"Should You Choose Individually Wrapped Treats or Shorter Shelf-Life Options? Key Points for Selecting 'Hikigashi' (Wedding Favors)"

2018.08.18 published

What to Choose for Return Gifts?

Wedding Return Gifts consist of

☑ Return Gifts

☑ Sweets

☑ Good Luck Items

This three-item set is mainstream.*

With gratitude toward those who attended the wedding, you want to choose return gifts that will be appreciated, right?♡

This time, I will introduce how to choose "sweets" and points to consider.♩

【First of all】 What is the meaning of return gifts?

When it comes to wedding return gifts, the three-item set of return gifts, sweets, and good luck items is the norm.

・ Return gifts are items given in thanks for monetary gifts received.

・ Sweets are souvenirs for the guest's family.

・ Good luck items are included to make the number three, as it is said that having two (with return gifts and sweets) is considered unlucky in weddings (even numbers are considered unlucky).

Thus, sweets are a souvenir for the guest's family.

It is desirable to choose sweets that will please not only the guests but also their families.♩

Here are some tips on how to choose sweets!*

Point 1 for Choosing Sweets: Choose Ones with Good Luck Meanings!

The first point to introduce is to give sweets that have good luck meanings.*

Good luck sweets are perfect for weddings, right?♩

《Baumkuchen》

The cross-section resembles tree rings, symbolizing prosperity, longevity, and the continued accumulation of happiness.*

《Konpeito》

The creation of konpeito takes time, symbolizing "a couple spending time building a home = marital harmony."♩

《Oiri》

Traditionally regarded as a wedding gift in Kagawa, it is said to bring good luck.*

《Dragées》

Candied almonds. A set of five signifies "happiness," "longevity," "prosperity," "health," and "wealth."◎

Good luck return gifts are timeless items that never lose their charm!♡

Point 2 for Choosing Sweets: Should You Choose Large Items Like Baumkuchen or Individually Wrapped Ones?

When choosing sweets,

It's important to decide whether to pick something large (like Baumkuchen or cheesecake) or individually wrapped baked confections.

Large items (like Baumkuchen or cakes) are substantial and satisfying, but single individuals might not finish them or find them cumbersome as they need to be cut.

Individually wrapped options allow for a variety of flavors to be enjoyed or can be eaten at one's convenience, but some may feel they lack in visual luxury.

It might be best to choose based on which type of sweets would delight the guests according to their family composition.♩

Point 3 for Choosing Sweets: Is a Longer Shelf Life Better?

When selecting sweets, considering the shelf life is also vital.♩

Sweets with a longer shelf life can be eaten gradually without urgency, but conversely, there might be instances of them not being consumed before expiration.

Individually wrapped items generally have a longer shelf life.

There's a tendency to feel that sweets with shorter shelf lives should be avoided for gifts; however, many delicious sweets, like cakes, tend to have shorter shelf lives!♡

If you opt for sweets with a shorter shelf life, during the gifting, you could say, "These sweets are XXXX, and since they have a shorter shelf life, I’d appreciate it if you could enjoy them soon."♩

Choose Sweets That Will Be Appreciated*

I shared some tips and points for choosing sweets.*

Sweets do not have to be:

☑ Always good luck items.

☑ Always individually wrapped.

☑ Always with a long shelf life.

You can choose from good luck items, local specialties of the couple, or favorite sweets.♩

Let’s consider the guest’s family composition and choose return gifts that will be appreciated!*