place in the tapestry of wedding traditions.
But what exactly are these charming keepsakes, and why have they become such a cherished part of wedding ceremonies?
Often seen as a small token of appreciation, wedding favours are gifts given by the bride and groom to their guests, symbolising gratitude and hospitality.
These thoughtful mementoes come in various forms, reflecting the couple's personality and the essence of their special day.
Whether you're planning your wedding or simply curious about this enchanting custom, understanding the role and beauty of wedding favours will surely add a layer of joy and meaning to any wedding celebration.
What is a Wedding Favour?
A wedding favour is a small gift the bride and groom give their guests as a token of appreciation and a memento of their special day.
This longstanding tradition lets the couple thank friends and family for participating in their wedding.
Typically, wedding favours are presented at the reception, ranging from simple and traditional items to more unique and personalised gifts.
The nature of these favours often reflects the couple's personality, wedding theme, or something meaningful to their relationship.
Common examples of wedding favours include small bags of sweets or chocolates, miniature bottles of wine or spirits, personalised trinkets like keychains or candles, and even handmade items.
Some couples opt for more unconventional favours, such as donation cards to a charity close to their hearts, in lieu of physical gifts.
Where Can You Buy Tasty Chocolate Wedding Favours?
For exquisite chocolate wedding favours, Whitakers Chocolates offers a vast selection to suit any taste and style.
From individually wrapped chocolate hearts and chocolate
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What Do You Put In Wedding Favours?
Wedding favours typically consist of small, thoughtful gifts given to guests as a token of appreciation.
Popular options include sugared almonds, symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life; miniature bottles of alcohol; elegant candles; and personalised items like keychains or coasters.
Others may choose plantable items like seeds or small succulents, representing growth and nurturing. The choice often reflects the couple's personalities or wedding themes.
Here are some popular and creative ideas:
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Confectionery: Classic choices include sugared almonds, chocolates, or sweets. These can be wrapped elegantly or presented in small boxes or bags.
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Miniature Spirits or Wines: Small bottles of wine, champagne, or spirits are a delightful treat, especially when they reflect a particular aspect of the couple's story or tastes.
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Personalised Items: Items like custom keychains, engraved pens, or personalised candles add a personal touch and serve as a lasting memento.
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Seed Packets or Small Plants: For eco-friendly or garden-themed weddings, giving guests a packet of seeds or a small plant like a succulent is a thoughtful favour.
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Handmade Goods: Homemade jams, soaps, or baked goods demonstrate a personal touch and can be a heartwarming gesture of gratitude.
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Charitable Donations: Some couples donate to a charity close to their hearts on behalf of each guest, often accompanied by a small card explaining the donation.
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Tea or Coffee: Small bags of artisanal tea or coffee can be a sophisticated and enjoyable gift, especially for morning-after recovery.
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Craft Kits: Small, simple craft kits, such as DIY bracelets or ornament kits, can be a fun and interactive favour.
The key to choosing what to put in wedding favours is considering what reflects your personalities as a couple and what would be meaningful or enjoyable for your guests.
Whether it's something sweet, a keepsake, or an eco-friendly gesture, the right wedding favours can add a special touch to your celebration.
Who Gets Wedding Favours?
Traditionally, wedding favours are given to all guests attending the wedding reception as a token of appreciation from the bride and groom.
It's a gesture of gratitude for their presence and participation in the couple's special day.
The practice of distributing wedding favours is a universal one, intended to include every guest in the celebration.
Whether it's a small, intimate gathering or a large, lavish affair, the idea is to ensure everyone joining your celebration feels acknowledged and valued.
In some cases, couples may choose to give slightly different favours to specific groups of guests.
For example, they might have special favours for the bridal party, close family members, or children.
These are often more personalised or elaborate, acknowledging their particular role or contribution to the wedding.
What to Write on Wedding Favours?
The message written on wedding favours should be thoughtful and reflective of your gratitude and the joy of the occasion.
Here are some ideas for what to write:
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Names and Date: The most common and classic option includes the bride and groom's names and the wedding date. For example, "Sophie & James, 12th July 2024".
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Thank You Message: A simple "Thank You" or "Thank You for Celebrating With Us" is a heartfelt way to express gratitude to your guests.
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Quotes or Sayings: A romantic quote, a line from a poem, or a saying that resonates with your relationship can add a personal and meaningful touch.
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Personalised Note: If the wedding is small, you could consider writing a personalised note to each guest or family, making it an incredibly personal and cherished keepsake.
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Fun Phrases: For a casual or playful wedding, consider fun phrases like "Sweets for our sweet guests" or "Love is sweet, enjoy a treat".
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Reference to the Favour: If the favour is something specific (like seeds, a drink, or a candle), you could refer to it, like "Let love grow" for seeds or "Our love is brewing" for coffee or tea.
