October 19, 2007

Bomboniere - A Favor By Any Other Name

Borrowing traditions from other cultures is de rigeur in our globalized world. It is the symbolism these traditions have for us on a personal nature, regardless of whether or not we were born into that culture.

In Italy, for example, weddings are the lifeblood of the community. Nothing says over-the-top like an Italian Wedding. From the accessories to the favors, and especially to the number of guests invited, Italians really know how to celebrate a union in style.

A tradition of Italy that has grown widespread, in North American and beyond, is the giving of a gift or wedding favor to each of the invited guests. Such a gift in Italy is known as a bomboniere.

The original bomboniere handed out at receptions, was a small token of five candied almonds tied in a small bag, tulle, or decorative box, symbolizing what every bridal couple hopes for: health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. Today, these small little wedding favors have grown into much more elaborate presentations and can be anything including candlesticks, wine glasses, vases, frames or other bigger ticket items.

If the bridal couple follow tradition, the five candied almonds still manage to make an appearance in one form or another. They are usually tucked in or laying beside the more grandiose bomboniere.

Even the word bomboniere is starting to make its way into North American wedding-speak, and you will hear many wedding planners or wedding favor providers use the word interchangeably to mean wedding favors and bridal party gifts.

One modern twist on this old tradition is the creation of a favor cake or Torta Bomboniera. Made up of small decorative boxes that contain the five symbolic candied almonds, mints, or even chocolates, the boxes are placed in a circular pattern, creating tiers in a cake format. Once the cake appearance takes shape, decorations are then glued to the top of the boxes to create a decorative frosting appearance. Decorations can be flowers, figurines, or anything that fits the theme of the wedding. Be it a sea shell for a beach wedding or a Pointsetta for a Christmas wedding.

A beautiful, decorative wedding accessory, a bow to an Italian tradition, and a unique and creative way to give guests their small token. A bomboniere.

©2007 Weddingstar Inc.