15 Best Bomboniere Gift Ideas for Australian Weddings

Walking into an Australian wedding reception. The table is set with rustic charm. At each place setting lies a tiny, beautifully wrapped gift. This is a bomboniere.

A bomboniere is a small party token given to wedding guests as a heartfelt “thank you” for coming and celebrating with you.

It’s a centuries‑old tradition, evolving from simple sugared almonds to personalised mementos for modern couples.

Keep reading as we’ll explain the meaning and rich history of bombonieres, explore current trends, and give you 15 unique bonbonniere gift ideas perfect for Australian weddings, along with tips on choosing and customising them.

Bomboniere History | From Europe to Australian Weddings

So, where did bombonieres come from? Bombonieres have a rich heritage that spans cultures. The word itself comes from bonbonnière (a French word for a decorative candy box) and bomboniera (an Italian word).

Over the years, the meaning shifted slightly in each country. Let’s see how:

• French Roots:

In France, a bonbonnière originally referred to a fancy box of sweets & bonbons. French couples used to present sweets in ornate silver or crystal boxes as a token of thanks. It symbolised generosity and sweetness.

• Italian Tradition:

Italy made it their own. By the 19th century Italian weddings featured bomboniere filled with five sugar‑coated almonds (called Jordan almonds).

Each of the five almonds symbolised health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life; all good wishes for the newlyweds.

Traditionally, the almonds are tied in a little bag or box, often adorned with tiny ribbons or flowers.

• Australian Adaptation:

In Australia, the concept of bombonieres has become very flexible. Aussies still embrace the idea of a thank-you gift. But it can be anything from a gourmet cookie to a practical morning-after hangover kit. The key is that the gift delights your guests and matches your style; be it sweet, quirky or sustainable.

Cleverly displayed, they also become part of the décor which makes photos prettier and your celebration feel extra warm.

Modern Bomboniere Trends in 2025: More Than Just Mementoes

Today’s bonbonnieres are so much more than tradition. They once symbolised good fortune or social status. But modern couples now favour gifts that people will actually use, rather than products they’ll just throw away.

Gone are the days of token trinkets or forgotten sugar almonds. Instead, couples are opting for favours that guests can enjoy right away or treasure beyond the day.

Here’s what’s trending:

• Edible Treats Over Dust Collectors: From gourmet cookies to handmade chocolates and honey jars, edible favours are meaningful and memorable. Plus, custom labels and eco-friendly packaging make them both beautiful and practical.
• Green, Living & Sustainable Gifts: Living gifts like mini succulents, potted herbs, or seed packets are on trend. They double as décor and offer a symbolic “growing” sentiment. It’s a lovely touch for outdoor weddings or nature-loving couples.
• Personalised & Meaningful: All couples want a personal stamp on their bonbonnieres. Locally made items or handcrafted goods tell the story of your place and style. You might give engraved wooden spoons, coasters printed with the wedding date, or jars of locally-sourced honey tied with twine and name-tags. Anything can carry your names or a special message. It can be candles, tote bags, coasters, or even mini bottles of liqueur.

Ready to treat your guests? Here are 15 creative & meaningful gifts given as bombonieres.

15 Unique Wedding Bonbonniere Ideas for Australian Couples

Each gift idea suits Down Under themes (sunny beaches, cozy wineries, rustic farmhouses) and can be easily customised. Remember: the best favour is one your guests will actually use or enjoy.

1. Chocolates & Sweets

You can never go wrong with quality treats. Pack gourmet chocolates, truffles or candy into elegant favour boxes or tins. Sweets are easy to match with your colour scheme (icing and ribbons in wedding hues).

For Aussie flair, consider chocolate shapes (like boomerangs or kangaroos) or local brand confections.

Chocolates can also have a personal note. Stamp each box with your names/date, or include a little tale about why you chose that treat.

2. Cake in a Jar

Layered carrot cake, chocolate mousse or trifle can make adorable edible bombonieres. They reflect a relaxed, homey vibe. Each guest gets a personal dessert, beautifully layered and sealed.

These mini cake jars can match your wedding colours and come with ribbon and a thank-you tag.

3. Personalised Stubby Holders

For a casual, fun touch, give each guest a custom stubby holder (the Aussie beer cooler). These foam or neoprene drink sleeves can be printed with your monogram or a slogan. They’re very Aussie like perfect for outdoor weddings or any celebration involving cold beers by the BBQ.

4. Mini Succulents or Potted Plants

Gift a bit of nature with tiny succulents, cacti, or other easy-care plants.

Each guest gets their own little pot, which symbolises growth and blooming of your relationship. These living favours add a fresh pop of green to each place setting or table. Australians love outdoor and eco-friendly elements. These mini plants fit in with that perfectly.

5. Beeswax Candle Votives

Scented candles are romantic and practical. For a warm, local twist, beeswax candles are ideal. They’re natural (no synthetic chemicals) and smell faintly of honey.

A small jar or tin candle with a soft fragrance (vanilla, lavender or eucalyptus) makes a cozy wedding gift.

6. Fun Trinkets / Jewels

Think of any small novelty that matches your wedding theme. For example, surfboard-shaped bottle openers for a beach wedding, wooden bookmarks for a library-themed wedding, or custom music-themed pins. The idea is a tiny personal item; like a keychain or ornament, that guests will treasure.

7. Custom Bottle Openers

Cheers to love! Everyone needs a good bottle opener, so this favour has high utility.

Small metal openers (credit-card sized or bottle-shaped) engraved with your names or wedding date are very practical. You can find openers shaped like surfboards, barrels or even boomerangs for an Australian touch.

