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Wedding Favours

There is a tradition of giving wedding guests something to remember the day by is in the form of "wedding favours". This tradition has been around for hundreds of years. Today, the tradition has evolved to giving each guest five sugar coated almonds to symbolise health, wealth, fertility, happiness and long-life.

During the late 19th century at high society weddings, guests could expect to receive much grander wedding favours such as garters, gloves or scarves.

So why almonds today? The association of almonds with love goes back to Greek legend with the story of Demophon, who met and fell in love with Phyllis, a Thracian princess.

Before the marriage could take place Demophon was informed that his father has died far away in Athens and he must return for the funeral. Demophon promises to return by a certain date but underestimates the time it will take him to make the journey.

Demophon returns three months late. By this time Phyllis has convinced herself that she will never see her lover Demophon again and distraught hanged herself. The Gods were touched by her love for Demophon and transformed her into an almond tree. The grief stricken Demophon offered a sacrifice to this almond tree, declaring his undying love - and In response, the tree blossomed. From that time undying love has been symbolised by the almond. That is why wedding favours have almonds in them!