Bridal Favors Tradition

So the big day is here! Nuptials are tied and that commitment to stick with him or her through thick and thin is made. Whether that commitment is nowadays kept or not is a story for another day. Confetti is showered from all angles and delicacies are in abundance. After all the moment is a special one meant to be forever remembered. Friends, whether invited or gate-crashing, all want to have a piece of the memorable day. A grand reception is therefore prepared for the guests where gifts are given and you dance yourself lame at the benevolence of the bride and groom.

But did you know that this tradition is deeply rooted in European nobility and aristocracy? You may not know it even as you throw that grand reception for your guests but it is. History has it that the elite classes of Europe used to give gifts during weddings to show gratitude or appreciation to the guests who had mostly traveled from far off places to attend the ceremony. Of course, Mr. Daimler and Mr. Ford were yet to be born so the automobile was not even conceived in the human mind as a means of travel. The most common of gifts were pastries and perfume for the tired guests and lavish parties were organized for them to indulge.

The gifts that were given out were mainly symbolic and they were gifts made of stuff out of reach of commoners. Though this practice existed in almost all European kingdoms including England, Spain, Italy, and even in faraway Russia; it was in France that this tradition was deeply embedded to royalty. Right or wrong, the French nobility is regarded as the most extravagant and decadent in ancient Christendom. The bridal parties here were therefore on another level compared to other European kingdoms.

The common feature of bridal favors in France was sugared almonds presented in crystal or glass vessels. Referred to as Bonbonieres, these were quite exquisite by those days standards as sugar was not only a luxury but a commodity that could only be afforded by the stinking rich. So, you are now thinking yes I have seen crystal gifts during wedding parties, yes you have and it is borrowed tradition even though most givers do not even realize it. Today it is common to see crystal flower pots, engagement ring key chains being given out as a bridal favor. Pastries or almonds are also given in line with that elitist tradition.

But as the times progressed, the stuff once regarded as elitist, became available to everyone. But the tradition remained albeit in different forms. Today, every society has influences from different cultures and it is common to see bridal favors borrowing heavily on varied traditions. Even in Africa, traditional weddings which are still widespread inculcate European, Eastern or even Arabic traditions especially if historically the two cultures have met at some point, either through colonization or cultural association.

All in all bridal favors are an integral part of the wedding ceremony and make the day special and memorable, and the guests reciprocate that by wishing you a long happy marriage.