Italy—the land of love, romance, and unforgettable celebrations. If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” under the Tuscan sun, overlooking the Amalfi Coast, or in a historic Venetian palazzo, then embracing Italian wedding traditions is a must!
An Italian wedding isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a full-sensory experience. From ancient customs to mouthwatering feasts, every detail is steeped in history and charm. Whether you’re getting married in Italy or bringing a little dolce vita to your own celebration, here’s everything you need to know to make your wedding truly Italian and unforgettable.
💌 The Night Before: La Serenata – A Romantic Prelude
Forget the American tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding! In Italy, the groom surprises his bride with La Serenata, a heartfelt serenade under her window the night before the big day. Picture this: he arrives with a live band, strumming a classic love song while family and friends gather around.
🔥 Should you include it? Absolutely! Even if you’re not in Italy, imagine your fiancé showing up outside your hotel room or venue with a guitarist and a glass of wine. Pure romance!
💡 Song idea: “O Sole Mio” or “Volare” for the classic Italian touch.
👰 The Wedding Dress & Veil: Superstitions & Traditions
A traditional Italian bride must wear a veil. Why? To ward off evil spirits, of course! Many brides also tear a small piece of their veil after the ceremony—it’s said to bring good luck (though maybe just a tiny tear if it’s a designer piece!).
📌 Fun fact: In some regions, brides used to wear green the night before their wedding for fertility and good fortune. If white isn’t your thing, a subtle emerald accessory might be your lucky charm!
⛪ The Ceremony: Grand Churches & Rice Showers
Most Italian weddings happen in stunning historic churches, filled with candlelight, Renaissance frescoes, and centuries-old charm. When the ceremony ends, guests shower the couple with rice—symbolizing prosperity and fertility.
💡 Pro tip: Not a fan of rice in your hair? Opt for dried rose petals or biodegradable confetti!
📍 Dream wedding churches in Italy:
🍝 The Feast: More Than Just Pasta
Italian wedding receptions aren’t just dinners—they’re culinary marathons. Think 12+ courses, each paired with the perfect wine. And no, you can’t rush through them!
What’s on the menu?
🥖 Antipasti – Prosciutto, burrata, olives, bruschetta
🍝 Primi (First Course) – Handmade pasta, risotto, or gnocchi
🍖 Secondi (Main Course) – Fresh seafood, Florentine steak, or lamb
🍷 Digestivo – Limoncello or grappa to aid digestion
🍰 Dessert – The Millefoglie, an Italian wedding cake with layers of crispy pastry and cream
💡 Pro tip: If you’re marrying in the Amalfi Coast, serve Limoncello from a local distillery—your guests will thank you!
📍 Incredible wedding venues for foodies:
🕺 The Party: Dancing the Tarantella
An Italian wedding isn’t complete without the Tarantella, a lively folk dance where guests hold hands in a circle, spinning faster and faster. The legend? It was originally a way to “sweat out” a poisonous spider bite! Whether or not you believe that, one thing is for sure—it’s the ultimate icebreaker.
💡 Pro tip: Hire a traditional Italian band to get the party started.
🎁 Wedding Favors: Bomboniere & Lucky Almonds
Forget scented candles—Italians gift their guests bomboniere, elegant keepsakes with five sugared almonds inside. These almonds represent:
1️⃣ Health
2️⃣ Wealth
3️⃣ Happiness
4️⃣ Fertility
5️⃣ Longevity
💡 Personal touch: Wrap them in silk or lace with a handwritten Italian thank-you note. (Grazie per aver festeggiato con noi!)
🚗 The Grand Exit: No Honeymoon Yet? No Problem!
Instead of rushing off to the airport, Italians often host a next-day brunch to keep the celebration going. Some couples even organize a farewell pizza night or beachside aperitivo.
📍 Great spots for a post-wedding gathering:
💡 Alternative: Instead of a sit-down brunch, imagine a casual picnic in a vineyard, sipping wine under the Tuscan sun. Yes, please!
💎 Bringing Italy to Your Wedding – Even If You’re Not in Italy
Not planning a wedding in Italy? No problem! Here’s how to bring Italian vibes to your day:
✔️ Serve a family-style Italian feast (think long wooden tables & rustic platters)
✔️ Hire a live accordion or mandolin player for cocktail hour
✔️ Toast with Asti Spumante or Prosecco instead of Champagne
✔️ Set up a gelato cart instead of a traditional dessert table
✔️ Have an outdoor ceremony with string lights & olive branches for that Mediterranean feel
📸 Capture Every Magical Moment
Italian weddings are all about emotion, beauty, and passion—and they deserve to be captured in a way that tells your love story. As an experienced destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of photographing love stories across Italy, from intimate elopements in Tuscany to grand celebrations on Lake Como.
If you want timeless, romantic, and artistic wedding photos, let’s create something unforgettable together!
📸 Explore my portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 View my wedding photography packages: Investment
💌 Let’s plan your dream wedding photography: Contact Me
Salute to love, laughter, and your happily ever after! 🥂✨
