Italy. Rich of art, enchanting history and picturesque wine routes. Getting married in Italy is like a real dream come true. So why not incorporate some Italian wedding traditions to complete your destination wedding?

Italia: the land of divine art, ancient culture and earthly pleasures…

Italian culture is steeped in the arts, family, architecture, music and food. Home of the Roman Empire and a major center of the Renaissance, culture and traditions on the Italian peninsula has flourished for centuries. All celebrations, whatever the occasion, are large events in Italy. After all, Italians love their cuisine, parties and ceremonies, and always keep family at heart – the centre of every event.

If you’re not yet convinced, here are 10 romantic and super-sweet Italian wedding traditions & superstitions that will make you want to tie the knot in Italy!

THE ENGAGEMENT

Prior to the big day, the Italian bride must spend the night before at her parent’s house. On this night it’s tradition for the groom to deliver flowers to his fiancée. These flowers once served as the bride’s wedding bouquet and represented the last gift she receives as a ‘single’ person.

THE WEDDING: DRESS CODE

Now most importantly, the bride’s dress. Traditionally, in most cultures, everyone expects to see a bride in white, however white hasn’t always been the colour of choice by many brides. Dating back to earlier centuries in Tuscany, a bride would traditionally wear black from head to toe, with a white hat. Interestingly, the bridal veil, worn by many customs and cultures around the globe, dates back to ancient Rome when marriages were arranged by the family.

THE CEREMONY

The groom is traditionally escorted to the altar by his mother.

THE RECEPTION

Rice is thrown at the couple coming out of the Church or wedding hall to symbolize a shower of fertility. In some regions in Italy, Bride and Groom have to cut a log in two with a double handle saw after the wedding. This symbolises the couple’s partnership in marriage. Additionaly, another tradition is tying a ribbon in front of the church. The ribbon represents the bride and groom ‘tying the knot’.

The wedding cake must always be white, to represent purity, topped with figures representing the bride and groom. Romance at it’s finest!

BOMBONIERE

One of the oldest Italian wedding traditions is the giving of candy-coated Jordan almonds to guests by the Bride and Groom. These sweet gifts are made of confetti, sugared almonds and printed ribbons, representing the bittersweet nature of marriage. They are given in quantities of 5 or 7, purposely an odd number, symbolising good luck. We simply LOVE this Italian tradition- a sweet way of expressing feelings of intimacy with your guests, whether they be friends, or family.

Now you know what to expect from a traditional Italian wedding, you a) know what to expect and b) can prepare for a romantic Italian wedding of your own!