Photography: Miss B
For centuries, newlyweds have presented their wedding guests little gifts of appreciation for their attendance. In the early days, it was boxes of sugary bonbons to symbolise wealth and royalty, during a time when sugar was an expensive commodity. Couples today are very inventive – from sweet delicacies to non-perishables like wine openers and playing cards.
For the traditionalist, we recommend presenting your loved ones with a delicious array of old-school cookies that take us back to our childhood days. They are inexpensive, lightweight, symbolic and simply delicious.
If you love traditional pastries, visit Flavour Favours, which distributes traditional Hokkien confections for all types of special occasions. Director Samantha Koh gives us 5 reasons why cookies and other sweet delights make the perfect wedding gift.
1. Cookies are symbolic
The Chinese consider cookies and cakes as good luck pastries, aka Xi Bing, that promise a life of bliss for the happy couple. It's one of the many items given to the bride's family during the Guo Da Li (betrothal) ceremony. More than just a set of pastries to be given away, it is symbolic of the groom's gratitude to the bride's parents for having raised and taken care of her over the years and also serves as an announcement of the couple's marriage. It is usually given to the bride's relatives and friends to share and spread the joy of the two families' union, and the couple's upcoming nuptials.
2. Variety is the spice of life
Lucky for us, the Chinese believe good things come in pairs so you can expect more than a mouthful of assorted cookies in your box of goodies – 8 pieces is the most ideal as it represents wealth, fortune and prosperity. Some of Flavour Favour's most sellable treats are the melt-in-your-mouth Gong Tang and Yun Pian Gao, sticky sweet peanut brittle, and sweet bean pastry Tau Sar Piah. These Asian delights are universally appreciated that even non-Chinese couples purchase them as wedding favours! For immediate family, we recommend the Together Forever set containing 8 cookies; and for wedding guests, you can order Beloved Bliss which includes a box of 2 to 3 cookies.
3. They come in cute packages
You can pack baked goods in cool brown paper bags for a hipster or vintage wedding. We love the retro boxes that Flavour Favour cookies are packaged in – they look like Chinese take-out containers each designed with a touch of traditional meets contemporary, and sticker labels with auspicious greetings and blessings.
4. They are affordable
Depending on your budget and requirements, Flavour Favour cookies can start from $3.80 per pack to over $20 for a box of 8 cookies with elaborate sticker labels and packaging. Currently they have a promotion where you can enjoy 20% off every order of 20 sets and above.
5. Guests love a late night snack
Not as sweet as chocolate, but with a little buttery salty kick – pastries and cookies delight both the sweet-toothed and non-dessert fans. They make the perfect tea-time snack or post-dinner treat!
