Having an Italian-inspired wedding or even eloping to a pristine rural destination here is a dream come true for many couples around the world. The delicious food, incredible nature, and the overall vibe of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing) add to the dreamy wedding many couples would like to have.But how are true Italian weddings? Some things are done differently in matters of how many bridesmaids are chosen for the bride, or gifting guests with candy-coated almonds, rather than just small pieces of paper. Regardless, weddings here are hearty and special in their own ways, and the dress code etiquette reflects that. So, let’s see what everyone wears.
The bride and the groom
As expected, the bride will typically wear a traditional Italian wedding dress, which is often the result of meticulous craftsmanship and intricate lacing. In addition, most of these garments are made of high-quality fabrics and based on structured silhouettes, which don’t necessarily require additional embellishments.
At the same time, Italian brides often focus more on accessories, such as jewelry, to enhance their outfits. For example, a mantilla veil that rests on the back of the head is a popular choice for brides.
When it comes to the groom, the options are either a classic tuxedo or a three-piece suit. Grooms carefully tailor their tuxedos to meet their requirements, while the three-piece suit includes matching options for the jacket, trousers, and waistcoat. Although black is common, suits in shades of grey, beige, or cream are popular, especially during the summer. Accessories are minimal but carefully chosen.
The bridesmaids and the groomsmen
While there are usually only one or two bridesmaids and groomsmen involved in the wedding, bigger families might prefer an entire team of supporting people. The bride typically selects the dresses for the bridesmaids, which often complement her own gown. Therefore, you may see long and sophisticated dresses made of satin or silk, depending on the weather. The best colors for their dresses include baby blue, pink, and lilac. Since walking all day is included in the wedding, bridesmaids, just like the bride, might wear smaller heels or wedges.
The groomsmen will also most likely wear a tailored suit, but in a different design than the groom. Regardless, that doesn’t mean they won’t be well-dressed and polished, with a fresh haircut and a clean-shaven beard. Their most important duty is, beyond supporting the groom, to tease him if the bride is late because she changed her mind.
The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom
The mothers of the bride and the groom are also two of the most important people at the wedding. Their outfits are carefully selected to showcase their personalities without overshadowing the bride, so they typically wear elegant, floor-length gowns, such as sheath or A-line dresses that can be tailored to suit any silhouette.
Mothers can usually match the wedding theme in terms of color, but this may not always be the case on the day of the ceremony. But even during the wedding in the evening, both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom will opt for long gowns in tones of navy blue or burgundy.
The wedding guests
Typically, the guests of an Italian wedding choose formal attire, avoiding white and black. Vibrant colors or pastel hues are common options, and the guest dress code is based on the principle of “dress to impress”. They always opt for Italian fashion, so seeing designer dresses, accessories, or shoes is not uncommon at an Italian wedding.
Hence, wearing casual attire at the wedding is out of the question, including jeans or shorts. Of course, it’s essential to follow the wedding dress code provided by the couple themselves, as they may want their guests to look a certain way for the photos to turn out great. Hence, they might pick black tie, cocktail attire, or casual chic as their preferred styles.
What are some common traditions in Italian weddings?
Italian weddings are special for their participants due to traditions that have been well-kept throughout the decades. For example, the groom will not see the bride before the wedding ceremony, so he will only be able to do so while her father is taking her to the altar. This is a symbolic way to transmit that he’s “giving her in the groom’s care”, but this might be more common in Catholic weddings.
Following the ceremony, the guests will throw rice or wheat at the couple, known as a “shower of fertility”. The wedding reception is next, where guests will arrive before the newlyweds and will be served aperitifs accompanied by delicious wine or limoncello.
People across different areas in Italy have special traditions, many of which are scarcely observed today. However, they are indeed unique. For example, in Northern Italy. The best man is responsible for cutting the groom’s tie, which will later be sold to the guests. Or, in other parts, the bridesmaids and groomsmen will play a trick on the couple by hiding their shoes or putting itching powder on their bed.
At the end of the wedding, or before the guests leave, the newlyweds will offer them candy-coated almonds, also known as bomboniere, which is a common gift to show their gratitude to those who attended the wedding. The number of confetti should be an odd number, such as five or seven, for good luck to the couple and their guests as well.
What do you think about Italian weddings?
Italian weddings have a special, almost nostalgic quality to them, which is why many people aspire to have their own Italian wedding. However, the thing about these events is that they’re not pretentious, but rather sprinkled with traditions and a love for the family, which makes the event more enjoyable. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are allowed to have fun on behalf of the newlyweds, and the most important aspect is the elegance of the outfits.
