Six favours for your Muslim wedding

If you are thinking of marriage there is a high probability that you have already been planning your dream Nikah and Walima. One element to a wedding that will need to be considered is your wedding favours.

What is a wedding favour? It's a small gift given by the bride and groom to show gratitude to their guests for attending their wedding union. It can be something small such as a thank you note or a trinket to mark the day.

The history behind wedding favours?

Wedding favours have been given throughout history and have taken many forms. The earliest record of wedding favours are in Ancient Rome where couples would give their guests small gifts like sugared almonds which represented the five wishes that symbolized health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. This tradition continued across Greece and the Middle East after the empire fell. While in Spain chocolate was given to guests to represent happiness.

It changed over the years and in 16th century England brides would hand out bags of sugar which was a rare commodity during this period. French aristocrats did a similar thing and handed out sugar in porcelain or crystal boxes which was a symbol of the couples union.

Now couples give out various small gifts depending on their background and culture. Usually these are personalised to the married couple and mark the day of their union.

Ideas for favours

Your wedding favours don't need to be expensive, they just need to represent you as a couple and your beliefs. For Muslim couples who are looking to marry we have six suggestions that will leave your guests happy.

Spices

A great way to represent your culture during your Islamic union is to give your guests spices from your region. For example if your heritage is from Palestine you can gift them zaatar or if your roots are from Pakistan you could gift them Saffron Masala. You can put the spices in personalised bottles which mark the date of your wedding and when your guests cook with the seasoning they will be taken back to your special day.

Donation to charity

Not all favours have to be a gift to your guests. Islam is a religion rooted in charitable work. The Prophet Muhammed Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH) taught us that the art of giving is part of the communal spirit. One hadith states “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry.” Another Hadith highlighting the importance of charity is “Charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire.”

You can make a small donation to an Islamic rooted charity that supports a cause you as a couple believe in. Prepare a little card thanking your guests and informing that you have made a contribution in their name.

Oud or Perfume

Perfume, especially oud, is an essential part of many Muslim cultures. Offering a small bottle of oud or fragrance is a luxurious and aromatic favour. You can select a scent that resonates with you as a couple and personalise the packaging with your wedding details. The scent will remind your guests of the beautiful memories made during your wedding every time they use it.

Some more ideas for favours

A Pocket-Sized Quran

The Quran is the heart of Islam and a timeless gift for any occasion. A small, pocket-sized Quran can be a meaningful and cherished favour for your guests. This thoughtful gesture reflects your love for Islam and serves as a spiritual memento from your wedding day. You can personalise it with a dedication or a meaningful verse from the Quran.

Delicious Halal Treats

What better way to show appreciation than by treating your guests to something sweet? Halal treats like dates, chocolates, or baklava can be packaged beautifully as wedding favours. You can also include a special note about the significance of dates in Islamic culture, as they are often eaten to break the fast during Ramadan and are believed to have numerous health benefits. Dates were one of the Prophet Muhammad’s PBUH favourite fruits so serving this to guests will resonate with them.

A Keychain

A flip flop keychain would serve as a funny and delightful gift. Every Muslim household knows what it means when the flip flop comes off. And you better run fast to get out of the line of fire. It's a gift that is sure to make your family and friends chuckle.

You could also create different personalised keychains that mark your Islamic union. It could be a keychain with a picture of the married couple or something that represents the bond between the couple. You can get creative with your ideas.

Wedding favours are a perfect way to thank your guests and share a piece of your culture and beliefs with them. Whether you choose a spice blend, a charitable donation, or a meaningful keepsake, the key is that your favours reflect your personality as a couple and the values that are important to you. Your guests will appreciate the thought and love behind each favour, and it will make your wedding day even more memorable.