The History of Wedding Favors

For many centuries wedding favors have been a part of traditional wedding ceremonies, across a wide range of cultures. Initially wedding favors were an extravagance at celebrations hosted by European upper classes, which had the wealth to provide elaborate gifts to guests. The early wedding favors began as small fancy boxes, known by their French name of bonbon ere. A bonbon ere was fashioned of crystal, porcelain or gold and often encrusted with precious stones. The delicate boxes were meant to hold bonbons or other confectionery delicacies, at a time when sugar was quite expensive. Sugar was also highly valued by all, as it was believed to have medicinal benefits.

Individuals of modest means adopted the tradition of providing gifts to guests by selecting simple treats as gifts. Every culture across time has a approached marriage as a wonderful event, with the nuptials celebrated throughout the community. In many societies the bride and groom are associated with good luck, a common thought was that everything they touched would be charmed. By gifting members of the community, they would then pass those same blessings onto others. Many brides would choose to distribute this good luck by preparing a small gift of almonds, beautifully wrapped in an elegant fabric. The custom in the Middle East is for the bride to provide five almonds to represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness.

For more than a millennium, almonds were commonly given as wedding gifts to the couple, signifying the good wishes on their new life together. In the thirteenth century the practice of coating almonds in sugar became popular, the new confections were called “confetti”. Over time, confetti has transformed to Jordan almonds, now a staple of many wedding celebrations. The combination of the almond and candy signify the bitter sweetness of marriage. Today, Jordan almonds provide one of the most common and traditional wedding favors when they are wrapped in small bundles of delicate fabric or lace and tied with ribbon. Though the most traditional of wedding favors are still appreciated, a bride is only limited to her imagination when it comes to selecting the gifts that will demonstrate esteem from the blessed couple.

Since the sixteenth century, bridegroom couples have been giving gifts to wedding guests as a gesture of gratitude for sharing in the beginning of their new life together. Today, gifts to the guests are known as wedding favors and are commonplace in ceremonies worldwide. The small gifts may vary according to the culture, wealth and the interests of the couple, or theme of the wedding. When it comes to the decision for the right wedding favor, the options are unlimited. A beautifully decorated place card at the reception table, can make a lovely and inexpensive memento. For couples with larger budgets, a vintage bottle of wine with a personalized label is an excellent way of commemorating the event. Frequently a bride may select wedding favors intended to complement the décor of the reception table.
Wedding party favors are special gifts provided to members of the wedding party. The bridegroom couple may distribute the heartfelt gifts at the time of the rehearsal dinner or before the wedding, in appreciation for assistance in creating the couple’s memorable day. Like the wedding favors given to all guests, there are unlimited possibilities for these special gifts. Typically they may be specialized items of a higher dollar value and may be engraved with the name or monogram of the individual in the party.


A common denominator among all modern brides, regardless of cultural background or budget, is for the bride to take pride in the giving and selecting the right wedding favor. The majority of wedding details are bound by tradition or cost, but the wedding favor provides the bride a chance to show her personality and really consider what will delight her guests. Many reusable favors from candles, to statuary can be purchased for as little as a dollar each. Edible favors can be purchased or created for as little as fifty cents a person, while maintaining the European tradition of giving confectionery delights.

This is just a little history on  Wedding Favors!

Go to http://www.buzybeepress.com/ for great favor ideas and much more

Make-up Tips for Summer Brides

When you think about it all of your guest will have all eyes on you.  Here are a few tips to remember when it comes to your make-up and hot weather:

Foundation


There are many types of foundation available liquid, cream, dual finished compact formulas and tinted moisturizer. Foundation should always match your skin tone exactly. Yellow-based foundations work best on most skin types, because they neutralize any pink or red undertones and result in a clearer complexion. Avoid pink-based foundations, which often end up looking too, well, pink on the skin.

- First if your skin is oily, clean it and use an oil free moisturizer. But if it’s too oily avoid the moisturizer and just dab a little eye lotion under your eye. If your skin is dry, moisturize it.

- After applying the moisturizer use a foundation, which is an anti-shine product.

- If your have any blemishes or spots on your skin use a spot concealer, which will stay longer. Use it under the eyes, around corners of your nose, and wherever you have blemishes.

- If your skin is oily apply an oil-free foundation.

- After you’ve applied your liquid foundation, use power with a small brush.

Eye Makeup

Eyes make up is very important to complete the look .For some women the eyes make up lasts for hours and some fades in minutes.

- Using a concealed brush, apply concealed all over your lid, from lash line to brow. If your lids are extra oily apply a mortifying product first, then put your concealer on top. Finish it of with a dusting powder.

- Since its summer time use neutral tones when it comes to eye shadows. Stay away from creamy formulas.

- As for liners, liquid liner stays longer.

- Also you can take a cake liner and mix it with an eyeliner-sealing product. After applying the liner, just put some of the sealer on your liner brush, then re trace the line, which you have made earlier.

- Since its your wedding day, and in case tears of joy flow use waterproof mascara to be on the safe side.

Blush

Since it’s summer blush will be the first thing to go off. So here are some tips that will help your blush stay longer.

- Again stay away from creamy formulas, which tends to shine more. Instead, opt for a soft, powdery formula that will look fresh and absorb oil.

- For more staying powder, apply cheek stain, then dust a matching powder blush on top of it.

Lips

You'll be kissing your new husband, kissing your guests, sipping champagne... how in the world are you supposed to keep your lipstick on all day? Here’ a tip for the color to stay longer.

1. Start off by moisturizing your lips with balm so your pencil will glide along easily. Then take your lip pencil and color in your entire mouth -- this will prevent your lipstick from bleeding and supply more holding power.

2.If you're the type of person who can never keep her lipstick on, use a medium-toned concealer as a base before your lip pencil.

3. Once your pencil's in place, apply your lipstick, and then blot with a tissue. While the tissue is still pressed to your lips, brush some loose powder on top, then remove the tissue and make up your lips again to seal the deal.

4. The final step is adding a touch of gloss and applying lipstick sealer. Just one coat on your upper and lower lips will hold your color in place all day, or at least most of it.


These are a few tried and true tricks of our trade and they work.  Try them and give us some feedback.

LaPaz Image/Event Consultants