The wedding favor box carries on the timeless tradition established by the early European upper classes, who provided elaborate gifts to party guests. Initially, the gifts were small fancy boxes known as a bonboniere. The boxes were intended to hold bonbons or confectionery delicacies at a time when sugar was quite expensive. A bonboniere was fashioned of crystal, porcelain or gold and often encrusted with precious stones.

Today the box remains a popular means of presenting a small gift to guests as a symbol of appreciation from the newly married couple, for having been apart of the happy event. The wedding favor box will more commonly have a very simple styling and be tied with a ribbon, to complement an elaborate or simple wedding favor hidden inside. The presentation of decadent candies in delicate boxes evokes the spirit of this everlasting tradition.

The wedding favor box can be very ornate like the bonboniere, or be very simple gift boxes. Elaborate wedding favor boxes can be found in porcelain, crystal, stainless steel or pewter. Designs available from each medium, vary extensively to accommodate the personal taste of the bridegroom couple, or of the individual wedding guest. Porcelain wedding favor boxes can be found that emulate romantic love with hearts and cupids, or fun experiences with replicas of everything from golf bags to cruise ships.

The wedding favor box, though traditional is anything but boring. Boxes designed specifically for use as a wedding favor box, offer an unlimited range of sizes, designs and shapes. Larger boxes can be found to accommodate stylish yet utilitarian favors such as bottle and letter openers, to glassware and bottles of wine. Three dimensional boxes made of die cut chipboard and printed with fascinating designs provide charm and whimsy, in addition to the secret held inside. Dimensional boxes add a decorative element to the reception table and provide for an interesting conversation piece. The designs of the dimensional boxes can emulate a single flower to a full bouquet. These cleverly engineered creations depict a wide range of everyday items including cottages, tea pots, delightful animals and light houses.

Variations on the wedding favor box have evolved over time to include bags, envelopes, decorative tins and transparent plastic tubing. Prior to mass produced wedding favor boxes, a bride and her maids or other women in her family, would crochet little boxes or drawstring bags. Today small bags are produced with organza, velvet and silk fabrics. Decorative tins can be printed with traditional wedding designs or be personalized to express the heartfelt sentiments of the couple. Miniature baskets adorned with ribbons are transformed into a delightful cradle for holding candies, cookies, teas and coffee samples.

Wedding favor boxes provide a means to blend tradition with a couples' personality, allowing them to assemble a thoughtful show of appreciation to their wedding guests. The selection of a wedding favor box reflects the newlyweds' desire to commemorate the day for a moment or for the lifetime.