The ancient customs of Rome and Italy had their own way of showing gratitude to their guests. Initially, fruits, nuts and biscuits were given to guests before the ceremony. The Romans blessed their couples with fertility. Fruits and nuts represent this in their custom. The Italians were big on status. Therefore giving luxurious items like silk scarves and incense was a common practice amongst the wealthy. This showed that the tradition of giving out favors had dated all the way back to the 16th century. And sure enough they had come a long way.



In the present time, favors are not only given away after a wedding. They had spread to other celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries and even the corporate world. However, they convey the same message to visitors. Favors are tokens of appreciation to guests thanking them for celebrating special moments together with the hosts.

Depending on where you are from, wedding favors diverse from each part of the world in accordance with the culture and tradition that is practiced. Different culture has different impact and influence on the type of gifts newlywed present to their guests. However, no matter how different the gifts are, the rule of thumb in giving out favors is of course to represent and symbolize health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

Wedding favors play a big part in the wedding itself. A wedding without favors is nowadays considered incomplete. Brides and groom would more often than not give out gifts that are useful like card holder, pen or letter opener. Though practical, the gifts are made personal with the new technology, where brides and grooms can leave their signatures on the gifts. Made in bulk and surprising not at all costly, these favors are more likely to make lasting impressions on the guests. With the growing online companies specializing in personalized favors, getting them done would be just the click of the mouse away.

Favors had gone a long way since it first started, so has wedding showers. Showers for the betrothed couples were said to have came from the Netherlands. A girl from Amsterdam fell in love with a poor boy who was only a mill operator. Nevertheless, the boy had a heart made of gold. He dedicated most of his life helping those who were poor.

When the girl's father found out about the daughter's relationship with the poor man, he was outraged and declined to give the bridal dowry. This made their life more difficult but the man who was cherished by the people in the community was ?showered? by the people with what they needed to start a new life. This was the start of the tradition that would later be enjoyed by future brides and grooms all around the globe.

Allocating a theme to the bridal showers makes it more fun. You can have any theme you desire depending on the money you have to spend. Themes can depend on what the bride feels represents them or the season when the marriage would take place. The favors given out to guests should mirror the theme. Showers are for the people who are close to you so whatever you give them, make sure they meaningful to you and them so it would be treasured by those who are dear to you.