8. Loose-Leaf Tea Blends

An elegant yet cozy favour is a small jar or tin of loose-leaf tea. Choose a nice blend; maybe chamomile for calm, green tea for freshness, or a native botanical mix. Package it in a pretty tin or glass tube with a label that matches your décor.

9. Drink Coasters

Custom coasters are both decorative and practical. You could create coasters printed with a wedding photo, your initials, or a motif from your invites.

Materials like slate, wood or cork are popular. In Perth and beyond, coasters serve double-duty as table décor at your wedding and a usable gift at home.

10. Gourmet Coffee Beans

For coffee-loving guests, small bags of premium coffee beans are a delightful bomboniere. You could partner with a local Perth roaster or serve your favourite blend. Label each bag with your names and date. This is especially smart if your wedding has a morning or brunch vibe.

Australian weddings enjoy coffee culture, so this choice hits home. The aroma when a guest opens it later will bring memories of your day.

11. Macarons or Mini Treat Boxes

Elegant French macarons or assorted sweet treats in cute takeaway boxes feel luxurious. Pick wedding-colour pastels or let them be a surprise mix. These beauties are Instagram-worthy and scream special occasion.

In Australia, French patisseries are popular, so delivering homemade-style goodies gives a chic, modern vibe. Pack them in clear or translucent boxes tied with ribbon.

12. Hangover Kits

A cheeky yet practical favour is a mini hangover recovery kit.

Include things like a small bottle of water, electrolyte sachet, headache relief, throat lozenges, and a mints pack. Wrap it in a little box or organza bag with a tag: “Survive the morning after!”

13. Mini Bath Bombs or Spa Kits

Give the gift of relaxation. Mini bath bombs, small candles, or natural soap bars wrapped in organza make sweet gifts for a wedding favour. You can scale it down with a single nicely wrapped bath bomb or a sachet of lavender; sit nicely on a plate.

14. Mini Olive Oil or Balsamic Bottles

Gourmet miniature bottles of olive oil or infused balsamic vinegar make stylish, Mediterranean-inspired bonbonniere. They’re practical, classy, and look fantastic on rustic tables. Add a tag like “Olive Our Love” for a cute pun.

15. Jars of Honey

Last but not least, jars of honey are a classic for Swan Valley couples.

Especially our Raw Honey Wedding Bonbonniere and Jarrah Honey Bonbonniere come in a charming hexagonal jar tied with a wooden honey dipper.

Our bonbonniere collection is 100% Western Australian. One filled with delicate wildflower raw honey, the other with rich Jarrah honey. We can personalise these with your choice of label and tag. Because they’re made on site in Perth, they highlight local flavour.

Want to go bigger?

Our Honey Lover Gourmet Hamper Gift Box makes an elegant and indulgent bomboniere for Australian weddings as a thank-you gift. It’s packed with Swan Valley Honey favourites, perfectly boxed and ready to impress.

Special Occasions That Deserve Sweet Bomboniere Gifts

Bonbonnieres aren’t just for weddings anymore. At Swan Valley Honey, we create personalised gift favours for baby showers, bridal showers, anniversaries, and corporate events; perfect for adding a thoughtful touch to any celebration.

Below is a quick guide to help you choose the right bonbonniere for your occasion:

Other popular occasions for bonbonniere gifts include:

• Engagements, vow renewals
• Christenings, Naming Days, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Communions
• Birthdays (children & milestones)
• End-of-year teacher gifts
• Fundraisers & holiday thank-yous

In short, any party can use a sweet thank-you. Swan Valley Honey offers custom gift services for events big and small. Simply let us know your theme, and we’ll suggest favor ideas and personalize them to fit your day.

Choosing the Perfect Bonbonnieres | 7 Key Considerations

Wondering how to choose wedding bombonieres? Just keep a few things in mind to ensure success. Here are the top factors to consider:

• Your Budget – Typically, you give one favour per guest (or couple). Australian couples spend on average around $578 in total on bombonieres. Many couples budget about $5–$10 per guest for favours, so choose favours and quantities according to your overall budget and guest count.
• Match Your Wedding Theme – Nice packaging (ribbons, tags, boxes) can turn even a simple item into something elegant. And always order a few extras, in case you have last-minute guests.
• Perishability / Will it Last? – Make sure food favours won’t spoil on the way home. Like avoid chocolates in summer sun. Pick shelf-stable treats or note storage needs.
• Portability / Easy to Take Home? – Guests should be able to carry their bonbonniere Pick items that are light and not too bulky, so they don’t get left behind.
• Personal/Emotional Worth – A meaningful favour (reflecting your story or heritage) will be cherished. Think about favours that mean something to you or your guests.
• Guests’ Likes and Dislikes – Consider dietary needs (allergies, vegetarian) and cultural/religious restrictions. For instance, avoid alcohol favours if many guests abstain.
• Use vs Keepsake – Decide if the bonbonniere is for immediate fun (e.g., bubbles to blow) or a takeaway gift. Some hosts like interactive favours at the wedding. Others prefer usable mementos to take home.

Are you wondering how to give your guests a wedding favour they’ll actually love?

Whether you dream of custom honey jars, artisan treats, or creative keepsakes, Swan Valley Honey has you covered.

Get Your Dream Wedding Bonbonniere with Swan Valley Honey

We believe every wedding deserves a touch of sweetness. We’ve been crafting 100% pure Western Australian honey gifts for years, and our bonbonniere collection is made to impress.

You pick the label design & text (even engraved text on the wooden honey spoon), and we’ll pack your guests a ‘thank‑you gift’ with love.

So, let’s make your wedding unforgettable with bonbonniere gifts that truly delight.

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