What’s up with the Almonds as Wedding Favors?
Posted by Patti Wellington on Fri, Jan 08, 2010 @ 11:35 AM
Why do couples make such a big deal about wedding favors!
We have found many theories about what stimulated the tradition of giving wedding guests a favor for attending their wedding. Some history books are saying the tradition originated with the Romans during the 8th century, while others believe it started with the throwing of rice and giving wedding favors to guests around 400 B.C.
What’s up with the Almonds as Wedding Favors?
Almonds have always been a very traditional symbol for good luck and assurances for a successful marriage. Originally, only well-off families followed this practice. Often the favors were placed in silver, gold, or crystal, called bonbonierre. When the tradition filtered down to the other social classes, by the end of the 19th century, almonds were dispersed in golden paper boxes.
In the Middle East they use Jordan almonds at their weddings, and they believe it’s an ancient symbolic rite. Guests are given only five Jordan almonds, which represents traditional wedding wishes of health, fertility, wealth, good fortune and a long life of happiness. The outside candy coating on the almond is supposed to represent both the bitter and the sweet parts of marriage.
Today, many wedding couples will present guests with Jordan almonds wrapped in tulle as one part of the wedding favor. It’s often attached to a much larger gift for the guests.
The wedding favor tradition has evolved into a thriving industry. It can be a very time consuming search for bride and grooms. Couples want the wedding favor to suit the style of the wedding and match their personality.
Personalized wedding favors are really important to couples. Often they choose to have a set of pens or paperweights engraved with the date of the wedding or a shot glass engraved with the details. Another thoughtful personalized wedding favor is a small picture frame with a photo of the bride and groom or it can be used as a place card for the guests table.
Some wedding favors are traditional, but some of them have evolved into themed items, like wine, wine stoppers or decanters. Beyond the tangible favors, some brides and grooms choose to make a donation to a charity of their choice.
Regardless of wedding theme, knowing the history behind the gift for guests, can help motivate couples to give a personal, thoughtful, and meaningful wedding favor.