That’s what Springbok star Willie Le Roux and his bride Holly Clare Nichol did when they tied the knot in Franschoek in 2024. They chose Oryx Desert Salt & Pepper mini shakers as their wedding favours for their guests.

The tradition of wedding favours dates back centuries. In 16th-century Europe, aristocrats gave guests bonbonnières — small ornate boxes filled with sugared almonds or sweets, symbolising wealth and prosperity.  As the custom spread beyond the wealthy nobility and became more accessible, so favours evolved.

 In Victorian times, favours became highly decorative, often handmade, to express sentiments of fond remembrance and appreciation to wedding guests.  And that hasn’t changed. Favours still serve as a thank-you and a keepsake by which to remember the celebration.

What has changed is the nature of wedding favours.  Current trends show that modern couples are now mindful of sustainability, avoiding waste and giving guests a gift that is customized, meaningful, and eco-friendly.

Favours which are connected to place, have qualities such as being biodegradeable, produced with care and integrity and are healthy to consume give guests a sense of sharing something special with you, what matters to you as a couple. Such thoughtful details turn favours into conversation pieces rather than forgettable momentoes.

Ultimately, wedding favours are an opportunity to transform a small detail into a meaningful gift that makes your wedding unmistakably yours.