Creating Sugar Almond Wedding Favors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sugar almonds are a classic wedding favour, but why are they given out at weddings, and how can you make them yourself? Sugar-coated almonds, also known as Jordan almonds, are a traditional wedding favour, especially in Italy and Greece. The almonds are coated in various colours and are highly symbolic. The bittersweet taste of the almonds is thought to represent life's ups and downs, while the sugar coating symbolises a wish for the couple's married life to be sweeter than bitter. In Italian and Greek cultures, five almonds are given to each guest, representing five wishes for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. To make sugar almond wedding favours, you can bulk-buy the almonds and cut out circles of coloured tulle, place five almonds in the centre, gather the tulle around them and close it with a ribbon. You can also place the almonds in boxes or bags, or use them as table decorations.

Sugared almonds: the meaning behind the tradition

Sugared almonds, or Jordan almonds, are a traditional wedding favour, particularly in Italy and Greece. The almonds are coated in a candy shell, which comes in a variety of colours, and are usually presented in a small bag or box.

The tradition of giving sugared almonds as wedding favours is centuries old. In Italy, the almonds are often presented in tulle nets, or 'bombonieres', in sets of five. This is because, in Italian culture, the number five is indivisible, symbolising the strong and enduring bond between the newlyweds.

The almonds themselves are also symbolic. The slightly bitter flavour of the almond is said to represent the taste of life, while the sweet coating symbolises the hope that the couple's life together will be more sweet than bitter. Each of the five almonds is also said to represent a specific wish for the couple: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life.

In Greece, sugared almonds are known as 'koufeta' and are given in odd numbers, also to symbolise the unbreakable bond between the couple. In Greek culture, it is also believed that an unmarried woman will dream of her future husband if she sleeps with a handful of almonds under her pillow.

The Catholic Church also considers the almond tree to be highly symbolic. The name is derived from the Hebrew word for 'the one who awakens', and the tree is often compared to the constant presence of God in the Bible.

How to make the favours

Sugar almonds are a traditional wedding favour, stemming from Greek and Italian cultures. They are almonds coated in a candy shell, symbolising the taste of life, with the sweet sugar coating representing a life that is more sweet than bitter.

Ingredients and Materials:

• Sugar-coated almonds (also known as Jordan almonds) in your chosen colour/s. You can buy these in bulk and they come in a variety of colours, including white, pastel shades, silver and gold.
• Coloured tulle nets or clear Perspex boxes, cardboard boxes, tin or paper favour boxes, or small bags.
• Ribbon
• Small cards or tags with a note explaining the almonds' meaning and/or the couple's names and wedding date (optional)

Method:

Step 1: Prepare your almonds. If you are using tulle nets, cut out circles of the tulle in your chosen colour/s. Place five almonds in the centre of each circle. If you are using boxes or bags, simply count out five almonds for each.

Step 2: Gather the tulle around the almonds and close with a ribbon, tying a bow. Alternatively, place the almonds in your chosen boxes or bags.

Step 3 (optional): Attach a small card or tag with a note explaining the symbolism of the almonds and/or personalising them with the couple's names and wedding date.

Step 4: Display the favours on the tables at your wedding reception, or have them ready to give out to your guests as they leave.

Tips:

• If you are using brightly coloured tulle, you may wish to use plain white almonds so as not to clash with your chosen colours.
• You can also incorporate the almonds into your wedding cake, dessert table, or wedding breakfast tables as part of the decoration.
• If you want to stick to tradition, use five almonds, representing each of the couple's wishes: love, health, happiness, fertility, and long life together.
• White sugar-coated almonds symbolise pure and transparent love.

Choosing colours and packaging

Sugar-coated almonds, or Jordan almonds, are a classic choice for wedding favours. They are usually white, pale pink, or pale blue, and are often covered in matching tulle tied with a ribbon. However, you can now order almonds in almost any colour to match your wedding theme.

