When planning your wedding, favours can often get overlooked. With a rich tradition, wedding favours are a cute reminder of your day, and serve as a thank you for your guests attending your wedding. The lovely Maria from Bomboniere by Maria has joined us today to share her top 5 things to consider when planning your wedding favours.

I often get asked, do I need favours at my Wedding? They are a waste of money, people don’t  take them, they get thrown away….these are some of the things I hear quite often. But if you look deeper and understand the history and importance of favours, and how they can add to your day, you can make sure favours are taken home and appreciated. 

the history of the wedding favour

It has been said that couples have been giving favours to their guests since the 16th century. They were considered one of the most important wedding accessory needed to celebrate your big day and were well received by guests. Originally they were only given by people in the upper class bracket. The French used to give out “Bombonieres” to their guests or “Bomboniera” as they are called in Italy. These were well presented boxes, normally made of crystal or porcelain and would contain bombons.

Overtime the contents of these boxes have gone from bombons, to almonds, to sugared almonds, and finally to the fantastic array and choice of presenting them that we have today. Sugared almonds are still very widely used and are a popular choice. Traditionally 5 white sugared almonds are used representing Health, Wealth, Happiness, Love, Fertility for the happy couple.

“Traditionally 5 white sugared almonds are used representing Health, Wealth, Happiness, Love, Fertility for the happy couple.”

match your wedding Themes

Once you have chosen your venue and style of your wedding, it’s easier to choose Wedding favours and other details for your big day. Whether it’s an elegant, romantic, rustic, colourful or boho theme, Bomboniere By Maria can design favours to suit, using flowers and ribbons to set the vibe. For example a Vintage/rustic style wedding lends itself to sumptuous roses and lace, whilst a boho theme calls out for more relaxed floral arrangements and bright colours.

Designing your favours

Choosing your Wedding favours should not be a last minute decision, as it can be overwhelming with all the options available. So where do you start? Take your time, do your research and see what would fit in with your day, whilst reflecting your personality. Once you have done some research it will give you a realistic idea of how much to set aside based on what you imagine. Take the stress out of it by using someone who knows the trends, has an eye for detail and will make them for you.

When buying your favours from Bomboniere By Maria, you get a free phone consultation where we have a relaxed informal discussion taking into consideration your theme, the style of Wedding you are having and your venue. so we make sure that everything ties in perfectly. Using quality ribbons and flowers to decorate, all lovingly made bespoke for you, with attention to detail with each and every one.

When to book in your favours

I advise that as soon as you know what you want, and have confirmed a design, book with your preferred designer. The minimum I recommend is 2-3 months before your wedding as the Spring /Summer seasons are very busy. With bomboniere by Maria you can place your order in advance to secure your booking and pay a deposit, you can then confirm your numbers 2-3 months before your big day. With so many things on your list, it’s great to cross something off in confidence that you have a slot.

Placing an order last minute can be a risk as items may be out of stock. You may also leave no time to design and create your perfect favours, meaning you could end up with something that doesn’t match your vision.

giving favours to your guests

There are many ways to give your favours to your guests to make sure they get taken home. Traditionally favours were displayed on a table next to the cake. Creating an eye catching display which creates interest for your guests, whilst the beautifully decorated boxes add colour and elegance. These were then handed to each of the ladies of the household as they said goodbye to the happy couple, meaning they were taken home by every guest.

Use them as table settings with individually personalised names. They will add colour and interest, as well as a talking point when your guests sit down to eat. When beautifully made and eye catching, your guests will be sure to put them straight into their bag.

For my own Wedding, ( I had flower stems which were displayed in a basket ) we went to every table between courses. We said hello to all our guests individually and handed out the favours. This was a great way to talk to everyone before everyone starts dancing and having a good time.

“Use them as table settings with individually personalised names. They will add colour and interest, as well as a talking point when your guests sit down to eat.”

Let’s face it, if something looks beautiful and made to a high standard, your guests won’t want to leave it behind and they also have the scrumptious confectionery to eat inside.

Thank you to Maria from Bomboniere by Maria for her great tips. Let us know in the comments what favours you are considering, or what have been the most memorable you have seen!