Relatives and friends join with the bride and groom to make the wedding a special celebration. There is so much excitement over choosing outfits, reception venues, limousines and flowers that the bride invariable has to call for assistance to get all the details just right. You will find that relatives and friends will want to help.
There are various duties, both before and during the wedding, that the members of the bridal party need to attend to,. It is their job to make sure the bride and groom have all the arrangements made and to help them in this. They are also responsible for helping the bride and groom and seeing that the proceedings all run smoothly.
In early European times, aristocrats and wealthy people would give sweets on celebration days such as christenings and weddings; this was the beginning of the tradition of giving wedding favors to guests and attendants. People called them bomboniere because this means ‘small box of sweets’. Boxes made of gold, crystal and precious stones were the early bomboniere. Because sugar was a luxury in these times, these gifts could only be afforded by the very rich.
During the 13th century, the tradition of giving sugar-coated almonds developed as sugar became more affordable. The traditional number of almonds was symbolic; there were five, standing for health, happiness, fertility, wealth and longevity. The sweet sugar coating combined with the more bitter almond was supposed to be representative of the bitter-sweet character of marriage.
Gradually, over time, wedding guests started to give more practical or elaborate gifts to the couple and the tradition of the five almonds was retained by it becoming a guest gift instead. During the past wedding brides walked lengthy distances in order to purchase wedding invitations. While the tradition of the bomboniere is still around, the gifts may be called guest gifts or wedding favors. Several European countries still have the tradition of giving bomboniere that contai 5 almonds, in a little decorated box or lace bag tied with ribbons.
Guest gifts are becoming more elaborate these days; more practical than the five almonds. Champagne glasses, scented candles, pens or picture frames with a wedding photo are among the most common gifts these days. An early bridesmaid has to be good lady to ask about for assistance with bachelorette party invitations or bridal shower gifts. You can personalize these with the date of the wedding and the names of the bride and groom. The gifts are intended as a reminder of the wedding, as well as a way of saying thank you for being part of the wedding celebrations.
You can find many different ideas for your wedding favors that don’t necessarily have to be expensive. You will find a wide range of wedding favors, in various price ranges, when you do an internet search. These online sites may be where you buy your wedding favors, or they might give you some inspiration.
Some brides like to add a personal touch by making their own wedding favors. Wedding stationers often also stock co-ordinating boxes for bomboniere. Before putting some chocolates into the box, you might want to decorate the outside, using your wedding theme for inspiration. To complete the guest gift you attach a gift card that bears the guest’s name and use theme-matched colored ribbon to tie it all up; your guests will be sure to appreciate their lovely gift. You might even decide to make the chocolates yourself, if you are that way inclined.