Wedding guest favors can be something that will remind guests of your marriage ceremony for years to come. These gifts may seem like insignificant tokens, but can carry a great deal of personality and meaning when chosen well. Wedding favors for guests should be given some thought. After all, these favors are what guests will carry away with them and in some cases may keep for years. Moreover, they are a gift from the couple to their guests, representing the reciprocal bonds of love and gratitude.

Many couples feel that wedding guest favors don't need as much attention as other details of the special event. However, the guests are there to honor the couple and share in their nuptials, and wedding guest favors are a way for the couple to show the guests that their presence is appreciated and treasured. Also, many wedding favor gifts can be kept and used by the guests for years to come, making them a lasting reminder of you ever so special day. Wedding favor gifts can also help to let your personality shine through. By taking the time to select really fitting favor gifts, guests will be left with the impression that their presence is truly appreciated. Some really different favors can be great for getting conversation going at your reception.

Many couples drive themselves crazy trying to think of some unusual favors for their guests, but often end up with traditional and safe ideas. Quirky gifts might not go over well with some guests, especially those expecting a traditional service. Other times, guest favors that are too personalized to the couples' tastes just won't be generally popular. Favor gifts that your friends might love could be hated by your families. They need to be generic enough for all or most of the guests to be happy.

Useful gifts are often a good answer to the guest favor dilemma. Candles or picture frames can be good solutions, as offerings that guests can use may be longer lasting than the edible type. Whatever the choice, it is important that wedding gift favors fit well with the other details of the event. Quirky favors at a traditional wedding will be out of place, nor does a theme wedding with traditional favors make sense. Wedding favors will be more memorable when they make guests think of the couple as well as the ceremony.

Different kinds of guest favors serve different purposes, from delicious treats to active engagement in the reception to personalized keepsakes. Deciding which road to go requires deciding what purpose you would like your wedding favors to serve. Should they get guests involved in the ceremony? Should they strike up conversation among tables of strangers? Should they provide a decadent treat? Making this first decision can be helpful in selecting the favor gifts that are right for your celebration.

Once you've made that decision, the next step is to find the right wedding favors and personalize them as much as possible. Although guest favors are the same for all guests, they are still a gift from the couple to those who are sharing in their celebration. As such, wedding guest favors should reflect the atmosphere of the wedding and remind the guests of the couple.

Wedding favors should be specific to you as a couple and to your event, rather than being just some random gift that could be given out anywhere and by anyone. A personal touch can be as simple as creative packaging, but is one of the most important parts of the favor gift and really make a personal connection with your guests.

Like most weddings in Toronto, a Persian marriage has two stages that most often happen in a single day. Occasionally there is a period in between them. The first stage is known as 'Aghd', the legal process where the marriage contracts are signed by the bride, the groom and also their guardians. 'Jashn-e Aroosi', is the second stage. It means the wedding reception where the actual feasting and celebrations begin which, traditionally, lasted for three to seven days; unlike Toronto weddings today. There is a room, specially decorated with flowers and 'Sofreh-ye Aghd', a beautiful spread elaborately placed on the floor. The spread faces east, traditionally, where the sun rises. This is so because when the bride and groom sit in front of the 'Sofreh-ye Aghd', they should be facing the 'Light'.

Unlike Toronto ceremonies, tradition demands that 'Aghd' be held at the residence of the parents of the bride. The arrival of the guests, or witnesses, commences the tradition. Close family members of the couple present at the ceremony make the guests comfortable. After the guests take their seats, the groom walks up to the front of the 'Sofreh-ye Aghd', and sits on the right side, which is considered the side of respect according to Zoroastrian culture. He is later joined by the bride who sits on the left.

The 'Sofreh-ye Aghd', the backdrop used on the floor, is passed from mother to daughter or to son occasionally. It is made of luxurious fabric, such as satin, silk and cashmere. On it, the following items are placed: A mirror, 'Aayeneh-ye Bakht', signifying fate and two 'Candelabras' (candles), placed on either side of the mirror. The mirror and candles are considered to be two very important items in the Persian society. They symbolize light and fire. Just like most weddings in Toronto, a bride walks in with her veil on but removes it later in that the first thing the groom sees in the mirror is the reflection of his bride. Also present on the 'Sofreh-ye Aghd', is a tray of spices and herbs which are seven and multi-colored. They are to ward of evil spirits, guard against evil and witchcraft. The seven elements in different colors are: poppy seeds, angelica, nigella seeds, frankincense, salt, black tea and wild rice, each with its own purpose.

Unlike Toronto weddings, flat bread, which is specially baked and decorated, can also be found symbolizing happiness and prosperity for the couple thereafter. Decorated eggs in a basket and also decorated almonds, hazelnuts in the shell and walnuts, also in a basket, are present. A number of other various items are placed on the backdrop including a copy of the couples' Holy Book and an assortment of sweets.

As the couple sits together, two guests, females, hold a cloth which is thin and place it on top of their heads and pour hard sugar crystals in it signifying in their relationship, sweetness. The bride and groom are then asked separately if they have accepted one another for future companionship where the bride is asked three times and remains silent for two before answering. Then gifts are given to the couple to bless their future.