BRIEF HISTORY AND CUSTOMS
Greek wedding favours are a tradition as old as time. Today we consider them a standard part of every wedding worldwide, however this was not always the case. In the past, European aristocrats would distribute small gifts known as bonbonnieres as wedding favours to symbolize their wealth. These wedding favours were small boxes usually made of porcelain or crystal and filled with sugar cubes.
As time passed, sugar was swapped with almonds and eventually with sugar-coated almonds known as confeti. The bittersweet nature of marriage is symbolized by the sweet sugar covering the bitter almond. Giving almonds was commonly thought to signify good blessings on the newly married couple.
Typically, the couple will include five almonds to represent health, fertility, longevity, wealth and of course happiness. Symbolically, the almonds are placed in favours in odd numbers because the division of an odd number does not produce a whole number. Therefore, the couple cannot be broken up and will live life together as one.
Guests will usually find wedding favors in small cloth bags, usually white or pink coloured.
ANCIENT GREEK TRADITION
In fact, the wedding favours in Greece were originally inspired by the king of Athens, Demophon, whose wife, Phyllis, turned into an almond tree.
In the tale, Demophon left his wife to attend his father’s funeral but promised to return soon. He delayed and his wife believed that he abandoned her. As a result, she took her own life. However, the gods took pity in her story and turned her into an almond tree.
Demophon returned and found out the news, made a sacrifice to the almond tree and the gods blessed him by making the tree blossom. As a result, this ancient Greek “Romeo & Juliet” story became the basis for this bridal tradition.
WEDDING FAVOURS TODAY
The modern Greek wedding favours are essentially a party favour given during the wedding. Typically, guests will receive a small gift as a token of appreciation from the bride and groom during their wedding. However, this can happen at any time during the wedding ceremony or during the wedding reception.
Consequently, wedding favours can be anything, from small chocolate treats to fresh flowers. Guests will usually find them in small cloth bags, usually white or pink coloured. The bride and groom can be as creative as they want, and they can make sure their choices reflect their personality and theme.
GROOM AND BRIDAL GIFT IDEAS
Bridal gift ideas for Greek wedding favours are an exciting part of the wedding ceremony. The groom and bride choose from literally thousands of already existing wedding favours.
They can also customize them depending on the wedding theme, their personality or even the area their wedding will occur. It is not uncommon for the bride and groom to have different favours.
The bride can select bridal gifts for her female guests while the groom can select groom gifts for his male guests. For example, it would make sense to give miniature wine bottles for a Paris wedding, or small olive bottles for a Greek wedding to every guest.
What if the couple wants to take it a step further and give the female and male guests different gifts?
Sounds exciting? Let’s focus on Greek wedding favours and list a few examples.
GENERAL WEDDING FAVOURS: GREECE EDITION
Greece is a traditionally religious country (Greek Orthodox), with a very rich culture spanning thousands of years.
In other words, the unique beauty it offers as a country, it makes for an ideal location to get married. Whether you prefer a private elopement on a lake, or a traditional Greek wedding on an island, Greece has something for everyone.
The unique characteristics it offers as a country can be shown by the unique Greek wedding favours available for the couple.
For example, here’s a list of a few unique Greek wedding favours:
COUPLES GENERAL WEDDING FAVOURS FOR GREECE
- Miniature olive bottles branded with the name of the couple
- Five gold-covered stones resembling olives
- Miniature ouzo bottles
- Small replica coins of Ancient Greek currency
- Evil eye charms
GROOMS IDEAS FOR GREEK WEDDING FAVOURS
- Tiny spartan figurines
- Tiny ancient Greek helmets
- Pens with ancient Greek letters
- Small Ancient Greek scriptures
- Small Ancient Greek wax seal
BRIDAL IDEAS FOR GREEK WEDDING FAVOURS
- Small Aphrodite replica statues
- Small Ancient Greek female statues
- Beaded bracelets with evil eye charms
- Silver olive-shaped jewellery made in Greece
- Pink keychain with country of Greece shaped block
OUR GREEK WEDDING FAVOUR GALLERY
In White Stories, our expertise in wedding planning involves brainstorming, designing and suggesting wedding favours.
We communicate with our cooperating couples constantly to perfectly understand their desired theme.
As a result, we can suggest bridal and groom gift ideas that perfectly satisfy their needs. Choosing Greek wedding favours for a wedding is a very fun and special procedure, and we make sure our couples enjoy the entire process!
Please enjoy a few more wedding favours below:
Finally, if the above post inspires you for a unique wedding favour or you need wedding favour assistance for your own wedding ceremony, feel free to click here to contact us with your theme and ideas!
FAQs
Customization Options:
What are the possibilities for customizing wedding favors to match specific themes or personal preferences, and what is the process for doing so?
Customizing wedding favors in Greece offers a wide range of possibilities, from personalized packaging to incorporating local elements like olive wood, ceramics, or even custom-blended perfumes. The process typically involves working closely with artisans or vendors to select materials, designs, and personalization details. Early planning is crucial, especially if you want something unique or handmade, to ensure the final product aligns with your vision.
Sourcing and Availability:
How easily can these unique Greek wedding favors be sourced, and are there any challenges in availability or delivery, especially for international weddings?
Sourcing unique Greek wedding favors is generally straightforward, especially if you’re working with a local planner or vendor. However, availability can be a challenge, particularly for handmade or locally sourced items, which may require more lead time. For international weddings, shipping logistics and customs can also affect timelines, so it’s advisable to confirm availability and delivery schedules well in advance.
Cost Considerations:
What is the price range for the different types of wedding favors mentioned, and how do these costs fit into an overall wedding budget?
The cost of Greek wedding favors can vary widely depending on the type of favor, materials used, and level of customization. Simple favors like traditional sweets may be quite affordable, while more elaborate gifts, such as custom-made jewelry or artisanal crafts, can be more expensive. It’s important to balance the cost of favors with the overall wedding budget, considering both the number of guests and the desired impact of the gift.