Buying Wedding Favours in Toronto
By Jennifer Clark
Toronto, ON, June 18, 2007
Those who have read Anne in Avonlea by L M Montgomery will remember, when Diana Barry agreed to Fred Wright’s marriage proposal; she told Anne Shirley that she would set out to stitch a large number of tea doilies.
Growing up in close-knit communities such as Avonlea, it is natural that Diana would have dedicated her time and concern to stitch doilies that would be presented to all her family and friends in the village.
Times have changed since then, as today’s newly weds in Toronto are spoilt for market choices from traditional wedding favours to modern paraphernalia. But the tradition lives on.
However these memorabilia differ depending on the guests, the bridesmaids and the best men. The door gifts for the enthusiastic well wishers depend mostly on the budget reserved and number of guests attending.
Elegant but economical choices range from thank you cards, small baskets of candies and chocolates, slices of fruit cakes or small bouquets. The bridal couple who can afford a larger budget allocation may consider more exotic gifts, such as framed photographs of themselves, scented candles sets, or bottles of perfume.
Practical wedding favours are currently in the vogue as well, combining usefulness, beauty and thoughtful appreciation. Crystal and glassware, delicate porcelain dishes, silver sets of spoons and cutlery; all evoke the underlying message of creating a new home, a new family.
A point to note though; knives are generally not considered as an ideal keepsake, as it represents “cutting”, a bad omen for a unifying marriage.
As “sisters of the bride”, bridesmaids are also usually rewarded with heartwarming souvenirs.
From posies of countryside blooms, the “queen of the day” is also choosing tote bags, cosmetic sets, bathrobes, face towels etc for her handmaidens.
More affluent selections come in the form of jewelry; pendants, earrings, or brooches, with translucent crystals or pure white pearls being the favorite reminder of the wedding affair.
Similarly the retinue of best men is also expected to receive mementos of their “service of joy”, groomsmen gifts. These usually involve items with masculine connotation such as bottle stoppers, cufflinks, glass coasters etc. Commemorative pens and mugs are also in tall order for the couple’s gentlemen supporters.
Human imagination of today’s time and age has limitless possibilities of wedding themes and locales. With this trend, wedding favours can be now designed as part and parcel of the wedding details itself.
Imagine being presented with a sea-shells accessory or artwork at a beach wedding! Or chocolate pralines in sea shell motives. Or even a hand-written card depicting sand and surf collage!
What about a spring or summer wedding in a garden? Just using seasonal flowers and leaves, the creative wedding organizer can create miracles for hampers or baskets of fruits and edibles. This design can be used for tasteful arrangements of tea bags and coffee packs as well as bath soaps and personal care items.
Those who marry in Toronto Chinatown may consider Chinese cultural gifts for guests. Vermillion couplets in fine calligraphy, miniature paintings, jade engravings, enameled silver chopsticks, rosewood pairs of mandarin ducks or red eggs presented like Easter eggs all represent good wishes from the bride and groom. Couples with Japanese background can also offer sake cups, haikus, ikebana and origami.
Every couple has some shared beautiful experiences that have deep-seated meanings for them. Who would not wish to cement their special day with their very own unforgettable moments? Many weddings have been held on romantic sea cruises or plane flights.
Adventurous couples may wish to exchange their matrimonial vows before swooping down snowy ski slopes, diving among corals or parachuting from helicopters. A musically inclined couple may wed to jamming bands, jazz rhythms or tribal dances of the African hinterland.
Needless to say, video compact discs recordings of the ceremony are essential items in modern wedding souvenirs. Other items Guests who are privileged to share in these exotic events would definitely appreciate are personalized souvenirs that reflects the occasion, whatever and wherever it is.
All in all, wedding favours should not be measured by its monetary worth alone, for sentimental thoughts and lifelong memories they contain are much more valuable than gold. These are gifts that call upon bearer and recipient alike to share and recall the beautiful moments that create a “man and wife”.
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