Bomboniere

We find that one of the most difficult choices for the bride and groom is what to have for bonbonniere. The phrase we hear most often is “I want something original, different. Something that people will like but that doesn’t cost a lot, and it must match my colour theme …….”

The sugared almonds and the symbolic containers (bonbonnieres) created specially for giving as gifts go back a long time, almonds coated in a layer of hardened honey were given the name of sugared almonds in 1200. It became a custom for noble brides to offer bonbonnieres and sugared almonds at their weddings. At the end of the 18 th century the bonbonniere became part of the Italian way of life at weddings and baptisms and became popular with the middle classes during the next century.

For many people, bonbonnieres and sugared almonds are an important feature of every ceremony and special moment that deserves to be remembered over the years. Special wishes for the bride and groom are associated with the number of almonds given. The traditional five almonds represent five wishes for the new husband and wife: health, wealth, happiness, children and long life.

Today the role of bonbonnieres has become more complicated with some couples wishing to give them as a gift of thanks to people attending their wedding, and others simply wishing to ‘put some colour’ on the tables in the form of a small gift. Personalised glassware or port bottles, candle holders and small photo frames are popular choices. The choice is yours but remember that the simple symbolic gift of almonds or chocolates, attractively packaged and personalised, are just as well received as the more expensive gifts.

We have a good range of personalised glassware together with three sizes of personalised bottles of tawney port. Glassware and port bottles can make good gifts for the bridal party as well as bonbonniere for the guests. We also offer a lovely selection of clear and cardboard boxes and bags and superb coloured tulles and ribbons in which to package your almonds or chocolates.

Accessories

We have a good selection of wedding accessories including disposable cameras, table scatters, ring pillows, garters, keepsakes, rose petals and guest books. Also available to hire are superb crystal table centres and, by popular request, a simple elegant wishing well to receive financial gifts and good wishes. The well can be decorated to suit your colour theme.

Candles

Unity candles are becoming a popular addition to the wedding ceremony. The unity candle symbolizes the very essence of the ceremony. Two smaller candles, representing the couple as individuals or members of separate families, are used to light a single center candle as a visible symbol of their commitment to each other. There are many variations on the ceremony and the individual details are completely up to you.

Wedding candles are traditionally personalised with the first name of both the Bride and Groom and the wedding date and the candle then decorated in the chosen colours, with a selected photograph, image or motif and ribbon or decorative band.

Whilst often only the facing side of a candle is decorated, you are welcome to add a special message, photograph, poem or prayer on the back of the candle. (Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure any material supplied to us is free from copyright restriction.)

Here at Cakes Etc we use transfer films that melt and burn evenly with the candle; flame inhibitants to promote safety, and waxes to give the printed image a matt, candle like, finish providing a cost-effective way to create beautiful wedding candles.