Wedding Favours – The Traditions

Wedding favours… It is always a challenge to pick out exactly the right gifts to give to your guests to thank them for attending your wedding.

Favours are a mystery to most brides that walk through our doors. It is a very political subject in some cultures, being the one thing that guests expect when they go to a wedding. It is almost like an assembly line. You enter the reception, you say hello to all of the bridal party and you give your gift for the couple and you receive a gift in return.  The tradition of giving wedding favours began many centuries ago in Europe, and was a popular custom amongst the aristocracy who would give little boxes of almonds or sugar cubes, which were considered a delicacy and only afforded by the wealthy.

We must admit we love the look of a beautifully wrapped box or table lined with a trendy accesory to welcome each guest.  A fun alternative is a photo booth where guests can create a memory in time.  Your guests receive an instant copy of the photos with your name and wedding date and you receive a CD of the images at the end of the evening.  How fun is that!!

There are so many things that you can give your guests that is meaningful and won’t leave them leaving wondering, “what am I going to do with this?”  In the Muskoka Region we offer seedling trees, honey and maple syrup to provide guests with a taste of the Region.  We also encourage couples to donate to a charity close to their heart in lui of gift giving.  If gift giving inspires you, give your guests something useful such as an ice cream scooper, a wine stopper or bottle opener. They will think of you each time they use it!  Even though a figurine with your name and wedding date on it may be nice for your mother, in many circumstances many of the people attending the wedding are not your closest relatives!

Visit our website and view on our online catalogue for fabulous favour ideas. The ideas are endless and if you are crafty you can find lots of DYI ideas.

Happy favour hunting!

Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

Jessica Stevens, Event Coordinator