What is a Ghanaian wedding without wedding souvenirs and jollof? In Ghana, weddings bring together not only two individuals in holy matrimony. They are also a reflection of our cultures and traditions. In essence, every aspect of a Ghanaian wedding honors the heritage and values of the two families involved.
Among these cherished customs is the tradition of wedding souvenirs – appreciation gifts from the couple to their guests. In this post, we explore these thoughtful ideas that your guests will truly love and be thankful in these modern times.
What are Wedding Souvenirs?
Also known as wedding favors, they are gifts given to guests by a couple as a gesture of appreciation for attending their wedding celebration. In Africa, gifts are a part of every celebration. Indeed, they serve as a tangible reminder of the joy and memories created during the ceremony for guests who attended. Additionally, they are also a bragging right to others to show their participation at a wedding or event.
The thing about wedding souvenirs is that guests will cherish and remember that special occasion for years to come every-time they see or pick it up. Most often than not, these souvenirs reflect the theme of the wedding, the couple’s interests, or traditions.
Why Do We Give Souvenirs At Weddings?
Couples give wedding souvenirs to guests for several reasons:
- Firstly, they serve as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation to guests for making the time to attend your celebration and for sharing in the joys and beauty of the occasion.
- As mentioned earlier in the post, they provide guests with a tangible reminders of the wedding day.
- Also. giving gifts is a part of us as Ghanaians and Africans. Hospitality is longstanding tradition embedded our cultures and traditions.
- In addition, wedding souvenirs can be customized to reflect the couple’s wedding theme or interests,. This adds a unique touch to the celebration.
- Lastly, they are a bragging right. Yes, that’s what I show to the people who didn’t attend the wedding that I attended it. LOL. So, I always need to go home from wedding with a package.
How To Make Your Souvenirs Look And Feel Special.
Incorporating certain elements in the selections, package and presentation of your souvenirs can make each guest feel special and loved. To make wedding your souvenirs feel special, consider these tips:
- Customizing souvenirs with the couple’s names, wedding date, or a meaningful message adds a personal touch and value and makes each souvenir feel unique.
- Choose quality. High-quality materials and craftsmanship for the souvenirs are a treasure. Opt for durable and well-made items that guests will appreciate and love.
- Additionally, offering guests souvenirs that can be used or displayed in their daily lives. Practical items serve as functional reminders of the wedding day.
- Lastly, getting creative with the design and presentation of the souvenirs. Consider unique packaging or presentation ideas that make the souvenirs stand out and feel extra special.
Cheap Wedding Souvenirs in Ghana.
From traditional items to modern twists, couples have a myriad of options to choose from when selecting souvenirs for their guests. These items can be packaged individually and nicely packed or combined with one another. For example the Fufu bowl can be combined with the napkin or Jotter with pen and water bottle. The wooden ladles can also be combined with face towels or with the Asanka packages.
Whatever items you want to combine are dependent on your budget. Also note that, any of these items can be customized with your wedding date, names or initials of your names, pre-wedding photoshoot pictures, your favorite quotes, your wedding hashtags or a Thank You message.
In recent years, most couples are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint and would rather opt for gifts that are reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable. Hence, Bamboo made items will make a great souvenir choice such couples. In essence, they will celebrate their love while also caring for the planet.
Wedding Souvenirs with A Traditional Touch
- Adinkra symbol keychains
- Locally crafted beads.
- Wooden Openers
- Sandalwood Fan
- Asanka Packages
- Wooden Ladles Packages
- Water Bottles
- Wooden Pegs
- Carved Wooden Pieces for Wall Decor
- Wooden Hair Brush
Customized Souvenirs
- Caps or T-shirts
- Diary, Jotters and Pens
- Mugs and Tumblers
- Customized Keyholders
- Fridge Magnets
- Customized Handkerchiefs
- Face Towels or Towels
- Washing Bowls
- Buckets
- Baskets or Strainers
- Fufu Bowls
- Rechargeable Handfans
- Mini Wall or Table Clocks
- Napkins
- Doormats or Tablemats
- Chopping Boards or Spoons
- Ceramic Plates or Trays
- Back Scratcher
- Liquid Soap
- Umbrellas
- Soap-holders
- Throw Pillows
- Locally Sourced Shea butter
- Table Runners
- Food Flasks
- Water Bottles
Edible Delight Souvenirs.
- Branded Chocolates
- Candy Bars
- Cookies or Pies or Doughnuts
- Drinks
- Wine or Mini Champagne Bottles
- Locally Sourced Honey
- Slices of the Wedding Cake
- Cork Bottles Filled with Toffees
Food – Can be Jollof, Banku etc.
Mid To Pricey Wedding Souvenirs In Ghana.
- Baskets of Treats
- Leather Customized Watches
- Customized Wallets
- Pieces of Cloth or Kente
- Handwoven Bolga Baskets
- Shopping Vouchers
- Luxury Boxes – can be a collection of items
HELPFUL GUIDES TO PLAN YOUR WEDDING.
- How To Choose Your Bridesmaid & Groomsmen.
- Ombre Kente(2024): Bridal Styles That Are Beyond Beautiful.
- Wedding Dress Inspiration – Let Berla Mundi Inspire You.
In conclusion, wedding souvenirs are more than just gifts; they are a symbol of gratitude, tradition, and love. Whether traditional, Islamic or white weddings, these gifts serve as cherished reminders of love, unity, and the rich heritage of Ghana. And no matter your budget, you can always creatively put together items for your guests.
Lets here from you. Which of these are your favorite souvenirs? What other ideas do you have in mind that weren’t added to these lists? Tell us in the comments below.
PHOTO-CREDIT : WEDDING FAVOURS GHANA
