About Italian Wedding Banquets
Italian wedding banquets ensure that no wedding guest leaves hungry, with as many as 14 courses typically served. Traditional Italian wedding banquets are still common at Italian and Italian-American wedding receptions, and their roots are steeped in Italian culture and customs. Any guest to an Italian wedding banquet is certain to have a wide array of delicious food and drink and a truly festive time celebrating the wedding of their family member or friend.
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Time Frame
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The majority of Italians and Italian-Americans are Catholic and their wedding ceremonies are performed in a Catholic church. Directly following the wedding, guests are invited to attend the Italian wedding banquet at a nearby banquet or reception hall. Italian wedding banquets last for several hours as guests eat, drink, dance and congratulate the bride and groom. Typically, Italian wedding banquets continue late into the night, often after the bride and groom have left.
Types
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Different foods are often served at Italian wedding banquets, based on the tastes of the bride and groom or the region of Italy from which the families are from. However, Italian wedding banquets generally have many similarities and there are some items that are always present. Italian wedding banquets include up to 14 different courses and beverages like sweet liquors, wine and other alcohol.
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Features
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Italian wedding banquets frequently begin with a cocktail hour where beverages are served. A cold antipasto that might include salami, pickled peppers, olives, mushrooms, calamari and prosciutto is served first, followed by traditional Italian wedding banquet food items like salads, pastas, soups, meat entrees and fruit. Popular meat courses include chicken marsala and filet mignon, though pork, lamb and seafood items are also frequently served.
There is usually an extensive dessert selection at Italian wedding banquets beyond the traditional wedding cake. An Italian wedding cake has multiple layers and is served to wedding guests with coffee and espresso, though pastries, fruits and candies are also served.
Significance
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Certain traditional foods at Italian wedding banquets have been served for centuries and are symbolic of aspects of the new union. Bow ties, fried bread dough covered in powdered sugar, are usually served during the dessert course and are a symbol of good luck for the newly married couple. Historically, wedding cake was not served in some parts of Italy, but candy-covered almonds were served to the guests for dessert instead. These candies are said to symbolize the bitterness and sweetness of the marriage, and many couples serve them during Italian wedding banquets today or place them in boxes or bags as wedding favors.
Considerations
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Italian wedding banquets are a wonderful way to celebrate the joyous occasion and thank guests for attending the wedding and supporting the newlyweds. Guests to Italian wedding banquets are guaranteed to have a good time and to eat many courses of delicious, authentic Italian wedding food. Liquor and wine are also a major part of Italian wedding banquets, allowing wedding guests to toast to the new couple and their happiness throughout the night. Italian wedding banquets are memorable not only for the bride and groom, but also for their many family and friends that share in their wedding celebration.
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