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If you're planning an Italian wedding—or just curious about how Italians say "I do"—here’s everything you need to know about Italian Wedding customs. Understanding Italian wedding customs can add a touch of authenticity (and charm!) to your special day.
1. "La Serenata" – A Night of Romance Before the Wedding
Picture this: the groom surprises his bride the night before the wedding with a serenade under her window, accompanied by musicians playing guitars and mandolins. This old tradition, especially common in southern Italy, is all about romance and a bit of fun. Today, some couples turn it into a pre-wedding party with close family and friends, setting the mood for the big day.
💡 Modern Twist: Not every groom is a singer (or has access to a mandolin!), so some couples opt for a private dinner or a meaningful love letter exchange instead.
2. The Wedding Dress & "Something Blue"
While white wedding dresses are common worldwide, in Italy, brides used to wear green as a symbol of fertility and good fortune. Now, white is the standard, but one tradition remains: wearing something blue—often a garter or a small ribbon hidden inside the dress—as a nod to fidelity and love.
💡 Tip: If you're getting married in Italy, consider a dress or a veil with handmade italian lace, famous for their intricate handmade designs.
3. Throwing Rice (!): The main Italian Wedding Custom
In Italy, it’s all about the rice. As the newlyweds exit the ceremony, guests shower them with rice, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. In recent years, flower petals, biodegradable confetti, or even olive leaves have become stylish (and eco-friendly!) alternatives.
💡 Modern Trend: Some venues restrict rice throwing, so check with your location in advance and consider flower petal tosses or mini bubbles for a dreamy effect.
4. The Italian Wedding Feast – More Than Just a Meal
Forget about a quick dinner reception—Italian weddings are a full-on feast. A traditional wedding meal can last up to four or five hours, featuring multiple courses of antipasti, pasta, seafood, meats, and desserts. The famous "Millefoglie" is often the grand finale.
💡 Must-Try Italian Wedding Courses:
Aperitivo (Entrèe): You already know what it is, don't you?
Primo (First Course): Handmade pasta, risotto, or seafood linguine
Secondo (Main Course): Veal, lamb, or fresh fish
Dolci (Dessert): Tiramisu, cannoli, bignè... and a traditional Italian wedding cake!
Click this link to explore 10 food corners that would be perfect for your Italian Wedding!
5. "La Tarantella" – The Ultimate Italian Wedding Dance
You know it’s a Southern Italy wedding when the DJ plays La Tarantella—a lively, fast-paced dance where guests hold hands in a circle and spin around. The name comes from the "tarantula" spider, and legend says the dance was originally a way to cure spider bites (or maybe just an excuse for a good time!).
💡 Not a fan of folk dances? No problem! Italian weddings also feature plenty of contemporary music, especially international hits and classic love songs. Visit this blog post to discover 10 italian songs to add to your dj set.
7. The Midnight Pasta Tradition - La Spaghettata 🍝✨
After hours of dancing, drinking, and celebrating, what’s the best way to refuel? A big dish of pasta at midnight! The “spaghettata di mezzanotte” is a beloved Italian wedding tradition where a late-night pasta dish—usually simple yet delicious, like cacio e pepe, aglio e olio, or classic tomato spaghetti, usually all'arrabbiata (spicy tomato sauce) —is served to guests before the party winds down. It’s the perfect comfort food to keep the celebrations going!
💡 Pro Tip: If you're planning a destination wedding in Italy, ask your caterer to include a live cooking midnight pasta —your guests will love it!
6. A Sweet Ending: The Confetti Table
No, not paper confetti—Italian "confetti" are sugared almonds! This centuries-old tradition symbolizes the bittersweet nature of marriage: the sugar represents happiness, while the almond represents life's challenges.
A wedding confetti table, or "confettata," offers guests different flavors to try—chocolate, pistachio, and lemon are just a few favorites!
💡 DIY Idea: Set up a small confetti station with decorative bags, so guests can take home a sweet souvenir.
If you're still searching for the perfect Italian wedding package, we offer customized wedding packages designed around your vision—helping you find the right venue, top vendors, and all the Italian magic you need.
Let’s chat! Tell us about your dream wedding, and we’ll help make it a reality. 🇮🇹✨
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