Italian Wedding Traditions 

The Italian culture is the craddle of many popular customs which are in the whole peninsula very deep-rooted. Some traditions date back centuries, some have changed over time, while others, living on our modern life, still keep their importance and link with the past generations.
Whom wishes a bit of luck after the Wedding Ceremony, a future of Love and Joy... or simply wants to honour the tradition... here is a list of customs which are observed by all Italian Brides and Grooms!

Serenade: in many regions, on the night before the Wedding Ceremony the Groom organizes a romantic serenade under the window of his future wife. He is usually accompanied by a musician and by some of their best friends.

Wedding Attire: any Bride should wear or carry on the Wedding Day the following five details: something old (i.e. grandmother's jewel) representing the bride's life before her Wedding Day; something new (i.e. the Wedding Dress) symbolizing the new life and union; something borrowed (i.e. a handkerchief of a happy person or friend) standing for a praise to friendship and wish to joy; something blue (i.e. a garter or a flower) expressing fidelity and purity: something received (i.e. a neclace) representing the link with relatives and friends.

Wedding Dress: the traditional Weddind dress dates back to the 19th Century. It conveys the image of purity, joy and perfection. Once brides were asked to wear dark dresses. The white veil was worn during the whole Ceremony and covered the face of the woman till the end of the celebration.

Bouquet: the bridal bouquet is the last gift for the Groom for his future wife. It seals the end of engagement as a new life in common, after the ceremony, begins.

Wedding Rings: they symbolize the commitment of two people who love each other, the binding of two hearts in the circle of a new life together: a man and a woman who become husband and wife. They represent eternal love. In some regions the Wedding Rings are even called "Vera" (= Faith). Its origins lie in the ancient Egyptian Civilization. The ring is worn on the left hand, as it is the side close to heart. Many people like to have their rings engraved with either a special message, the name of the Spouses or the Wedding Date. According to the popular custom the Groom generally takes care for the rings. However, today, a large number of couples offer their witnesses the task of buying the Wedding Rings for them.

Rice: the old custom of throwing Rice is a wish to fruitfulness and Prosperity. Guests throw it after the Ceremony, outside the Civil Hall or the Church. Today rice tossing is being replaced by paper confetti or petals.

"Confetti" Sweets and Bonbonniere: it is a typical Italian custom to offer all the guests attending the Wedding a "Bomboniera", a thanking and a keepsake for taking part in an event to remember. They are usually delivered after the cutting of the cake by the Newlyweds. The favor can range from something very simple to something more elaborated. Five white "Confetti" (candy-covered almonds) are always tied to a favor in which a small card with the names of Spouses and their Wedding Date is placed. The five "Confett" stand for: Happiness, Health, Longevity, Prosperity and Fertility.

Common Toasts: "Per cent'anni" (=for hundred years); "Evviva gli sposi" (=hurray for the Newlyweds); "Bacio! Bacio!" (=kiss for the Bride); "Auguri" (=best wishes)