Wedding Favours

Much money was spent in earlier times on wedding favours. These were gloves, generally scented, but not well fitting, and bunches of ribbon or small bouquets given by the Bride’s parents to friends and relatives attending the marriage. This custom was till in use at Victorian weddings when flower and ribbon favours used to be offered to all the guests at weddings. It became the custom for bridesmaids to distribute favours (a small posy of flowers tied with a ribbon) to the congregation while the register was being signed in the vestry.

The actual holding of flowers in the hand as a bridal bouquet seems to have become customary in the 18^th century, possibly the modern version of the wedding favour is the carnation worn by the Bridegroom etc.

Sugared almonds, pink, white or sliver are a feature of weddings today and are especially popular in Italy. It is a custom to put five of these in a lace bag or a box and present them to the guests. The five represent – Health – Wealth – Happiness – Prosperity – Fertility.