Bonbonniere

Origins and history

The word comes from French for a candy box. An earlier version called a drageoir existed during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. These older containers held dragees, which are sugar-coated almonds. The custom spread across Europe as a way to share sweetness with attendees.

Traditional design

Most often, the bonbonniere appears as a small bag made of tulle or satin. Ribbons tie the top closed. Inside sit exactly five white almonds. Sometimes dried flowers or silk decorations adorn the exterior. The bag may rest inside a larger vessel made of silver, crystal, or porcelain.

Italian variations

In Italy, people create a Favor Cake known as Torta Bomboniera. This structure uses small carton boxes stacked into tiers. Each box contains almonds and a card with wedding details. Fine objects attach to the outside. Another style uses porcelain boxes shaped like cream puffs.

Modern usage

Today, Australians give these items at weddings and first communions. Gifts might include wine stoppers or glass vases instead of traditional almonds. The core purpose remains giving a small token to thank guests for attending the celebration.

How Bonbonniere is kept

The couple prepares small bags or boxes filled with five sugared almonds. They decorate the containers with ribbons or flowers. Guests receive these items as they leave the reception venue. In Italy, some families present tiered cake structures made of boxes instead of simple bags.

When and where

Given at the end of the wedding reception as guests depart. The tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when similar containers were used for sugar-coated almonds.

Common in France, Italy, and Australia. The Italian variation specifically involves tiered box structures or porcelain pastries.

What Bonbonniere means

The five almonds symbolize health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life. White almonds suit weddings. Pink or blue suits baptisms. Red marks graduations. Silver or gold marks anniversaries.

Who takes part

• The couple: Prepare and distribute the favors to departing guests
• Guests: Receive the bonbonniere as a token of appreciation

If you are a guest

Guests receive a small bag or box containing five sugared almonds. They take this item home as a memory of the wedding day. The almonds offer blessings for the couple's future marriage.

Then and now

Modern versions sometimes replace almonds with other small gifts like wine stoppers or picture frames. The traditional almond count remains standard in many places.

On the wedding table

• Sugared almonds: Five white almonds placed inside the container to symbolize blessings

Questions people ask about Bonbonniere

See also

Weddings in ancient RomeThe religious ceremonies and attire that marked a union in the city of Rome before the rise of Christianity.Fescennine VersesBawdy wedding songs from Ancient Rome that evolved into satire and comic drama.DirndlThe bodice, skirt and apron dress worn by brides in the German-speaking Alps.Garter tossThe groom removes the bride's garter and tosses it to unmarried men at the reception.

Good reading and sources

• Bonbonniere on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.