Wedding Favors Show Gratitude to Those Who Love You

Why exactly do we give wedding favors to guests and members of the wedding party? Some feel it’s an obligatory custom. Others think it really doesn’t matter, leaving the wedding favors as a last minute item, almost an afterthought. The truth is that this custom of distributing small gifts to those who love you is an act of gratitude. No one actually has to show up to your wedding, though some feel they do, so why not reach out to them with a gift that says “Thank You.”

The tradition of giving wedding favors is an old one that goes back to the days of medieval Europe when aristocrats gave a gift to wedding attendees called a bonbonniere. These small boxes, made of porcelain, crystal, and precious stones, were filled with sugar cubes or small confections, a very expensive commodity at the time. As the price of sugar declined over the centuries, the cubes were replaced with almonds or other rare items, a very special “thank you” for wealthy families.

The concept of the wedding favor box has carried through the ages. Though not often filled with rare items anymore, candy and small trinkets are common and the boxes themselves are usually engraved with the names of the bride and groom, the date, and sometimes the wedding theme. The message on the box is considered to be as or more important than the contents. If the contents are edible, they won’t last, but the wedding favor box itself will.

According to renowned gratitude expert Professor Robert A. Emmons, “Gratitude is literally one of the few things that can measurably change people’s lives”. This may seem far-fetched for something as simple as a wedding favor, but as the old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” A thoughtful wedding favor can change the demeanor of an otherwise surly wedding guest. It can turn a somber event into a festive one. It is, in essence, a mood setter for the entire day.

Do you consider yourself someone who expresses gratitude on a regular basis? Do you say “thank you” when someone does something nice for you or show gratitude with actions when possible? Most of us incorporate these principles into our daily life, so why would you make the wedding favor a last item on your shopping list? Make it the first, because saying “thank you” is important. If you believe in karma, it’s a great way to start out a lifetime of wedded bliss.