When it comes to wedding customs, Italy is a country with a rich history and a wide variety of traditions. While some of these traditions have been lost over time, others are still very much alive and well today. One of the most popular wedding customs in Italy is the “lucky bride” tradition.
This involves the bride being surrounded by her closest female friends and family members, who each give her a piece of jewelry or an item of clothing that they believe will bring her good luck in marriage. Another common tradition is the “dowry chest”, which is a chest filled with all sorts of household items that the bride’s family gives to the groom’s family as part of the marriage negotiations.
The wedding ceremony itself also has some unique features in Italian weddings.
For example, it is not uncommon for the groom to be carried into the church on his chair by his groomsmen. And at the end of the ceremony, instead of throwing rice or confetti, guests often throw coins or small pieces of candy at the couple as they leave the church. All in all, getting married in Italy is sure to be a memorable experience for both you and your guests!
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy, you’ll want to be aware of some of the country’s unique wedding customs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. The bride typically wears white, but may also opt for a red dress. This is said to symbolize good luck.
2. The groom usually wears a black suit with a white shirt.
3. It’s customary for the groom to give his bride a gold ring during the ceremony. This ring is worn on the right hand until the couple’s first child is born, at which point it’s moved to the left hand.
4. A Italian weddings often feature an elaborate procession, called a “sfilata.” This involves all of the guests walking behind the bride and groom as they make their way to and from the ceremony and reception venues.
5. At Italian receptions, it’s not uncommon for there to be multiple courses served family-style. And don’t forget about dessert! Cannoli, tiramisu and gelato are all popular choices.
Italian Wedding Traditions And Superstitions
When it comes to weddings, each culture has its own unique set of traditions and superstitions. Italians are no different! If you’re planning an Italian wedding, or simply want to learn more about this fascinating culture, read on for a crash course in Italian wedding traditions and superstitions.
One of the most important traditions is the la serenata. This is when the groom serenades his bride-to-be outside her window the night before their wedding. He’s usually accompanied by his groomsmen and friends, and sometimes even a band!
Another tradition is the exchange of la Borsa della Sposa. This is when the groom gives his bride-to-be a small bag containing 13 gold coins. The coins represent Jesus and His 12 Apostles, and are meant to bring good luck and prosperity to the marriage.
Of course, no Italian wedding would be complete without food! A traditional Italian Wedding feast includes several courses, starting with an antipasto platter of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables. This is followed by a pasta course (usually spaghetti carbonara or lasagna), a meat course (often roast beef or chicken), and finally a dessert course featuring tiramisu or cannoli.
Wedding guests often give cash as gifts to help the newlyweds cover the cost of their big day. However, there’s a specific way that these gifts should be given: The bills should be rolled up tightly and tied with a red ribbon or string. Why red?
It’s considered lucky!
After the ceremony, it’s customary for guests to line up outside the church and throw rice at the newlyweds as they make their way back down the aisle together – another sign of good luck for their marriage. And speaking of good luck…
Italians believe that it’s unlucky for couples to see each other on their wedding day before they walk down the aisle together; therefore, it’s common for them to spend their wedding night apart!
What to Wear to an Italian Wedding
When it comes to weddings, there are a lot of different cultures and traditions that you may be asked to participate in. If you’ve been invited to an Italian wedding, you may be wondering what the dress code is and what kind of outfit would be appropriate.
Generally speaking, Italian weddings are quite formal affairs.
The bride and groom will usually wear matching white outfits and the guests will be expected to dress similarly. You don’t necessarily have to wear all white, but it’s definitely worth considering if you want to blend in with the crowd.
If you’re not sure what to wear, take a look at some pictures of Italian Weddings online for inspiration.
Alternatively, ask the bride or groom for guidance – they’ll be more than happy to help you out!
Italian Wedding Traditions Making the Bed
When an Italian bride and groom get married, it is tradition for the couple to make their marital bed together. The newlyweds share a sweet moment as they strip down the old sheets and put on new ones, often with the help of family members. This act symbolizes the start of their life together and their commitment to one another.
After the bed is made, it is customary for the bride to throw her bouquet onto it. The groom then follows suit by tossing his garter belt onto the bed. These two items are said to bring good luck to the marriage.
The couple may also choose to place a Bible on their bed as another sign of faithfulness and unity. As they begin their lives together, they will look to this book for guidance and strength.
Italians take marriage very seriously and these traditions are just a few of the many ways that they honor and celebrate it.
By following these customs, the newlyweds can start their journey off on the right foot – surrounded by love, support, and good luck!
Traditional Italian Wedding Gifts
When it comes to wedding gifts, there are all sorts of traditions from different cultures. In Italy, the tradition is for the bride and groom to exchange gifts on their wedding day. These gifts are usually gold or silver jewelry, which the couple will wear on their special day.
The thought behind this tradition is that the couple will have something to remember their wedding day by.
Gold and silver aren’t the only options for traditional Italian wedding gifts, though. Another popular option is to give the couple a gift that symbolizes your wish for their future happiness together.
A common choice is to give them a white tablecloth or bed linen, as it’s said that these items will bring them good luck in their marriage.
If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful gift to give to an Italian bride and groom on their wedding day, consider giving them something that represents your best wishes for their future together.
Italian Catholic Wedding Traditions
When it comes to wedding traditions, there are few cultures with as rich and storied a history as the Italians. From the food to the music to the attire, Italian weddings are filled with centuries-old customs that are still practiced today. If you’re planning an Italian Catholic wedding, here are a few traditions you may want to incorporate into your big day.
The Engagement Ring: In Italy, it is customary for the groom-to-be to gift his bride-to-be with an engagement ring known as a fede nuziale. This ring is usually made of gold and features two intertwined hearts or rings. The fede nuziale symbolizes the couple’s eternal love and devotion to one another.
