Ciao, lovebirds!
Are you ready to embark on an amazing journey through the romantic, passionate, and utterly captivating world of Italian wedding traditions?
If you're a newly engaged couple dreaming of a perfect Italian wedding, you're in for a treat.
From well-known customs to lesser-known hidden gems, these top Italian wedding traditions will make your big day an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to be swept off your feet by the charm of the Bel Paese!
La Serenata: Serenading your newlywed partner ??
One of the most romantic and popular Italian wedding traditions is “La Serenata," where traditionally the groom serenaded his bride-to-be the night before the wedding.
There’s nothing to say that La Serenata can’t be performed by either member of any soon-to-be-wed couple, though!
Accompanied by friends and family, one partner sings love songs under their newlywed partner’s balcony or window, expressing their deep affection and devotion.
Our expert tip ?
Choose a few classic Italian love songs like “Con Te Partirò" or “Il Mondo" to make the serenade even more enchanting.
If you're not a natural singer, enlist the help of a talented friend or hire a local musician for an unforgettable performance!
The Bridal Veil and La Sposa ??
The bridal veil is an essential part of Italian weddings, symbolising purity and protection.
Traditionally, the bride's father would lift the veil at the end of the ceremony, signifying his daughter's transition into married life.
To further enhance the bride's beauty, a lovely ribbon or floral headpiece called “La Sposa" is often worn.
Our expert tip ?
Choose a veil that complements your dress and bridal style.
Add a touch of Italy by incorporating flowers native to the region, such as roses, olive branches, or lemon blossoms, into your bridal headpiece.
Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata: Wet Bride, Lucky Bride ?️
“Sposa Bagnata, Sposa Fortunata," translates to “Wet Bride, Lucky Bride," is a charming Italian saying that reminds us that even unexpected rain on your wedding day can be a blessing!
In Italian culture, rain is believed to bring good luck, symbolising an abundance of love, happiness, and prosperity for the newlyweds.
So, don't fret if the weather isn't perfect – it's just another reason to celebrate!
Our expert tip ?
Prepare for the possibility of rain by having a beautiful, personalised umbrella on hand that complements your wedding attire.
Not only will it keep you dry, but it'll also make for some stunning and unique wedding photos!
Bomboniere: Sweet Wedding Favors ??
No Italian wedding is complete without “Bomboniere," the delightful and symbolic wedding favors given to guests!
These little gifts, often filled with sugared almonds or candies, represent the sweet life the couple wishes for their loved ones.
Traditionally, these treats come in odd numbers, most commonly five, symbolising health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity.
Our expert tip ?
Get creative with your Bomboniere!
Choose unique and personalised containers that reflect your wedding theme or love story. Remember to include a little note thanking your guests for celebrating your big day with you, too!
La Tarantella: The Joyous Wedding Dance ??
Nothing says Italian wedding like La Tarantella!
This lively, whirlwind dance involves all the wedding guests joining hands and dancing in a circle. The tempo increases throughout, symbolising the couple's happiness and the vibrant energy they bring to their marriage.
The faster you dance, the more fortune and good luck you'll bring to the newlyweds!
Our expert tip ?
To make this dance truly unforgettable, hire a local band to play traditional Italian music and guide your guests through the steps of La Tarantella.
The Groom's Tie ??
Looking for something unique? Allow your guests to do as the Italians do – give cash at weddings!
The groom's tie tradition is a lesser-known, fun Italian custom.
Before the ceremony, the groom's friends would cut his tie into several pieces and auction them off to the wedding guests. The money collected is then given to the newlyweds to help them start their new life together.
These days, ‘The Groom’s Tie’ is performed by either partner, or both!
Choose a small accessory for your outfit to auction off at the end of your wedding, for a new twist on the tradition.
Talk about a stylish way to fund your honeymoon!
Our expert tip ?
Don’t go cutting up any main accessories from your outfit unless you have a spare ready to go! Think of the wedding photos ?
And They Lived Happily Ever After! ??
There you have it, lovely couples!
These are just a few of the magical Italian wedding traditions you can incorporate into your big day.
From romantic serenades to sweet favors, Italy truly knows how to celebrate love!
Embrace these customs and hidden gems to create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
After all, your wedding day is the beginning of your new life together, so why not make it as special as your love story?
Buon matrimonio!
