WEDDING FAVOURS: THE TRENDY ALTERNATIVE TO A TIME-HONOURED TRADITION.

SAYING ‘THANK YOU’ THE ITALIAN WAY

Wedding favours are a tradition that dates back centuries. In Italy they are known as ‘Bomboniere’ a gift given to guests at weddings, christenings, anniversaries and other large celebrations to say ‘Thank you’ for attending and being a part of your special day. This is also a beautiful keepsake for them to remember your wedding in years to come.

Historically, these favours contained five sugared Almonds known as ‘La confettata’ each representing health, happiness, wealth, fertility and long life. The number 5 is significant as it is indivisible, symbolising a strong bond between the couple that cannot be broken. Almonds were chosen as they were thought to represent the bitter-sweet reality of life. These almonds were usually wrapped in lace or voile and tied with ribbon and a personalised tag expressing thanks, along with the names of the bride and groom and the date they married.

‘La confettata’ was accompanied by a keepsake gift, the ‘Bomboniera’ this used to be an ornament for the home, those with a larger budget opted for crystal or porcelain and even silver-plated gifts, and gifted to each family that attended.

I love that this tradition is so meaningful and symbolic of a union between two people. However is it a little dated? Wouldn’t you prefer to give something that reflects you as a couple, your wedding and it’s style, as well as something thoughtful for your guests.

FAVOURS WITH A CONTEMPORARY TWIST

Nowadays, the modern bride opts for more practical gifts that reflect the place they marry or the couple themselves and something that their guests can make use of, I have seen anything from bottles of olive oil, local liqueurs and Prosecco to ornamental bottles stops, salt and pepper shakers, homemade pesto and photo frames.

In keeping with tradition, but giving a modern twist to Italian Bomboniere, I offer my own unique range of Almond biscuit favours for your special day. These consist of 5 Italian biscuits, that are bagged or boxed with your theme and style in mind. These can also be teamed with a special thank you card and message. I use Italian recipes that have a romantic or wedding connection, giving them a beautiful significance, for example Baci di dama (Ladies kisses), Baci di Meringa (meringue kisses), Cuore di San Valentino (St Valentines hearts) and traditional Italian wedding cookies.

In Italy favours are given out to each family by the bride and groom at the end of the evening or as they circulate the room and chat to their guests, contrarily in the UK it seems to be the norm to display favours on the table settings at your wedding breakfast, however, this might not suit you if you are having a less formal reception, so why not make them a focal point in the room and display them as part of your wedding décor.

Recently I had the pleasure of creating this ‘FAVOUR TREE’ as part of a styled shoot at Dovecliff Hall Hotel. The beautiful blossom tree from Passion Flowers of Derby was adorned with pretty meringue favours and signage to match. This would make a great photo opportunity as well as double up as a guest book with a difference. You could put little note tags for people to write their message on and ask them to hang it on the tree in place of their favour. Equally you can get smaller blossom trees that make beautiful centre pieces for your tables, and these favours would make a wonderful and unique addition to them, and a great conversation starter for your guests.