The History of Wedding Favours
Bomboniere (Italian)  -  Bonbonniere (French)

The "bomboniere" can be traced back to the early days of European history, when amongst the wealthy aristocrats they were given to celebrate birthdays, christening and marriages. In their earliest form, "bomboniere" were made of gold, precious stones, crystal or porcelain. Even its contents were of great value as sugar was a costly delicacy, prized for its supposed medical properties.

In the centuries that followed, as the cost of sugar reduced and with the mass-production of sugared almonds (confetti) "bomboniere" in its many forms, reached all sections of the populace. Almonds have been given at weddings to wish the couple health, wealth, happiness, longevity and fertility for over a thousand years, but not until the 13th century where they covered with a layer of sugar to become "confetti".

Today, "bomboniere", under its various names is given in European and Mediterranean countries. In Italy, "bomboniere" is an exquisite gift made of lace, net, artificial flowers and ribbon, with sugared almonds or chocolates. It may be given as a gift in its own right or, used to enhance another gift.

Today, in Europe, every detail of a wedding is filled with a special meaning. Certain customs are carefully followed so that each member of the community is blessed with the fresh spirit of the bride. One of these customs is the giving of favours to all the wedding guests. The bride prepares these gifts of almonds (traditionally five) elaborately wrapped and decorated. These "thank you art forms" symbolize the bride's special acknowledgement of each friend and relative who shares her special joy.

In Australia in recent years, the practice of giving "bomboniere" at weddings, christenings etc. has truly taken hold as Australian brides discover the pleasure it gives to have a lasting memento of their wedding.

What is Bonboniere?

Bomboniere is the easiest and most delightful way to make each guest feel special and valued.  What is bomboniere? The word itself was originally Italian Bomboniere (Italian)  -  Bonbonniere (French) and in wedding terms means providing a favour or special keepsake for each guest.   Bomboniere can take many forms. Treats presented in dainty boxes, stylish candleholders, eye catching place card holders, chocolate hearts wrapped in tulle.  The aim is to provide your guests with a small yet touching reminder of how cherished they are.  You might think paying for enough items to give every guest a wedding favour is an expensive proposition? It does not need to be.  There are some great value little bomboniere boxes on the market for less than $1 each.  These can be filled with candy, sugared almonds or chocolates and decorated yourself. 

Bomboniere Tip: - Always make sure you have the organisation of your bomboniere timetabled on your wedding planner. Begin looking around and making enquiries at least 4 months before the big day, and order your bomboniere 6 to 8 weeks out.  If you’re writing the guests’ names and attaching them to each bomboniere yourself, make sure you don’t leave this extra work until the last minute it takes longer than you think.  To save the hassle and stress of attaching and writing names yourself, you can buy bomboniere that’s already beautifully presented complete with your guests’ names attached, or favours like sugared almonds and jellybeans