Wedding Traditions from ATW: Italy

Italia… a country of romance and elegance. Wherever your travels in this country may lead you, you will find an abundance of dreamy landscapes. In northern Italy you have the beautiful mountainside as well as one of the biggest fashion cities in the world, Milan. As you ride down along the shore you will find the Almafi coast. Further inland you will find the picturesque rolling hills of Tuscany. In every corner of this country you will find some of the most scenic views in the world. There is an incredible amount of history to learn from as well. For many years in Italy there was a lot of strife and failed empires. Even with this country’s resilience, there is a softness and comfort to it’s communities filled with passion and unity. Italian art and architecture is a must see for any bucket list as many of Italy’s city-states really flourished during the Renaissance era. It was during that time that some of the greatest masterpieces were born. Italy is a setting right out of a movie script where anyone can easily fall in love. Preferably on a gondola in Venezia❤️

Romantic Gondola Ride❤️ Image by Nico Ladalio Photography

I was fortunate enough to visit Italy back in 2007. Venice was my favorite city because it was so quaint yet the streets were filled with magic, an almost indescribable feeling. I’ll never forget the San Marc’s Square, including it’s hundreds of pigeons, and some of the most incredible handmade Venetian masks and glass. Although Venice was a small town, I said to myself at the time that I could see myself living there. I loved the cobblestone streets, the small alleyways and of course the food! Similar emotions flowed through me as it did for one of my favorite authors, Elizabeth Gilbert, who shared her own adventures and experiences in Rome during “Eat, Pray, Love”. There is so much to enjoy in the Italian culture. Not only do you have stunning landscapes to sight-see but it’s a country filled with all kinds of indulgences from creamy gelato, to fresh pasta and parmigiano and some of the finest wines. Yes, you may need to unbutton your pants after a lengthy stay in this country but I’m sure you’ll be living la dolce vita! ✨

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🇮🇹My trip to Italy 2007 🇮🇹

Just thinking about my stay many years ago makes me want to go back for a visit again someday! Italy is near and dear to my heart because I am an Italian-American, 3rd generation on my mothers side. My family came from Naples. With that being said, I never realized how very superstitious Italians can be when it comes to their wedding traditions!

Tuscany sunset✨ Image by Daniele Torella Photography

The first tradition I truly enjoyed was that in Italy it is known for the groom to buy the brides wedding bouquet! This is a simple yet romantic tradition because it’s the last time he can buy flowers for the love of his life, before they officially become husband and wife. In modern times, the groom still purchases the bridal bouquet but the bride will make sure that it matches her dress and the overall wedding aesthetic beforehand.

Bridal Bouquet Image by Stargazed Photography All Rights Reserved.

As I mentioned there are many superstitions for Italian couples. For example, an Italian groom will carry a piece of iron in his jacket pocket on the day of his wedding. This is to ward off any evil spirits on the big day! For the brides, they will create a tiny rip in their veil for the same reason. Iron has its history in Ancient Europe for warding off the “evil-eye”. Thank goodness!

Bridge of Sighs🇮🇹 Image by Flavio Bandiera Photography

Another superstition is that it is bad luck for the bride to look at herself on her wedding day! However, if she must, in order to do so safely she must take off an earring, a glove or a shoe. Otherwise, it is known to be bad luck! The list of varying superstitions goes on. Marrying in the month of May is frowned upon, however, June is perfectly fine! Also, a bride should always be “carried over the threshold” by being carried into her home the night of her wedding. The history of this was said that by carrying the bride into her home on the night of her wedding will stop evil spirits from traveling through the soles of her feet! Interessante! It was also forbidden for anyone to wear white besides the bride. As for the days of the week, Sundays are considered the best day to get married in the Italian culture. Sunday’s represent fertility, luck and prosperity. Friday’s were thought to be a day evil spirits were created… so count that out! Any way to ward off bad luck or evil the Italians surely thought it out!

Momento Image by Visual Event Wedding

On a lighter note, some city-states in Italy had a tradition that depended on how long you & your fiancé were in a relationship before marriage as that number would depend on the length of the brides veil. For rule of thumb, it was generally one meter in length per year! Another common tradition in Italy would be the Garter. The garter toss seems to be diminishing in America however in Italy it dates back to the 14th century. It was known that the bride was to wear a twisted piece of lace for good luck! Italians didn’t toss the garter but instead it would be taken off and torn to pieces to hand out for guests to keep. By doing this research of the garter, I had a nostalgic moment of my own. I remembered being a little girl spending time with my Nana and she had shown me this tethered piece of fabric she kept in her jewelry box from a wedding she had attended for good luck. At the time I didn’t understand it and it’s funny how we can associate different memories in many ways. It was something I had honestly forgotten about until now. Such a sweet reminder ❤️

Fish in the Sea🌊 Image by Roberta Ciuccio

Another way you’ll know you are at an Italian wedding is when you hear the Tarantella. You will want to dance, sing and eat good food all night long to celebrate! If you have never heard of the tarantella, it is a traditional, celebratory dance which originated in southern Italy. In addition to that, many Italian weddings will also have a Venetian Hour which is a large table (or more) filled with displays of with fresh fruits and desserts along with the ever famous “bomboniere” also known as confetti candy which are sugar coated almonds usually given to guests with a present wrapped with ribbons. Of course with tradition and superstition the amount of almonds must always be an odd number for good luck!

Image source by http://www.easyweddings.com

If you are planning your own wedding you may want to to incorporate parts of your own heritage with a modern and unique twist! There are so many fascinating traditions from all around the world. I hope this series brings you inspiration and that you enjoy learning about each culture as much as I do! I look forward to our next adventure.

Chin Don 🇮🇹🥂

Italian Wedding Image by Daniele Torella

Venetian Tables Image by Rosella Canevari on Instagram