Italy has to be at the top of the list when it comes to countries and cultures that do homey, beautiful traditions. There is a reason after all, that long family lunches, Italian feasts and vineyard celebrations are so enjoyed by us all. If you have ever wanted to infuse that welcoming, beautiful Italian vibe to your wedding day, we’re diving into ten ways to add Italian flavour to your wedding. From the downright delicious, to the downright fun!
Whip up Limoncello
Photo by Massimo Bonon via Audrey & Guillaume’s Tuscany Destination Wedding
Greet guests with epic charcuterie & antipasti
Photo by Jonathan David via Christina & Roy’s Sweet Montrose Country Wedding
Who doesn’t love a table of fresh olives, beautiful salamis and cured meats and amazing cheeses? These have been done so well lately as grazing tables, and welcoming guests with laden boards of delicious treats is a big treat- especially when so many Australian producers are making such decadent delights!
Add olive branches to your floral styling
Flowers by Lauren Orr Photo by Jonathan Ong via Victoria and Paul’s Formal Country Estate Wedding
For me, the quintessential floral detail of Italy is the olive branch. Beautiful lush garlands on ceremony arbours, down the centre of tables, hanging from ceilings – even in your bouquet, are such beautiful nods to Italy’s olive groves, olive oil and food.
Serve up Italian wine & Prosecco
Photo by Emma Nayler via Diana & Daniel’s Bright & Bold Fiesta Wedding
I have to say if there is a celebratory drink on our table of late, it’s Prosecco – I am a big fan of the Italian bubbly and the Italian drop. Try including Italian wines in your drinks list – from Italian brands to Italian varieties like Sangiovese.
Delight guests with a pizza main course
Photo by Anthea and Lyndon via Ciara & Ben’s Sweet Garden Picnic Wedding At Old Parliament House
Is there a crowd-pleaser quite like a pizza? Delight your guests by serving up this old Italian favourite for your wedding reception (extra points for wood-fired!)
Serve your meal family-style
Food by Damm Fine Food Photo by Milina Opsenica Photography via Danielle & James’ Classic Olive Grove Country Wedding
Part of the charm, for me, of the Italian long lunch. Serving your food from big platters and bowls down the centre of the tables, and encouraging guests to help themselves is a surefire way of breaking the ice between guests and promoting that warm, family feel.
Gift guests sugared almonds
Photo by fotojojo via Ellen and Adam’s Romantic Rooftop Wedding
Sugared almonds have to be the oldest Italian wedding tradition. The custom goes that the traditional gifted five almonds symbolise marriage virtues, like health, wealth, happiness, fertility and long life. The bittersweet taste, a reflection of life.
Dive into a gelato dessert
Photo by Abigail Varney via Grace and Ben’s Rustic Lavandula Farm Wedding
We talked about the savoury – but what about the sweet? There is so much to love about traditional Italian gelato. The best idea? Have a surprise cart show up at midnight while your guests are on the dancefloor, it’ll be the sweetest surprise! (save me pistachio!)
Focus on coffee
Photo by Gathering Events via Cocktail Friday – Gathering Events’ Espresso Martini Recipe
The Italians love their coffee and there are so many ways, that if being a coffee lover yourself, you can include the dark roast on your wedding day. From hot coffee carts at Winter weddings to coffee-inspired desserts (like of course, a classic tiramisu) to coffee bars with all the trimmings. My favourite? Serving up espresso martinis. You know this means a packed dance floor!
Arrive by Italian Car Or Vespa
Photo by Elena Bonomi via Elena and Davide’s Italian Wedding
What could be more fun than riding off into the sunset (or dawn!) on the back of a Vespa? I love the idea of including a little Italian love with your transport. Vespas are an obvious choice, but consider something fun like a Fiat, or an Alfa Romeo Giulietta! By the water? Consider a classic Italian style wooden boat for your getaway.
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