Dragées: Why Sugared Almonds Are Given at Weddings

Dragées are almonds coated in hard sugar, given in fives at weddings and baptisms. Here is the meaning, the history, and how families present them.

Dragées are whole almonds coated in a hard, smooth shell of sugar, usually white or pastel. At weddings, baptisms and engagements across the Mediterranean, they are given to guests in small bags or boxes, often in odd numbers. Five is the most common, said to stand for health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life.

A very old custom

Sugar-coated almonds have been made since at least the medieval period, and the Italian confetti of Sulmona are among the most famous. Ancient Romans are often said to have distributed honey-coated almonds at weddings, though that link is told more often than it is documented. The custom spread through Greek, Italian, French and Levantine communities.

Why almonds

The almond is slightly bitter, the sugar sweet, and the pairing is often read as a wish that married life should hold more sweetness than bitterness. Odd numbers are traditional because they cannot be divided, like the couple.

How they are presented

Greek families wrap koufeta in tulle tied with ribbon, sometimes with a small card. Egyptian weddings often use small boxes, baskets or decorated trays. Baptisms use pastel colours, pink or blue. The presentation is part of the gift.

Five almonds, five wishes, one ribbon.

Planning dragées

Decide on quantity early, allow time for wrapping and labelling, and choose colours that match the event. A favour table near the exit is a simple, generous way to send guests home.

Plan favours with Délices

When your event can only have Délices, call us to plan favours, dragées and the dessert table in and around Alexandria: +20 3 486 1432. We're at 46 Saad Zaghloul Street, Raml Station, open daily 8 AM – 1 AM.