Sugared Almonds? Wedition is the new sugared almonds!

Wedding favours have a long history given as gifts from the bride and groom at the wedding reception as a way of saying thank you to their guests. Acting as a special memento for the friends and relatives who have supported the couple and now gather to celebrate their marriage, they are a nice little extra detail on your wedding day. Nowadays weddings are either themed or designed to reflect couples' personalities and relationship with wedding favours becoming more important than ever before. Bride and grooms opt for photos and scratch cards and even bespoke Wedition magazines. But this hasn't always been the case, when you think of wedding favours I expect sugared almonds are the last thing that come to mind but they do have a 2,000-year legacy as a sentimental gift for wedding guests...

The tradition of sugared almonds

Wedding favours have existed for centuries, in the early days, European aristocrats would present their guests with a bonbonniere, a small trinket box made of crystal or precious stone. Inside delicate sweets or sugar cubes were contained to reflect wealth. As time passed sugar became a less luxury good and therefore bonbonnieres were replaced with Jordan almonds to represent love and good wishes for the newlyweds.

By the 13th century Italian couples opted for confetti almonds, which were Jordan almonds coated with honey, dried fruit, seeds or even other nuts. It wasn't however until sugarcane was more readily available in Europe during the 15th century that sugared almonds established themselves as firm favourites for wedding favours.

Sugared almonds have stood the test of time and are so popular in fact that some couples still opt to use sugared almonds for their wedding favours to this day. So, as you take your seat and hear mutterings of why sugared almonds, you will be able to share your knowledge of the special symbolism that is attached to this wedding favour with those gathered at your table. Originating in the Italian town of Sulmona, tasty and versatile sugared almonds are Jordan almonds coated in various colours of candy shell and presented to guests in a box or elegant fabric wrapping.

The bittersweet taste of the almonds reflects the ups and downs of life whilst the sweet sugar coating replicates the sweet side of marriage. Thus, whilst reminding us that life is both bitter and sweet the sugared almonds echo the traditional vows of 'for better or worse'. The hope is like the sugared almonds when the bitter taste is changed for sweet sugary one, having a loving marriage and a special loved one in your life will make even the bad times seem better.

The importance of five sugared almonds

But why are five sugared almonds presented to guests? Five is considered lucky in many cultures and it is also indivisible and therefore is believed to represent a strong bond that can't be broken, symbolising a powerful union between the bride and groom. Each of the sugared almonds holds its own meaning; health, happiness, wealth, fertility and long life - all vital elements of any successful marriage as the famous poem states;

Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat

To remind us that life is both bitter and sweet.

Five wishes for the new husband and wife --

Health, wealth, happiness, children, and a long life

Jill Girardo

Sugared almonds symbolism of colours

As well as being associated with brides and grooms, sugared almonds have special meaning for other important life celebrations as well. Traditionally white sugared almonds are used for wedding favours with same sex couples opting for lilac. Silver sugared almonds are selected for 25th wedding anniversaries and gold for 50th wedding anniversaries. With blue and pink used for baby's Christenings.

Wedition as an alternative wedding favour to sugared almonds

The 2,000-year-old traditional sugared almonds can still play an important part of your special day if you wish, in fact why not place jars around your venue and ask guests to take five sugared almonds each to signify health, wealth, happiness, fertility and longevity.

But perhaps you fancy creating something to delight and surprise your guests with even more sentimental value than sugared almonds. Complementing the theme of your wedding and reflecting your relationship, Wedition is a unique and personal wedding favour that will form a special part of your day.

Described by the lovely Amy and Michael - "Wedition is the new sugared almonds and no one should have a wedding without one." Amy and Mike had a wonderful cherry blossom and woodland themed wedding and their Wedition was designed to reflect this. Including 'Our Love Story', 'Who is more likely', their honeymoon and even a special message from their beloved cats.

So, if you are searching for a wedding favour that isn't quickly consumed like sugared almonds or forgotten, Wedition is ideal. Work with Liz to create your own personalised wedition, something that your guests will treasure. This special memento can be designed to reflect your theme, relationship and story as a couple with details about how you met, your wedding venue as well as introducing your bridal party and fun Mr and Mrs quizzes to surprise and entertain your guests. Wedition really is a unique wedding favour that holds just as much sentimental value as sugared almonds but is something that your friends and family can keep forever, get in touch to create an unforgettable edition to your wedding day.