cted asthe thank you gift.The tradition of wedding showers began centuries ago in theNetherlands. The story tells of a Dutch girl who desired to bemarried, but she had no dowry that would enable her to be wed.Her family was poor and nothing had been put aside for herdowry. At that time, the European cultures perceived that womenwere of a lesser value than men, so it was a requirement for agirl's family to provide money or other material things toequalize the support a husband would provide for his new wife.Frequently men would refuse to marry a girl if she failed toprovide a dowry. The girl's friends seeing her distress, pitchedin and "showered" her with the many items needed to establish ahousehold. Preserved foods, quilts, linens, cooking utensils andfurniture were contributed so that her dowry was in order.Although society no longer requires dowry's from women, it'...

...sstill quite expensive to establish a new household, especiallyif the bride and groom haven't been living on their own. Thetradition continues through all cultures and for brides of allfinancial means. Wedding shower gifts continue to be primarilyhousehold items and linens. Brides also frequently receivebeautiful lingerie intended to spice up many an evening with hernew husband.Wedding shower favors provide a means to say thank you to theguest for the gift given and for participating in the bride'shappiness. Like the favors given at the reception, the optionsfor expressing gratitude remain endless. Tokens can beutilitarian or strictly whimsical. Wedding shower favors canreflect the theme of the gathering or be tailored to theindividual guests. Wedding showers are typically celebrationswith a smaller number of guests, so it can be affordable toprovide more elaborate gifts like tea for one sets or spa giftcertificates. Wedding shower favors can be common items thathave been personalized or uniquely designed. Tokens ofappreciation don't have to be expensive, while the most costeffective gifts can also be the most creative....