A token of appreciation for guests is requisite at wedding receptions. Wedding favors enable attendees to walk away from the event with a memento and also a small thank you for their participation and celebration of this momentous event.

Brides- and grooms-to-be have different ideas when it comes to wedding favors. Guests have their own opinions, too. As customs and trends change, so do the options in wedding favors. In the past, wedding favors were not much different from the items offered today, and not every guest was privy to a take-home trinket.

In the 16th century, wedding favors were a sign of extravagance and showed off the family’s wealth to the guests. Only rich and prominent people during those times could afford and provide sophisticated gifts to their guests.

Some favors symbolized luck, and sharing them with guests ensured good luck to all as well. Almonds were common favors because they symbolized fertility, health, happiness, wealth and longevity.

Bonbonnieres were once a popular wedding favor. A bonbonniere is a small, decorative box made of porcelain, crystal or gold. It is embellished with colorful and precious gems. Inside the box houses a sweet delicacy, often called a bonbon.

In modern times, many couples are returning to the tradition of giving bonbonnieres or other edible favors as their wedding celebration thank-yous. Edible favors are often economical and guests tend to appreciate them. After all, guests have to find a nook in their homes in which to house an engraved ice cream scooper or yet another small statuette.

Edible gifts can be as varied as a person desires. Candy-coated almonds are still popular, but many couples have expanded their choices and have created new trends in favors. For those couples seeking a unique edible favor for the wedding, here are some suggestions.

* Cake or brownie pops: Food on a stick has long been a favorite of many, but the concept has been taken to new heights with the creation of cake pops. These are small balls of cake or brownie that are made from cake crumbs and frosting. The balls are covered in candy melts or chocolate and served on a stick. Chocolate artists can transform ordinary cake pops into works of art with intricate piping designs on the hard, outer shell. Clear cello bags and decorative ribbon may be all that’s necessary for a classic wrapping.

* Cookies: Pastry arts continue to be popular favors for any occasion. Many bakeries offer intricately designed and decorated cookies that can pertain to any theme. Think about a wedding couple or a set of rings as the cookie of choice for a wedding favor. Most cookies last 2 to 3 weeks, so they can be purchased in advance.

* Petit fours: These bite-sized pastries lend themselves well to wedding favors. They can easily be paired and put in small boxes as take-home treats. Some bakeries create petit fours on demand. If not, petit fours can be purchased through online vendors.

* Chocolate: Gourmet chocolate remains a popular edible favor. Choose among truffles, caramels, chocolate-covered pretzels, or any favorite treat. Depending on the chocolatier, favors may come pre-boxed and wrapped.

* Seasonal treats: If a wedding coincides with a particular season or holiday, favors can be coordinated as well. Think caramel-covered apples for fall parties, chocolate bunnies for spring events, spiced cake bars for the winter holidays or lemon tarts for summer weddings.

Wedding favors have been a part of wedding ceremonies for centuries. Edible gifts are thoughtful and flavorful mementos of the wedding day. 

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