-
Many Italian couples choose Sunday for their wedding because it is considered the luckiest day. Everyone in the community knows a wedding is about to take place by the ribbon bow decorating the entrance to the church. The ribbon is a symbol of the couple's bond.
According to Italian folklore, the bride wears a veil to hide from envious spirits. Likewise, a groom carries some kind of iron object in his pocket to keep evil and jealous spirits away. It is a tradition for two white doves to be released following the church ceremony to signify love and happiness.
As a sign of good fortune, guests throw confetti or rice as the wedding couple exits the church. Oftentimes, guests are given nuts and grains to throw at the married couple to promote conception. -
Large quantities of food and drink are traditional at an Italian reception. The reception begins with the best man serving guests an Italian liqueur to toast the newlyweds. Following the toast, the various dinner courses begin with the appropriate wine served with each selection. Typically, an Italian wedding dinner consists of antipasto, Italian wedding soup, salad, pasta, meat entree, assorted fruits and dessert.
Wandies, which are fried dough covered with powered sugar, and other Italian cookies are served for dessert as a symbol of good luck. The wedding cake is served last with espresso. Candy covered almonds are traditionally given as favors to guests.
During the reception, the couple dances their first dance together. The bridal party follows and then the guests. Time is also dedicated to speeches by family and friends, with a champagne toast ending each speech. -
Traditionally, weddings in Italy are not held during Lent, Advent, the month of May, which honors the Blessed Mother, and the month of August, which is a popular vacation time.
It is a custom in some regions of Italy for the bride and groom to cut a log in half. They use a double handled saw to represent their partnership in love and marriage. Italian brides traditionally carry a satin purse for guests to place envelopes of money to cover the reception. Male guests who dance with the bride at the reception also place money in the purse.
At some point during the reception, it is customary for the couple to break a glass together and count the broken pieces to determine the number of years they will share together as a happy couple.