When choosing the colour of your sugar-coated almonds, you may want to consider the meaning behind each colour. For example, white Jordan almonds are typically used at weddings, while green candies are used at engagement parties, and red candies are used to celebrate graduations.

If you want to stick to the traditional colours, you can opt for pastel shades of pink, blue, or white. These colours are subtle and elegant, and they are also the most common colours for sugar-coated almonds. You can find these colours in bulk at most candy stores or online retailers.

If you want to add a modern twist, you can choose brighter colours that match your wedding colour scheme. For example, if your wedding colours are purple and silver, you can find sugar-coated almonds in shades of lavender and metallic silver.

When it comes to packaging, there are several options to choose from. The traditional way to package sugar-coated almonds is in tulle nets or small boxes. You can place five almonds in the centre of a piece of coloured tulle, gather the tulle around them, and tie it with a ribbon. This option is simple and elegant, and it allows the almonds to be displayed on the tables at your wedding.

Another option is to place the almonds in small boxes, such as cardboard boxes, sugar boxes, or metal tins. You can print your names and wedding date on the boxes to personalise them. Clear Perspex boxes are also a trendy choice, especially if you have colourful almonds that you want to be visible.

Displaying the favours

Displaying sugar almond wedding favours is an important part of the wedding tradition. Here are some ideas for presenting these treats to your guests:

Bombonieres

The Italian tradition of giving out wedding favours in "bombonieres" or tulle nets is a beautiful and fragrant option. Place five sugared almonds in each tulle bag, personalised with the couple's names and wedding date. The tulle bags can be in various colours, such as white, pale pink, or pale blue, and tied with a matching ribbon. This presentation is a lovely way to offer guests a memorable keepsake of the special day.

Presentation Boxes

Another option is to place the sugar almonds in presentation boxes. These can be traditional cardboard boxes with the details of the wedding day printed on them or more contemporary designs, such as clear Perspex boxes. You can also choose from a variety of box shapes, such as cubes or peaked-edge crystal boxes. Presentation boxes provide an elegant way to showcase the almonds and can be easily personalised to match your wedding theme.

Table Decorations

Sugar almonds can also be used as table decorations. Greet your guests with a sugary treat by placing clusters of almonds wrapped in tulle on each table. For a stylish touch, pour the almonds into champagne glasses or glass bowls. Don't forget to attach a small card explaining the almonds' meaning, so your guests understand the significance of this tradition.

Dessert Table

Sugar almonds are a delightful addition to your dessert table or candy bar. Choose traditional white almonds or select different colours to personalise your candy display. This idea combines the cultural significance of the almonds with a fun and tasty treat for your guests to enjoy.

Wedding Favours

The most common way to present sugar almonds is as wedding favours. You can package them in boxes made of sugar, straw, paper, metal, or plastic, or simply place them in decorative bags. Try to display the favours in a way that matches your wedding theme, and don't forget to include a note explaining the almonds' meaning.

Adding a personal touch

Sugar almonds are a traditional wedding favour, but how can you make them personal to you?

Firstly, you can choose the colour of your almonds. Traditionally, they are white, pale pink, or pale blue, but nowadays, you can order almonds in almost any colour. You could choose your wedding colours, or a colour that matches your theme.

You could also add a personal message to your guests. A small card or note explaining the symbolism of the almonds and their five wishes is a nice touch, and you could edit the traditional poem to fit you and your partner. For example, you could add your names and wedding date.

If you are handy in the kitchen, you could make the sugar almonds yourself. This way, you can be sure to get the exact colours and flavours you want. You could even add your own unique twist, such as a hint of your favourite spice or a dusting of edible glitter.

Finally, think about how you will present the almonds. The traditional way is to use tulle, but you could use something else, such as a pretty box or jar, decorated with a ribbon or a personalised sticker. You could also add other decorations, such as small flowers or a sprig of greenery.

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