Why are we still obsessed with sugared almonds?

You can have a neon sign. You can have a champagne tower. You can even have a flower wall that costs more than your first car. But if you’re hunting for a real wedding classic (the kind Nonna would nod at in approval), it doesn’t get more iconic than sugared coated almonds in a cute little pouch for your bomboniere.

They’re simple. They’re sweet. They’re loaded with symbolism.

And unlike most things in the wedding world, they haven’t been chewed up and spat out by Pinterest trends. These little crunchy legends have been doing the rounds since forever, and for good reason. But where did they actually come from? Why do we give out exactly five? Let’s unpack the history, the meaning, and how to put a modern twist on this old-school icon.

So… what even are sugar-coated almonds?

Sugar-coated almonds (aka Jordan almonds if you’re fancy) are whole almonds dipped in a crunchy, glossy sugar shell. They’re sweet, they’re chic, they crunch when you bite into them, and they’ve basically been the blueprint for bombonieres since forever.

Traditionally, they’re given out in bunches of five, usually wrapped in tulle or placed in cute little boxes. But these aren’t just your average party favours. They’re steeped in symbolism: each almond represents one of the five things we’re all hoping for in life: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. A vibe.

Where did this tradition come from?

Like many things that are delicious and sentimental, sugar-coated almonds trace their roots back to Italy, specifically a town called Sulmona, which has been pumping out these pastel beauties since the Middle Ages. Italians basically invented the aesthetic wedding favour (no surprise there).

But Italy isn’t the only place that’s almond-obsessed. Over in Greece, sugar-coated almonds are a wedding staple too. Greek couples usually hand them out in odd numbers (like 7 or 11), because odd numbers can’t be split, symbolising an unbreakable bond. Iconic.

Bonus folklore from the Mediterranean? If you’re single and a little superstitious, pop a few sugar almonds under your pillow after you’ve attended a wedding: you might just dream of your future spouse. Manifestation, but make it crunchy.

Why almonds though?

Aside from being tasty, almonds are a bit poetic. They’ve got a naturally bittersweet flavour, which is a cute metaphor for life and marriage: it’s not all sweet, but it’s worth it. The sugar shell? That’s the wish that your life together is more sweet than bitter. Deep.

So when you give someone five sugar-coated almonds, you’re not just handing them a snack: you’re giving them a symbolic snack. And honestly, we love to see it.

 

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How to include sugared almonds in your wedding (without being basic)

1. The traditional way

Channel your inner Italian zia. Cut out some circles of pastel tulle, pop five almonds in the centre, and tie it up with a ribbon that matches your colour scheme. Easy, cost-effective, and looks adorable when placed on plates or in a basket at the entrance.

2. The boxed upgrade

Level it up with a small cardboard or kraft paper box. Add a tag with your names and wedding date, or even a little thank-you note. Tie it with a ribbon in your wedding colours and you’ve got an Instagrammable favour that still keeps the tradition alive.

3. The aesthetic glass display

Not into the whole bomboniere handout thing? No problem. Fill oversized martini glasses, glass bowls, or apothecary jars with sugared almonds and place them on your grazing table or dessert bar. Add a cute sign like: “Take five: health, wealth, happiness, fertility & a long life.” Your guests can help themselves, and it becomes part of the decor. Win-win.

4. The transparent trend

Clear Perspex boxes + brightly coloured almonds = chef’s kiss. If you’ve got a specific palette (neon brights, earthy neutrals, all-white everything), you can now get almonds to match. No more settling for pastel pink … unless that’s your thing.

5. The poetic touch

Leave this short poem with your almonds (on a card, sign, or tag) to give your guests the warm fuzzies:

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, babies, and long life!

Or switch “babies” out for “puppies” or “plant babies” if that’s more your energy.

Ready to level up your bomboniere game?

Sugared almonds are like the vintage designer handbag of wedding favours: timeless, meaningful, and always in style. Whether you go full nonna with the tulle and ribbon or reimagine them in Perspex boxes with a pastel colour palette, there’s no wrong way to make them your own.

And if DIY isn’t your thing? We get it. You’ve got a wedding to plan. Head over to the Easy Weddings supplier directory to find bomboniere vendors who can help you source the prettiest wedding party favours.