The tradition of wedding favors can be traced back many centuries ago. Favors are little gifts, given as a show of appreciation from the happy couple to those who have shared their special day with them. This practice can be found in many cultures & over the centuries has only marginally changed to evolve into what we know today. These days the choice of favors is huge & can allow the bride & groom enough scope to give gifts that are a personal expression of their own style & personalities.

For some brides & grooms their culture will determine the type of wedding favor they give. Here is a guide to favors given all over the world.

In Malaysia the traditional wedding favor is a hand painted egg which symbolizes fertility.

Italian wedding almonds are perhaps the best known wedding favor & are possibly the oldest style of favor.

These candy covered almonds, also known as ?confetti?, are wrapped in tulle nets or presented in little boxes.

Jordan almonds are sugar coated & are traditional in the Middle East although they are available worldwide. They are said to represent the bitterness & sweetness of marriage & are often given in quantities of 3 or 5. Three almonds represent the husband, wife & future child, whilst five represents health, happiness, fetility, longevity & wealth. In Greece they also use sugar coated almonds which are known as Koufeta.

In Japan the favors can be more expensive & extravagant, sometimes as much as $50 per guest. The more expensive wedding favors are called Hikidemono, whilst their cheaper counterparts are called Kohaku Maniyu, which are steamed buns filled with a bean paste. Many may be familiar with the Japanese tradition of 1,000 paper cranes which the brides make themselves to use as wedding decorations. They symbolize good fortune, fidelity & longevity & may also be given away as wedding favors.

In Holland the traditional favor is also sugar coated almonds or sugar cubes called Bridal Sugar. These are given in sets of five which represent prosperity, loyalty, happiness, virility & love. In Spain they give orange blossom sprigs presented in little bud vases.

Irish favors consist of a lace or linen handkerchief which has a Claddagh on it. The Claddagh represents loyalty, love & friendship. They may also give other gifts such as photo frames, cups, candle holders or boxes which will feature the Claddagh.

Each and every country has it own tradition when it comes to wedding favors. And these simple gifts symbolize something that goes within the culture. Whatever the culture dictates, what is important in the celebration is the vow of the couple.