Destination Wedding Series: Italian Traditions

In keeping with our theme of Destination Wedding: Italy. Here are a few traditions, Italian weddings have and to this day still incorporate! 

1. The groom, being the romantic that he is (or should be) delivers flowers to the bride the night before the wedding or on the very early morning of her wedding. This is her bouquet so often the bride has some input. This represents the last gift she receives as a "single girl" 

2. Bombonieres, a bomboniere is simply put a favor, given to guests at the wedding. They traditionally contain 5 ( a lucky number) candy coated almonds ( Jordan Almonds or Confetti) A more modern Italian take is now a wrapped cookie or donation to charity. 

3. Food, and lots of it! Each region of Italy is known for some culinary delicacy and variety. If you're having a wedding in the Liguria region ( where we happen to be from) you'll want to utilize Fish and Pesto and meats. In most Italian weddings you will feature antipasto, wanda (bowties of sugar powdered dough) Viennese tables are widely utilized in Sicilian weddings to usher in the dessert course. Featuring pies, tarts, cookies and other yummy goodness. Of course you will also want to include local wine and lots of it! No one leaves an Italian wedding hungry or thirsty! 

*A Note- Cake isn't typically served in many regions of Italy. If you simply cannot imagine a wedding without cake, try one of the other regional favorite, Mille Foglia ( Layers of light filo pastry filled with chocolate and vanilla cream and strawberries. Your other regional option is Zuppa Inglese, layers of pound cake filled with custard, rum cream and fruit topped with sugared flowers or a dove. 

4. The groom traditionally carried a piece of Iron with him to ward off evil spirits, consider a wedding ring made of hammered iron or slipping a piece of iron into your lapel or pants pocket! Brides usually had their veils ripped during the wedding for good luck. The pieces were collected at the end and represented the number of happy years the couple would have ( While we love tradition, this is one we see being avoided)

End your evening with a toast and the phrase "Evviva gli sposi" ( Hooray For The Newlyweds)