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Charity Donation Note: If the favour is a donation to charity, a note explaining this and expressing thanks can be meaningful: "In lieu of a favour, a donation has been made to
in your honour."
Remember, the message on your wedding favours should resonate with the tone of your wedding and your personality as a couple.
It's a small but significant detail that can leave a lasting impression on your guests.
11 Great Ideas for Favours
When it comes to selecting wedding favours, the choices are as varied and unique as the couples themselves.
Here is a list of creative and delightful wedding favour ideas to inspire you:
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Personalised Chocolates: Small boxes of chocolates with the bride and groom's names on them.
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Personalised Candles: Custom candles with your name and wedding date, perhaps with a scent that has special significance to your relationship.
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Miniature Bottles of Spirits: Small bottles of your favourite liquor, wine, or a homemade brew, complete with a personalised label.
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Handmade Soaps: Artisanal soaps in various shapes and scents, wrapped in elegant paper or fabric.
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Succulents or Seed Packets: A sustainable and charming gift, perfect for guests with a green thumb.
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Customised Keychains: Keychains featuring your wedding date or a meaningful symbol, such as the location of your wedding.
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Homemade Jams or Chutneys: Delicious and made with love, these can be presented in small jars with custom labels.
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Chocolate Truffles or Fudge: Luxurious and indulgent, especially if homemade or from a favourite local chocolatier.
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Personalised Coasters: Coasters with your initials, wedding date, or a design that matches your wedding theme.
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Favour Boxes with Sweets or Treats: Elegant boxes filled with candies, nuts, or traditional sweets like sugared almonds.
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Tea or Coffee Blends: Small bags of speciality tea or coffee blends, perhaps a favourite or custom mix, with a personalised note.
What is the History of Wedding Favours?
The history of wedding favours is deeply rooted in tradition and has evolved over centuries across different cultures.
It dates back to ancient times, with origins in ancient Rome and Greece, where couples shared sweets or small cakes with guests to symbolise good luck and fertility.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, the aristocracy would give 'bonbonnieres', small trinket boxes made of precious materials and filled with sugar cubes or confections, a symbol of wealth and royalty due to the high cost of sugar.
In 5th century Europe, the tradition of giving five almonds, representing health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life, became popular.
This custom, often seen as five sugared almonds, is still prevalent today.
During the Renaissance, as sugar became more affordable, bonbonnieres filled with sugar-coated almonds spread to the general populace.
In the Victorian era in England, wedding favours became more widespread, including small boxes filled with sweets, reflecting the family's social status and wealth.
Wedding favours have diversified globally into various forms like keepsakes, edible treats, and personalised items, focusing more on creating a meaningful memento of the special day and expressing gratitude to guests.
How Much Do They Cost?
In the UK, wedding favour costs vary, influenced by the type, personalisation, and quantity.
DIY favours can cost £1 to £3 each, while edible favours range from £1 to £5 per guest.
Personalised items may cost between £2 and £10, and plant-based favours around £1.50 to £5 each.
Luxury or handcrafted favours can exceed £5, potentially reaching £20 or more.
Bulk buying often reduces the price per item. Remember to include the cost of packaging in your budget.
Overall, balancing the cost of favours within your total wedding budget is essential, with many opting for budget-friendly or DIY options for a personal touch.
Some Notes From an Expert Chocolatier
As an expert chocolatier who had the joy of incorporating chocolate into my wedding, I can share some unique insights into using chocolate as wedding favours.
We created bespoke chocolate treats at our wedding, each intricately designed to match our theme.
We opted for various flavours, catering to the diverse tastes of our guests, and each piece was a miniature representation of our passion for chocolate-making.
The chocolates were presented in elegant, custom-designed packaging that protected these delicate creations and added a touch of sophistication to the tables.
The reaction from our guests was heartwarming; they were delighted by both the aesthetic and the taste of these little chocolate wonders.
This personal touch made our wedding favours memorable and allowed us to share something we deeply love with our nearest and dearest.
Final Notes On Wedding Favours
Wedding favours are a charming and thoughtful tradition that adds a layer of personalisation and gratitude to your special day.
Whether elegantly simple or intricately bespoke, these small gifts are a way to express thanks to your guests and leave them with a lasting memory of the celebration.
The beauty of wedding favours lies in their versatility and the endless possibilities for creativity.
From handcrafted chocolates and miniature bottles of spirits to seed packets and personalised keepsakes, each favour can reflect the unique style and story of the couple.
It’s not just about giving something tangible; it’s about creating a moment of connection and appreciation between you and your guests.
While considering wedding favours, it’s important to balance your desires with your budget, remembering that the favour's value lies more in its thought and meaning than in its cost.
