Kola not Cola

Travel Blog.org

Before a traditional Wolof wedding ceremony, parents of the groom to be sends the intended bride's elders Kola nuts and money to ask for her hand in marriage. This will then prompt a meeting of her parents and her to accept or reject the proposal. If accepted the Kola nuts are distributed amongst family, and neighbors which is an informal announcement of the impending wedding.
If you would like to incorporate this wedding custom in your big day try this:
Mail a small box of Kola nuts to as save the date favors, along with an announcement of the date of the BIG day. I know this sounds expensive, so here is another idea.
As favors give small bags of Kola nuts tagged with a description and some uses for the nuts. I found this recipe at Kola Nut Information.

Kola nut in a drink, boil about 1-2 teaspoons (1/3 to 2/3 of a tablespoon or 5-10 milliliters) of powdered kola nut in about 1 cup (8 fluid ounces) water. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Drink as is, rather than filtering it. You can add other herbs or spices to suit to your taste.

Resources to create your favor:
Kola Nuts and Powder : Bouncing Bear Botanicals
Small Bags: Pouch Mart
Attach Cowrie shells to the ends of the ties: Seashell World

Nuts In Love

Want to save money on favors, try something the Roman's did in 400 BC. Grooms gave Walnuts to his friends as a farewell gift to being a bachelor. I don't know what nuts cost back in the 400's, I am sure it's relative to the time.
Today walnuts are CHEAP compared to a silver plated money clip. A bag of walnuts may not have the same appeal as in the olden days, but in these tough financial times don't sweat it, no one has money for a money clip, make some lovely gift bags for your guest and be happy not broke.

Fill small burlap bags or Muslin drawstring bags (these are from Pouchmart.com) with nuts. Tie and with an attach a card and the meaning.
If you could spare a few more dollars per gift, also include a nutcracker if the walnuts are in the shells.