Wedding Favors

Wedding Favors are a gift given as as a 'thank you' souvenir to the wedding guests who attend a wedding. They are usually smaller gifts given as a gesture of appreciation for attending the event. Wedding favors are given by the bride and groom to all guests, not just the bridal party itself. In most cases these favors are given during, or at the start of, the wedding reception. At times these favors are also presented at the wedding ceremony itself. Some brides and grooms may choose to offer wedding favors to guests at both the wedding ceremony and the wedding reception, however it is common place to offer these favors at the reception alone, as this has become socially acceptable.

Depending on the wedding planning completed by the bride and groom before the wedding date, the bridal party may receive wedding favors as a gesture before the wedding,where favors are offered at the rehearsal dinner. However, in most cases these days the rehearsal dinner gifts are provided as actual gifts of appreciation to the bridal party, such as bridesmaid gifts and groomsmen gifts. Usually the bride and groom will also offer pre-wedding gifts to the ring bearer and the flower girl as well. Normally the ushers receive a gift of appreciation too. On rare occassions the bride and groom may offer wedding favors instead of bridal party gifts when on a tighter budget. Other bride and grooms have been known to offer table favors at the rehearsal dinner as well as bridal party gifts in order to enhance the excitement during the dinner.

Unique Wedding Favors

The word 'unique' is now a common term associated with wedding favors. The phrase "unique wedding favors" became more common as wedding favors evolved over time from ancient times to the present. Over a century ago the terminology was used to define wedding favors chosen by a bride and groom that were unique when compared to common wedding favors, such as almonds. These favors were more like keepsakes, not edible wedding favors. Keepsakes that were of use, and known to become a souveneir of a wedding, where the guests are always reminded of the event whenever they see or use the favor they brought home.

Summary of Wedding Favors

Today, wedding favors are common through all races and religions, domestic and international. Wedding favors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, themes and designs. Today's wedding favors can certainly be considered unique wedding favors when compared to the ancient practice of the bonbonniere. In summary, wedding favors today are a standard part of wedding planning and are included in as much as 85% of all weddings worldwide. Not a necessity, but a common practice, and guests attending a wedding reception today are known to kind of expect a favor for attending. It has also become a common practice to offer personalized wedding favors, where the names of the bride and groom, along with the wedding date, appear on a thank you tag or on the favor itself. Now that you understand a little more about the history of how it all started, go pick out your own wedding favors.