Wedding Favours
Another important facet of Indian weddings and weddings all over the world is the practice of wedding favours. It is a custom that has been handed down through generations and they are here to stay.
Wedding favours assume a lot of significance as it is a way for us to convey our most sincere gratitude and appreciation for our guests and loved ones.
The simple idea behind a wedding favour is that when you take one home, you are essentially carrying a souvenir that acts as a reminder of the wonderful times spent.
Wedding favours are small gifts or souvenirs given to guests at a wedding as a token of appreciation for their presence and support. Favours can be anything from small customized takeaways to elaborate gift hampers. They can be traditional or contemporary gifts which follow the central theme of the event.
The tradition of giving wedding favours is an ancient one that dates back centuries and is still prevalent in many cultures around the world. In Indian weddings, wedding favours, or 'mithai' as they are known, are an important part of the celebration and play a significant role in the festivities.
In the past, wedding favours were given as a gesture of goodwill to guests and as a way to thank them for attending the wedding. These gifts were usually small tokens or sweets, such as almonds or cashews, which were presented to guests in a decorative pouch or box.
Over time, the concept of wedding favours has evolved, and they have become an essential part of Indian weddings. Today, wedding favours are given in various forms and have become an opportunity for couples to express their creativity and showcase their personal style.
In modern Indian weddings, wedding favours can include anything from personalized trinkets, such as keychains, coasters, or fridge magnets, to more elaborate gifts, such as handicrafts, luxury chocolates, or customized glassware. The favours are often designed to complement the wedding theme, colour scheme, or personal style of the couple.
Moreover, with the rise of sustainable and eco-friendly practices, many couples are opting for eco-friendly wedding favours such as potted plants, reusable bags, or handmade soaps.
Overall, the evolution of wedding favours in Indian weddings is reflective of the changing times, and the significance of these gifts has increased as a way of expressing gratitude and leaving a lasting impression on the guests.
Importance of Wedding Favours in Indian Weddings:
Tradition: The tradition of giving wedding favours is deeply rooted in Indian culture, and it is considered auspicious to give small gifts to guests as a way of expressing gratitude and spreading joy.
Expression of Gratitude: Wedding favours are a way of expressing gratitude towards the guests who have taken the time and effort to attend the wedding and bless the couple. It is a way of saying thank you for being a part of the special day.
Keepsake: Wedding favours serve as a keepsake for guests, reminding them of the special day and the memories they created. It is a small memento that they can take back with them and cherish for years to come.
Symbolism: Wedding favours often have a symbolic meaning attached to them, such as the sharing of sweets, which symbolizes the sweet beginning of the couple's journey together.
Social Status: In Indian weddings, wedding favours are often a reflection of the couple's social status and wealth. The more lavish the wedding favours, the more prestigious the wedding is considered to be.
Good Luck: Wedding favours are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple and their guests. It is customary for the favours to be distributed after the wedding ceremony, as it is believed to bring good luck and blessings to the newlyweds.
The wedding favours ecosystem in India is quite extensive and diverse, with a wide range of products and services offered by various vendors and suppliers. The Indian wedding industry is known for its grandeur and extravagance, and wedding favours are an essential part of the celebrations.
There are many vendors in India who specialize in creating customized wedding favours, from small businesses to large companies. These vendors offer a wide range of products, including traditional sweets, handmade chocolates, personalized trinkets, and eco-friendly gifts.
Moreover, many couples in India also prefer to create their own wedding favours, as it allows them to add a personal touch and showcase their creativity. This has led to the rise of DIY wedding favours, with many online tutorials and guides available for couples to make their own gifts.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly wedding favours in India. Many vendors and suppliers now offer eco-friendly gifts such as potted plants, organic honey, and handmade soaps.
The wedding favours ecosystem in India is also closely linked to the larger wedding industry, including wedding planners, decorators, and caterers. Many vendors offer bundled packages that include wedding favours as part of the overall wedding planning and execution.
Overall, the wedding favours ecosystem in India is thriving and evolving with changing times, as couples look for unique and personalized ways to express their gratitude to their guests.
Types of Wedding Favours in Indian Weddings:
Sweets: Sweets, or 'mithai', are the most common type of wedding favours in Indian weddings. They are distributed to guests as a symbol of the couple's happiness and good fortune.
Decorative Items: Decorative items, such as candles, tea lights, and small trinkets, are also popular wedding favours. They are often personalized with the couple's names or wedding dates and are a great way to add a personal touch to the wedding.
Practical Gifts: Practical gifts, such as keychains, coasters, personalized perfumes and bookmarks, are becoming increasingly popular as wedding favours. These gifts are useful and can be used by guests long after the wedding is over.
Handmade Gifts: Handmade gifts, such as pottery, paintings, and embroidered fabrics, are a great way to support local artisans and add a touch of uniqueness to wedding favours.
In conclusion, wedding favours are an important part of Indian weddings and play a significant role in expressing gratitude, spreading joy, and bringing good luck to the couple and their guests. They serve as a reminder of the special day and the memories created, and are a small token of appreciation for the love and support of the guests.