Ideas for Cheap Wedding Favors

by Janice Stringer
Updated January 15, 2011

Weddings are full of traditions. To save money, there are traditions that you could do without, such as releasing wedding doves. But there are also traditions that should never be removed, such as giving wedding favors. The wedding favor is more than just a tradition; it is part of the wedding etiquette. It is a show of the couple’s gratitude to the guests who took the time to attend this very special occasion. But these appreciation gifts, if not properly planned, can be very expensive. How can the bride and groom cut costs while continuing this tradition?

What the tradition is all about
Before looking for ways to save on wedding favors, it is best to know how the tradition started. When the bride and groom know what these gifts are all about, then they will have a better idea of what to give. The origin of the wedding favor is the bonbonniere, a tiny box that contains sugar cubes. The European aristocrats, when they marry, give bonbonnieres that are made of crystal or porcelain, embedded with precious stones. The purpose was to demonstrate the wealth of the newly wedded couple. Sugar, by the way, was very expensive in the last few centuries.

The general public copied this aristocratic tradition, however, instead of crystal boxes, a pretty fabric was used. In addition, instead of sugar cubes, almonds or sugared almonds are commonly used. It soon became a tradition to give five almonds to represent five wishes, which are fertility, wealth, health, longevity, and happiness. Now why would these people choose almonds when other fruits can be used? The choice of almonds is both wise and mischievous. Almond is bitter and sugar is sweet. When combined, they supposedly symbolize the bitter sweetness of marriages.

Modern bride to be gifts
Sadly, the tradition of giving five almonds is no longer honored by weddings. Happily, the tradition of giving wedding favors remains popular. Instead of almonds, the modern couples would give other trinkets and items, such as chocolates, scented soaps, small picture frames of the couple, decorative cups, beribboned candles, and music CDs. In deciding which items to give as wedding favors, the couple must strike a balance between tradition and modernity. One popular suggestion is to choose a wedding favor that would echo the theme of the wedding.

Ways to save on wedding favors
Now that the bride and groom have an idea on what the gifts should be, they can look at the various ways to save on this particular wedding cost. Here are few suggestions:

• Make the wedding favors at home. These items need not be bought ready to go. The couple may buy a simple trinket and then, once at home, they can customize it so that it will look prettier and more appropriate for a wedding.
  
  
• Combine wedding favors with decorations. That is, the decorations that were used on the table are actually the appreciation gifts that the guests can take home. For example, a pretty line of small artificial flowers in terracotta pots will look colorful and appealing on the table. These need only tiny pieces of paper indicating the couple’s names and wedding date and they are transformed into wedding favors.
  
  

• Use readily available items such as tree seedlings. These seedlings can be wrapped in pretty paper or lace and then tied with a ribbon and place in an inexpensive basket. The best part is that you just might have these seedlings in your backyard.

Last Minute Unique Wedding Favors