Some people have not heard of wedding favours, unless that they themselves have got married or have been to someone elses wedding. My experience of wedding favours was when I went to my brothers wedding and the favours there were sugared almonds wrapped in organza. I remember thinking that having a gift at the meal was a really nice touch, and the small touches on the table made such an impression to how the table looked. These days there is so much more choice and almost anything goes. Some people like to stick to the more traditional organza bags with sugared almonds while others prefer ornate boxes decorated to match their colour theme. Ironically the ornate boxes were more in line with what favours usually were like. Favours go back a long time probably centuries ago, but no-one actually knows the exact date. They were called 'bonbonniere' which were small porcelin and crystal boxes orginating from Italy and Spain. They contained sugared sweets or almonds and were seen as an expensive treat since sugar was an expensive commodity back then. They were not given exclusively for people getting married but to anyone having a celebration such as a birthday. If sugared almonds were given, there would be 5, one each representing fertility, health, wealth, happiness and longevity. Italians like to give chocolate covered favours, while the dutch give 'bridal' sugar which is five pieces of candy to represent wedding wishes. The spanish like to give flowers in a vase at weddings. But these days it is less about what country you are from and more about what you actually want at your wedding, and whether it matches your theme of the wedding. But whether tradition or quirky its always nice to give a gift, if anything as a thanks to your guests to show your appreciation for attending the wedding.