Lollies as bomboniere
The "bomboniere" can be traced back to the early days of European
history, when amongst the wealthy aristocrats they were given to celebrate birthdays,
christening and marriages. In their earliest form, "bomboniere" packaging
was made of gold, precious stones, crystal or porcelain. Even its contents were
of great value as sugar was a costly delicacy, prized for its supposed medical
properties.
In the centuries that followed, as the cost of sugar reduced and with the mass-production of sugared almonds (confetti) "bomboniere" in its many forms, reached all sections of the populace. Almonds have been given at weddings to wish the couple health, wealth, happiness, longevity and fertility for over a thousand years, but not until the 13th century were they covered with a layer of sugar to become "confetti".
Today, "bomboniere", under its various names is given mainly in European and Mediterranean countries. In Italy, "bomboniere" is an exquisite gift made of lace, net, artificial flowers and ribbon, with sugared almonds or chocolate dragees. It may be given as a gift in its own right or, used to enhance another gift.
In recent years, the practice of giving "bomboniere" at weddings, christenings etc. throughout the world has taken hold as brides discover the pleasure it gives to have a memento of the wedding day.
Popular colours and flavours
Flavour and colour choices should be as individual as the wedding itself.
For some, multi-coloured stripes of bright colours are in keeping with the
celebration. They can be tailored to co-ordinate colour themes, dresses, flowers
etc. For others, glossy while lollies with names or message in a single colour
such as pink or red provide a gentler, more classic feel.
Generally we encourage people to run wild with flavour choices. Strawberry is always popular, but we make anything from Quandong (an Australian desert peach) to wild-berry, mandarin, watermelon, or Tia-Maria. We are yet to have a request we couldn’t fill.
Traditional practice modernised
Our particular style of hand-crafted “rock” style lollies has
its roots in northern Europe, particularly in Denmark. Being able to personalise
and create, each time, a unique item individually tailored to the day itself,
takes the best of the bomboniere tradition whilst allowing the bride and groom
to put their own personal stamp on the gift and day.