The Wedding Dress: White has been the traditional color of choice for brides in Italy since medieval times. It symbolizes purity and innocence, and was also believed to ward off evil spirits on the big day. Today, many Italian brides opt for designer gowns with intricate beading and lace detailing.
The Wedding Cake: While American weddings typically feature tiered cakes adorned with fondant flowers, Italian weddings have a more simple tradition when it comes to dessert. A typical Italian wedding cake is a soft sponge cake soaked in liqueur or syrup and layered with custard or whipped cream filling. This classic confection is then covered in fondant or marzipan and decorated with fresh fruit or sugared almonds.
Sicilian Wedding Traditions
Sicilian weddings are steeped in tradition and full of interesting customs. Here are just a few of the unique Sicilian wedding traditions that you may encounter if you attend a Sicilian wedding:
The bride may wear green on her wedding day.
This is said to bring good luck to the marriage.
The groom may not see the bride before the wedding ceremony. In fact, it is considered bad luck for the groom to even set eyes on the bride before she walks down the aisle.
To avoid this, groomsmen will often stand in front of the door to the bridal suite to block the groom’s view.
After the ceremony, guests will line up to congratulate the newlyweds and give them gifts of money. The amount of money given is usually odd-numbered, as odd numbers are considered lucky in Sicily.
At some point during the reception, it is customary for someone to break a plate or glass near where the newlyweds are seated. This is said to bring good luck to the marriage and ward off evil spirits.
Italian Engagement Traditions
When it comes to getting engaged, Italians have some unique traditions that are sure to make your proposal extra special. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Ring Under the Pillow Trick: This is a classic Italian engagement tradition where the man hides the ring under his fiancée’s pillow and then pretends to find it when she’s asleep.
Of course, she’ll be thrilled when she wakes up and sees the ring!
The Gold Coin in the Cake Trick: Another popular way to propose in Italy is to hide a gold coin in your fiancée’s cake. When she takes a bite, she’ll be surprised with both the coin and your proposal!
The Midnight Proposal: For a truly romantic proposal, consider popping the question at midnight on New Year’s Eve. It will be a moment she always remembers.
No matter how you choose to propose, adding an Italian twist is sure to make it an unforgettable experience for both of you.
Credit: www.walksofitaly.com
What are Traditions at an Italian Wedding?
When it comes to weddings, every culture has its own set of traditions. Some of these traditions are based on religious beliefs, while others are simply cultural customs. If you’re planning an Italian wedding, it’s important to be aware of the various traditions that are typically followed.
Here’s a look at some of the most common traditions associated with Italian weddings:
The Engagement Ring
In Italy, it is customary for the groom to purchase an engagement ring for his bride-to-be.
The ring is usually made of gold and may feature diamonds or other precious stones. It is not uncommon for the groom to also give his bride-to-be a gold necklace or earrings as part of her engagement gift.
The Wedding Dress
Traditionally, Italian brides wear white wedding dresses. The dress is often adorned with lace and pearls and may have a train. Brides typically wear a veil as well, which is often attached to a pearl tiara or headpiece.
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue is also a popular tradition among Italian brides (and brides from other cultures as well). This tradition dictates that the bride wear four items on her wedding day that fit into each of those categories: something old (like a family heirloom), something new (like her gown), something borrowed (usually from a happily married friend or relative) and something blue (which can be anything from the ribbon on her bouquet to her garter belt).
Who Traditionally Pays for the Wedding in Italy?
In Italy, the groom’s family traditionally pays for the wedding. This is because it was once seen as a way to provide for the bride and her family. Today, however, couples often pay for their own weddings or split the cost between both families.
How are Italian Weddings Different?
Italian weddings are some of the most beautiful and romantic in the world. From the stunning scenery to the delicious food, there is much to love about getting married in Italy. However, there are a few things that make Italian weddings different from other cultures.
One thing that makes Italian weddings unique is that they often take place in outdoor locations. This can be anything from a vineyard to a picturesque garden. The setting creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere for the ceremony and reception.
Another difference is that Italian receptions tend to be much longer than others. They often last well into the night, with guests dancing and enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. This is definitely something to consider if you’re planning on getting married in Italy!
Of course, no Italian wedding would be complete without great food. The country is renowned for its cuisine, and this will be reflected in your wedding menu. You can expect lots of traditional dishes, as well as plenty of wine!
Overall, getting married in Italy is an unforgettable experience.
Do Italians Break Glass at Weddings?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While it is true that some Italians do break glass at weddings, it is not necessarily a widespread practice. There are a variety of reasons why people may choose to break glass at weddings, but the most common explanation is that it is seen as a way to bring good luck to the newlyweds.
Some couples may opt to break a single piece of glass, while others may choose to smash several glasses throughout the course of the event.
Full Wedding Video in Rome, Italy 💍👰 | ANNA VICTORIA
Conclusion
Italy is home to some of the most romantic weddings in the world. The country’s rich history and culture provide the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding. From stunning locations to delicious food, there are many reasons why couples choose to tie the knot in Italy.
One of the most popular wedding destinations in Italy is Lake Como. This beautiful location offers breathtaking views and luxurious accommodations. Couples can exchange vows in an ancient church or on a terrace overlooking the lake.
There are also plenty of opportunities for gorgeous photos.
Another popular spot for Italian weddings is Tuscany. This region is known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and incredible wines.
Couples can say “I do” in front of a vineyard or inside a medieval castle. The food in Tuscany is also unbeatable – guests will enjoy fresh pasta, succulent steak, and delicious desserts.
No matter where you choose to get married in Italy, you’re sure to have a day that you’ll remember forever.
