Italian Weddings are a thing of beauty and it’s nothing short of a dream come true. Traditionally, weddings in Italy only took place on Sundays, considering any other day as unlucky. Italy is an extremely cultural and historic country that highlights her culture through colourful and traditional weddings. In this blog, we’ll explore the main differences that make Italian weddings truly special and different from the rest of the world.

1. Pre-wedding

• La Serenata: A Musical Night Before the Wedding

A night before the wedding, the bridegroom surprises the bride with a serenade along with his family and friends. This gesture, known as the ‘La Serenata’ is the sweetest way to start the celebrations and is not common elsewhere.

• No Bridal Shower, No Bridesmaid, No Groomsmen

The bride and groom have their testimoni, or witnesses. Unlike in western weddings, Italians do not have bridesmaids and groomsmen in such an elaborate way. The witnesses aren’t expected to dress alike and there are often only one or two bridesmaids and one or two groomsmen.

2. Traditional Italian Fashion and Attire

• Traditional Italian Wedding Dresses

• Italian brides are famous for their sense of style and often choose elegant, classic dresses that may feature a mantilla veil, a nod to tradition and glamour. The fashion capital of the world is evident in the attire.

• La Dolce Vita

• Both the bride and groom wear designer outfits, the luxury and fashion of Italian weddings is unique. This focus on high fashion is not seen in more casual or personalised attire trends elsewhere.

3. Reception and Food

• A Feast for the Eyes

• Italian wedding receptions are a culinary masterpiece. Guests are treated to multiple courses of regional specialties, fresh pasta, seafood and fine wines. The dining experience at an Italian wedding is more elaborate than many other cultures.

• Torta Nuziale: The Wedding Cake

• The wedding cake, or "torta nuziale", is often a big, multi tiered showstopper that is the centrepiece of the reception. Unlike the simple cakes in some cultures, Italian wedding cakes are a work of art, sometimes with a dessert buffet.

• Bomboniere: A Gift of Thanks

“Bomboniere” or small, elegant gifts feature in Italian Weddings and are presented to all the guests as a token of appreciation. These keepsakes contain sugared almonds and are an integral part of the ritual.

4. Entertainment: Dancing and Celebrations

• The Tarantella: 

A Traditional Dance of Italy is a staple in Italian weddings, often performed by traditional folk dancer and eventually accompanied by all the guests, including the bride and groom.

• Extended Celebrations:

If you have attended a true Italian wedding, then it was likely still going when the morning sun broke through and would have continued on to day two with an unforgettable 'day-after' party. This weeks-long celebration demonstrates the value of family and community that Italian culture has placed.

5. Post-Wedding Traditions: La Passeggiata

Newlyweds, along with the guests, take a stroll through the town following all the ceremonies. This walk symbolises the community’s support and blessings for the couple.

Conclusion

From the pre-wedding serenades to the lavish receptions, Italian weddings are a celebration of love, family, and culture. For those planning their special day, exploring templates for wedding invitations or opting for personalized wedding invitations that capture the essence of Italy can help set the tone for a truly memorable celebration. Whether you’re planning an Italian wedding or simply curious about different wedding customs, the charm and beauty of Italian weddings are sure to inspire.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.