Everything You Need To Know About Sugared Almonds & Weddings

What Are Sugared Almonds for Weddings?

Sugared almonds are traditional wedding favours made from almonds coated in sugar, symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. Typically, five almonds are given to each guest to represent these wishes.

Little did I know that when it comes to sugared almonds and wedding favours, there’s such a beautiful history behind them. Until I actually googled it, I was always under the impression they were just there to look pretty and offer something sweet with coffee after the wedding breakfast. How wrong was I?!

If you’re planning your wedding and would like to include this beautiful tradition, you can explore our range of sugared almonds in a variety of colours here.

Where do sugared almonds originate from?

Sugared almonds originate from the Italian city of Sulmona, and they are still produced there today.

Where does the name “sugared almonds” come from?

According to Visit Italy, sugared almonds date back to ancient Roman times. Almonds were first coated in honey and thrown as confetti. The word “confetti” comes from the Italian confetto (candy) and the Latin conficere, meaning “to prepare.”

As sugar became more widely available, the almonds were sugar-coated and at first only affordable for the wealthy. On important anniversaries, the rich would throw these sugared almonds from a cart and gift them to the poor.

Fast forward to today, and sugared almonds are loved all over the world - not just for their taste, but for the meaning they carry.

How many sugared almonds are in wedding favours?

Traditionally, five sugared almonds are given to each guest - representing health, wealth, happiness, fertility and a long life together.

The number five is indivisible, symbolising the strong bond of marriage. The sweet coating and the almond’s slight bitterness also represent the hope that life will be more sweet than bitter.

What do the colours of sugared almonds represent?

White was historically given to wedding guests, but today you can choose colours to match your wedding theme or styling.

• White sugared almonds – purity and new beginnings
• Ivory sugared almonds – soft, romantic elegance
• Pink sugared almonds – love and romance
• Blue sugared almonds – calmness and loyalty
• Lilac sugared almonds – grace and delicate styling
• Peach sugared almonds – warmth and modern weddings
• Red sugared almonds – passion and celebration
• Silver sugared almonds – sophistication and elegance
• Gold sugared almonds – luxury and opulence

How many sugared almonds are in 1kg?

It varies slightly by size, but as a guide there are approximately 250–300 almonds per 1kg.

Do sugared almonds go off?

Like all food items in the UK, they have a best-before date. Typically it’s 6–12 months from purchase. Store them in a cool, dry place to keep them at their best.

What do you put sugared almonds in?

There are lots of beautiful ways to present sugared almonds as wedding favours.

For a classic look, organza bags are always popular. For something more modern, you could use small gift boxes or favour bags with ribbon and personalised tags.

If you’d like help choosing colours or quantities, feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to help.

Jackie x