I don’t know how the goody bag thing started. I never participated. It felt like kids were so spoiled they couldn’t understand the concept of giving someone a gift WITHOUT receiving something in return.
I had a SIL with such a spoiled brat, she couldn’t purchase a birthday or Christmas gift for anyone else without buying two of whatever gift, as the little princess had to have one as well. Needless to say, she was NOT well liked by the rest of the kids.
What are the contents of wedding goody bags? I haven’t been to a wedding in years, so have yet to experience this. I know of the wedding “favour”, a small token gift to remember the happy (or not) event....usually tossed out around the first anniversary, full of dust.
I think now, depending on the couple, it’s a favor on steroids? Silver or crystal photo frames (that used to be thought of as a gift to the bride/groom). Some do give more modest token remembrances.
I don’t remember any of that from years ago. You’d go to a party/wedding, you’d bring (or send) a gift, you’d enjoy the party/wedding-reception, and go home.
Of course, in the time frame I’m thinking of, the couple hadn’t already lived together for several years accumulating a household full of furniture and furnishings. Now, they look more toward receiving wedding giftf that contribute to an exotic wedding trip.