History of Wedding Favors

What Are Bonbonnieres?

The French aristocracy took gift-giving to the next level in the 16th century. Guests would still be treated to sugar-covered almonds, but they were housed inside bonbonnieres, which were delicate jewel-encrusted boxes made from porcelain, crystal, or gold. These fancy containers also held other sweets like bon bons, cookies, or mini cakes.

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At the time, sugar was believed to have medicinal benefits, making the bonbonnieres a cherished gift among guests. Due to the expensive cost of sugar at the time, however, only the higher-class families could afford giving them out as wedding favors. If you didn't make a lot of money, you couldn't have as elaborate of an affair.

That all changed in the late-1600s. Sugar was in high demand for coffee and tea, and as a result, it became more accessible and affordable. It wasn't long before the middle and lower-classes started handing out their version of bonbonnieres at their own weddings. While these weren't as elegant as the ones used by the upper class, they still were treasured gifts among guests.

The word "bonbonnieres" has become interchangeable with "wedding favors" in general. Some couples still do the traditional containers with sweets, although they unfortunately aren't decorated with real diamonds. For those on a budget, it's easy to craft elegant bonbonnieres from cheap materials like cardboard, paper, plastic, or glass.

A Personal Experience: The Industrial Revolution

Wedding guests were getting nice and full on all the sweet treats, but it wasn't until after the 18th century that other favors became popular. Before then, marriage was more of a civic duty than a celebratory event. It was based on increasing wealth and extending families, and as a result, weddings were more a means to an end or a business transaction than anything else.

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Following the Enlightenment, however, individual happiness became more important than wealth and status. People started getting married because they were in love, and wedding favors started reflecting that love. If you couldn't afford a fancy jewel-encrusted box and were allergic to almonds, you still had options for great wedding favors. It could have been natural like flowers or spices, or something more elaborate like engraved pocket mirrors.

The timing couldn't have been better for this new way of thinking. Within the next century, the mass production of goods during the Industrial Revolution made it possible for couples to order large quantities of wedding favors at an affordable price. Screen printing also paved the way for personalization, and promotional products companies were on the rise, giving these couples an avenue for purchasing these favors. It would be another fifty years before this technology was used to its full potential. Still, though, there's no denying how influential the Industrial Revolution was in shaping the future of wedding favors.

Of course, you'll see these weddings favors in the United States as well. Favors can be everything and anything, it all just depends on the preferences of the marrying couple.

The Bottom Line

Wedding favors have changed a lot over the years. While almonds and sweets have always been popular, it wasn't until after World War II when these small gifts became personal. Whether you wrap chocolate kisses in tulle, make rustic frames, or customize shot glasses with your initials, there's no denying that we'll always say "I do" to Pinterest-ready favors.