Do It Yourself: Italian Inspired Weddings

Red is a traditional Italian wedding color.

Planning an Italian-themed wedding can be a challenge when you get down to all the specifics. Italian-inspired themes, such as a traditional Italian wedding or a bright Tuscan wedding, make for a beautiful ceremony and reception that will leave everyone talking for a long time, even if you are working on a limited budget. Whichever you choose, make sure that there is plenty of room and food as there are usually large numbers of guests who come to celebrate the joyous occasion. Don't worry about being "over the top" as Italian celebrations tend to be extravagant.

Instructions

1. 

   Bridal shower gifts should be items for the home.

   Plan a bridal shower. It is an Italian tradition that when the groom asks for the bride's hand in marriage, she begins to collect things for her home. This has now become the bridal shower. Traditionally, a family member throws the bridal shower.

2. 

   Vineyards are popular for outdoor Italian weddings.

   Pick a large venue for the wedding to be held. Whether you want to have your wedding indoors or outdoors, the venue should be able to hold a lot of people. Traditionally, Italian weddings are huge; on average, there are approximately 200 guests. A vineyard or Catholic church that can hold hundreds of people is a good option.

3. 

   Grapes are a perfect Tuscan wedding theme.

   Use wine- or grape-themed invitations. Tuscany is a wine country that is rich in red grapes. A wine or grape theme can carry throughout the whole wedding. Traditionally, Italian wedding invitations are hand written. You can have them done by a calligrapher, or hand write them yourself. Having them printed is generally frowned upon in Italian culture.

4. 

   Sunflowers are popular for a Tuscan-inspired wedding.

   For a wedding with a Tuscan twist, select bright colors such as fuchsia, golden yellow, bright blue and purples for your flowers and bridesmaids' dresses. Popular Tuscan flowers include sunflowers, purple mums and wildflowers. For a more traditional look, choose red and white roses or other in-season flowers in rich colors. Use food cans with Italian names in bright reds and rich yellows as unique centerpieces. Decorate the tables, banisters and pillars with grape vines and garlands.

5. 

   Wine corks can make an original name placard.

   Make name card holders from wine corks. Slice a cork halfway through, lengthwise, with a sharp knife and place the name placard in a slit on the top. Your guests can take home the corks as a memento.

6. 

   Spaghetti is a favorite at Italian-inspired weddings.

   Cook a lot of food. Italian weddings have a minimum of 13 courses—before the cake. Although a Tuscan wedding includes lighter food, there are still traditionally 13 courses of food. Courses include soup, salad, pasta, chicken, lamb, salmon, gelato and other Italian desserts. Of course, an Italian wedding would not be complete without copious amounts of wine. If you have people attending that can't or shouldn't drink, San Pellegrino mineral water is a decent option that looks just like wine.

7. 

   Make mixed CDs for your reception.

   Choose classic guitars or a string quartet if you are having live musicians. If this isn't something that can be worked into your budget, create some mixed CDs of popular Italian love songs or artists. Look into Pavarotti, Dean Martin and classical instrumental Italian music.

8. 

   Miniature oil and vinegar favors will remind people of your Tuscan wedding.

   Purchase mini bottles of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for wedding favors. Personalize them with a specially designed label or tag that can be added to the little bottle. Items decorated with grape vines are also popular at Tuscan weddings.

9. 

   Italian wedding ceremonies generally take about two hours.

   Rest the day before. Italian weddings are an all-day event. They usually start with a church service early in the morning, followed by wedding preparations, the ceremony, then a very long reception of dancing and partying.

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Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that if people are drinking at your wedding, you are legally responsible for them if anything should happen to them.

References

• Favor Ideas: A Tuscan-Themed Wedding
• Knot for Life: Your Great Big Italian Wedding—How to Make It Happen
• Wedding Theme Ideas: Italian Wedding Theme