Marriage is a sacred bond between a man and a woman, it was believed that couples were lucky and that luck can be brought to things they touched so a wedding gift was anticipated by all. Small presents are given to guests that show the marrying couple’s appreciation and an extension of their gratitude. These gifts are called wedding favors, lagresses may be given during the wedding ceremony or sometimes at the reception. Everybody loves presents, visitors are more enticed when they receive gifts plus they feel important because the couple acknowledge their presence. The tradition of giving gifts to visitors has been practiced for centuries. European elites used to receive presents in a form of knick-knacks, these trinkets are called bonbonniere. These are gifts made of porcelain or crystals filled with sugar cubes or chocolates. Sugar used to be an expensive product and was only kept for wealthy families thus sweets such as chocolates symbolize wealth and royalty.
When the 13th century came, sugar became cheaper and bonbonnieres were quickly replaced by a specific nut. Almonds were given as wedding favors to imply well wishes on the new life of the groom. Sugar coated almonds were also known as confetti and soon was recognized as sugared almonds. In modern times, companies are still being given sugar coated almonds as gifts from the bride and the groom. There is a tradition where the couple gives five almonds from Jordan to their visitors. The five almonds represent the five important aspects in married life namely:
1. Longevity. This translates as prolonged existence for instance, keeping the family name existent in the future.
2. Fertility. Producing and raising children to extend the clan.
3. Health. Maintaining the new household’s good health.
4. Wealth. Financial stability.
5. Happiness. Attaining and maintaining the feeling of contentment for the newlyweds.
The reason why sugar coated almonds is being used as gifts because its taste demonstrates marriage. The bitternes of the almonds and the sweetness of sugar illustrate how married life really is. Today couples provide wedding favors in forms of CDs containing images or videos of the event, or simple things such as soaps and candles.The important thing to consider is to include the names of the pair and the date of the event in case the attendees forgot.
Wedding favors are assorted and should coordinate with the subject of the event or the season of the event. For instance,”Wedding in the season of winter, a gift should contain something involving ice and snow”. Wedding gifts can also be personalized like giving small picture frames containing images or quotations that may be important to the bride and groom.
Wedding gifts can be bought from giftshops or specialty stores but the couple can also male their own wedding favors. Gifts can be simple or elegant it depends on the preference of the couple getting married. Brides usually take the time in choosing the right gift for their families and friends, in order it reflects the unique characteristics of herself and her partner.