bridal favors : Unconventional Wedding Favors Capture Imagination of Free Spirit Brides-to-Be

Mountain View, CA December 1, 2004 -- The fact of weddings is that they are a tradition. Ceremonial rites, wedding attire, and various rules of etiquette are customary and passed down from generation to generation. But as the tendency of individuals to try to fit in gives way to the desire to stand out, in the wedding industry the potential for self expression is often in the details. Favors are an element of weddings often overlooked. Or they are identified as the useless trinket left behind in piles at the reception. Take Jordan almonds, a wedding favor staple due to the fact that they are one of the oldest favor traditions. They are candy coated almonds, usually wrapped in tulle and given, five to a guest, to represent five pillars of a successful relationship. The sentiment is rock solid, but unfortunately, so are the almonds. They are passed out more for tradition’s sake than for the sake of enjoyment. No wonder today’s couples look for ways not only to keep the custom of giving out favors alive, but to ensure they are not throwing their money away on unwanted gifts. Beaucoup Wedding Favors is an online shop founded on the notion that brides are looking for something exceptional. Today’s consumers are different from consumers in the 80’s and early 90’s. The appeal of fitting in, of being like everyone else has been replaced by a need to be original. “Couples today are self-sufficient financially and taking wedding planning into their own hands,” comments Polly Liu, President. “They are opting to bypass traditional invitations, attire and favors, and they want something that communicates personality and style.” Beaucoup addresses the demand for the unconventional by sourcing products that have nothing to do with weddings. A set of candles shaped like a pair of flip flop sandals is a best selling wedding favor during the summer months due to the multitude of beach weddings. And luggage tags make the perfect favor for guests who travel to a destination wedding. “We talk to future brides all the time who tell us they’ve scoured the web and found that every site out there sells the same products. Then they see our selection and they love everything,” said Liu, “even if they had never thought of using some of these items in a wedding before.” Personalized products are also highly popular. Beaucoup’s online store devotes an entire category to personalized favors. Under the heading are such items as mint tins, silk cosmetics bags, and chopsticks, all of which can be personalized. Major marketing campaigns of retailers such as Gap ask, “How do you wear it?” to inspire customers to put their own twist on fashion. And Levi’s challenges you to find your “one true fit” as marketers realize the trend is toward egoism. Our desire to see our names printed on anything from towels to license plates has sustained and grown a market for personalized gifts. Customers identify the added value in having a product stamped with their personal touch. And with new technologies in printing, engraving, and production, the selection not only expands, but becomes more affordable. With new shops entering the market every year it becomes increasingly challenging to stay on top of the game. Merchandisers at Beaucoup are expected to constantly be on the lookout for ideas that could appeal to any bride. “It’s what sets us apart from our competitors.” says Liu. “Often we are setting the trends, because they don’t even know what they are looking for until they see it on our site.” @beau-coup.com