Wedding favors can be a dilemma especially if you are a couple on a budget. For centuries wedding favors have been a part of wedding ceremonies. Early favors began as small fancy boxes made from crystal or gold. The boxes usually held a bonbon or other type of sugar delicacy. Years later, this extravagant trend turned into a more modest one by simply providing small treats for the guests.
This is how the ever popular or unpopular Jordan Almonds became a mainstay at most weddings. In the Middle East, five almonds were typically given as gifts to the couple. These five almonds represent health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. Almonds have a bittersweet taste which represents life, the sugar coating is added with the hope that the newlywed’s life will be more sweet than bitter. But who really likes Jordan Almonds…ok my daughter does…so thankfully this tradition has had a bit of revamping! Today, couples are opting for more unique favors that coordinate with the wedding theme or represent something personal about the couple.
So back to the question…Wedding favors – Yes or No? I think most people would agree that leaving a wedding without a favor is not the end of the world. We ARE there to celebrate two people beginning their lives together…not to get that coveted bag of sugar-coated almonds or beer koozie. On the other hand, if your budget allows, it is nice to send each guest home with a small token of thanks for spending this momentous day together. A new trend is to send the guests home with a snack to nosh on after a night of drinking and dancing. I mean who wouldn’t want to end the evening with a nacho bar, buttery popcorn or fries with a cheese fountain?
So don’t sweat it if your budget has no wiggle room for wedding favors! The majority of your guests won’t care. If wedding favors are a must on your list, then you are only limited by your budget and creativity!
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