European aristocrats were probably responsible for introducing the custom originally presenting precious little boxes, known as bonbonnieres, to the guests at their weddings. The contents were generally sugar cubes or delicate confections symbolising wealth and royalty.

As sugar became more affordable and therefore less exclusive, it was replaced with almonds. Traditionally, five Jordan almonds were presented in a confection box or wrapped in elegant fabric to represent fertility, longevity, wealth, health and happiness.

Though edible treats are still popular as wedding favours, today's couples often decide to personalise and update this old custom. It's just a bit of fun after all, so why not enjoy yourselves making the tradition special to you and memorable for your guests.

Up until this point the gift-giving has been a bit of a one-way process so it's nice to be able to give something back.

Keeping in touch with tradition, if you are into baking you could make a batch of delicious, home-made cupcakes, shortbread or biscuits and ice the name of each guest on top. Individual little bags of sweets such as love hearts, jelly babies or dolly mixtures for each place setting or piled into pretty jars or bowls for everyone to help themselves are fun, pretty and budget-friendly but the favours don't have to be rich in calories. It could be an attractive feather, candles, bath bombs or miniature bath oils; or a special bookmark with your names, the date and perhaps a memorable quote might be right for the two of you.  And some couples like to present little trinkets that tie in with the theme of the wedding: for example, if you are getting married abroad place a beautiful shell collected from the beach by each name card.

If you want to keep the surprise element then hiding your wedding favour within a small box or a bag is still a nice touch. And you don't have to be a European aristocrat!

Tussie Mussies

In Victorian times people would carry tussie-mussies in order to ward off the stench in the streets. These would usually be made from a collection of scented herbs such as rosemary, lavender and thyme.

This practice eventually lead onto the making of decorative tussie-mussies or in other words floral posies for weddings and gifts.

Each flower was not only scented but also had a meaning eg – a red rose – I love you, sweet peas – blissful pleasures, red and white roses together - unity, pink rosebuds – perfect happiness.

Picture captions:

MiniatureTussie Mussies with Pink Rosebuds £5.50

Tussie Mussie with Lavender and Rosebuds £15.00

Handmade from Austrian Spicecraft (www.austrianspicecraft.co.uk), these fragrant and very pretty tussie mussies are reminiscent of summer days and they're perfect for unusual Wedding Favours.

Do me a favour

Giving a little gift to each of your wedding guests is a nice way of saying thank you to them for their love, support and for sharing in your special day. But there’s another way of saying thank you and this way, you’ll be saying it twice over.

Your Wedding Day is an exciting event for you, your family and friends. With Keech Hospice Care wedding favours you can add to your guests' excitement by giving them the chance of winning up to £1000 and you can enjoy your big day even more in the knowledge that this gift will make a real difference to patients and their families.

Favours cost £1.50 each (£1 entry into the draw and 50p administration cost). The silver or oyster colour paper wedding lottery favour will be printed with the name of your guest, the date entered into the draw, the Bride and Groom’s name and a personal message to your guest.

They can then be decorated for display with flowers, envelopes, ribbons or rolled into scrolls etc. If you are making into scrolls, the name is on the top left so the favour can be used as a place setting too.

Your guests must be 16 years or over to enter Keech Hospice Care's lottery but if any of your guests are under 16 Keech can print their name on the favour along with c/o parent or guardian.

Keech requires two to four weeks notice to print the favours, but if you need them sooner it may be possible to rush through an order. You will need to send a list of the names of all your guests and Keech will supply you with a template.

Playing the lottery couldn't be simpler. Players are allocated a unique six-digit number and the lucky winning numbers are selected at random every Friday by the lottery computer. Winners' prize cheques are sent out automatically after the draw.

Weekly prizes: £1000 Jackpot, 2nd prize £250, 3rd prize (x3) £50, 4th prize (x25) £25, 5th prize (x10) £10.

All profits from Keech Hospice Care’s lottery go towards helping Keech Hospice Care run its adult and children’s hospices.