Dreaming of a wedding in Italy? Whether you’re planning your own Italian wedding or just fascinated by the country’s rich wedding traditions, you’re in the right place. Directing the world of Italian marriage can be complex with its blend of historical customs and modern practices, but you’re not alone in this travel.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- The Italian approach to marriage
- The role of religion and family
- Engagement traditions and more
We are here to help you understand these beautiful traditions and offer practical advice. Continue reading to see how you can bring the magic of an Italian wedding to life and make your celebration truly unforgettable.
The Italian Approach to Marriage
In Italy, marriage is very important, especially for religious Christians, and is celebrated with many traditions. Most Italian weddings follow the Roman Catholic tradition and are held in the bride’s hometown church.
Recently, more couples are choosing civil ceremonies, which offer more options. Regardless of the ceremony type, Italian marriage centers on love, family, and community, reflecting the strong values and connections in Italian society.
For those wishing to marry in Italy, including foreign citizens, the process is accommodating and universal. Marriage can take place under Italian law before a civil state officer or through a religious ceremony that has civil effects. To get married in Italy, you need to be at least 18 years old, show proof that you are single, and have the right documents, like the Nulla Osta for foreigners.
Italy also accepts same-gender unions called “unioni civili.” These unions have similar rights and duties as traditional marriage. This shows that Italy respects different kinds of relationships and personal choices.
See Also How Do People Dress in Italy?
The Role of Religion in Italian Marriage
- Italy is known for its stunning churches and cathedrals, making it a popular destination for Catholic weddings. Famous churches include Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome, St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, and the Positano Cathedral.
- Catholic weddings in Italy must take place in consecrated churches or chapels and are conducted by a Catholic priest. The ceremony typically lasts around an hour, but couples can opt for a shorter version without the full mass.
The Italian Engagement
In Italy, getting engaged is a big family tradition. Usually, the groom asks the bride’s father for permission before proposing, showing respect, and getting the family’s approval.
This tradition is still common in southern Italy, showing how important family approval is in Italian culture. The engagement is marked by a diamond ring, worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which symbolizes the promise to marry.
Italian engagements are full of romance and big gestures. One sweet tradition is the serenade, where the groom sings under his bride’s window to show his love.
This romantic gesture, along with the beautiful engagement ring, shows the passion and commitment in Italian engagements. The ring exchange marks the start of their journey towards marriage.
The Role of Family in Italian Marriages
Family is very important in Italian marriages. They help celebrate special moments like anniversaries and holidays. Family gatherings make these moments warm and joyful, showing how important they are in a couple’s life.
Having family around at these events helps everyone feel close and highlights how important being together is in marriage.
In Italy, marriage is not just about two people coming together, but also about joining two families. Family members help with problems, take care of children, and assist with everyday tasks.
Even though family support is valuable, it’s important that they respect the couple’s privacy and independence to avoid causing extra stress in the marriage.
The Night Before Wedding in Italy
The night before an Italian wedding, the bride usually stays at her parents’ house to bring good luck. Some brides wear green because it’s lucky, and they avoid gold except for their wedding ring because gold is thought to be bad luck on the wedding day.
Staying at home shows a last moment of closeness with family before starting a new life.
In Southern Italy, a special tradition is the serenade. The groom sings love songs outside the bride’s window the night before the wedding. This is a sweet way to show love and excitement for their future.
Today, couples can choose how to spend this night, whether together or apart, but it’s important for them to relax and connect emotionally.
Italian Wedding Day Traditions: A Day to Remember
Day of the Wedding: In Italy, Sundays are the best days for weddings because they are seen as lucky and bring good things. Fridays are considered unlucky because it was once believed that evil spirits were made on this day. Picking the right day is important in Italian wedding customs.
Italian Wedding Traditions: At Italian weddings, it’s common to give guests small gifts like presents, sugared almonds (confetti), and ribbons to celebrate family. The couple may also break a glass vase, and the number of pieces shows how many happy years they will have. Rice or wheat is thrown at the couple to wish them fertility and wealth.
Wedding Attire: Italian brides usually wear long, elegant white dresses made of fine materials like silk or satin, often with long sleeves. Their veils show how long they were engaged (one meter per year) and symbolize modesty and protection. Grooms typically wear black or navy tuxedos or suits with stylish accessories.
Wedding Ceremonies: Catholic wedding ceremonies in Italy are more formal and can last up to an hour, requiring modest dress codes. Civil ceremonies are generally shorter, lasting about 20 to 30 minutes, and may have more relaxed dress codes.
Financial Responsibilities: In Italy, the groom’s family usually pays for most of the wedding, like the venue and party costs. The bride’s family pays for the wedding dress, invitations, bridesmaids’ dresses, and flowers. This is an old Italian tradition.
Wedding Reception: Italian wedding receptions have many courses, including appetizers, pasta, main dishes, and sides, all with regional wines. Guests see the bride toss her bouquet to single women to guess who will marry next. The wedding cake is usually white, with layers, and has little models of the bride and groom on top.
Wedding Day Mercies: At the wedding, people often say things like, “May your love and happiness last forever.” These are kind wishes from family and friends for the couple’s future.
Post-Ceremony Traditions: After the wedding, the couple might cut a log to show their partnership or tie a ribbon in front of the church to symbolize ‘tying the knot.’ Friends often join them for drinks, visit their new home, and sometimes play playful pranks. These traditions celebrate their new life together.
Typical Wedding Gifts: A common gift is “la cassapanca,” a wedding chest that represents the couple’s new life and is often passed down in families. This chest is a special way to honor the couple and their family traditions.
Key Takings About Marriage in Italy
Cultural Richness: Italian weddings are full of history and religious customs. They often happen in beautiful churches or special places.
Engagement Rituals: Italian engagements include asking for family approval and sweet serenades. These show respect and romance, highlighting the importance of tradition.
Family Ties: Family is very important in Italian marriages. They support and celebrate together, showing that marriage joins two families, not just two people.
Wedding Day Traditions: On the wedding day, Italians follow special customs like having the wedding on a lucky Sunday and enjoying big, multi-course meals. These traditions show the importance of good luck and celebrating with friends and family.
Pre-Wedding Customs: The night before the wedding includes traditions like serenades and good luck practices. These set the stage for a joyful wedding day.
Post-Ceremony Festivities: After the wedding, customs like cutting a log or tying a ribbon mark the start of the couple’s new life. Gifts like “la cassapanca” honor family traditions and the couple’s future.
