Italian Wedding Traditions

Wedding traditions and belief of course vary per country and sometimes even per city or province within that country. While all are interesting, here are some Italian wedding traditions that are both symbolic and interesting at the same time:

- Contrary to western activities such as bridal showers or stag parties, Italians follow a simple ritual the night before the wedding. Italian brides wear something green (maybe a green night gown) as this tradition is believed to bring good fortune to a couple. Green is the color symbol for money and in the saying ‘greener pasture’ which means better and richer future.
- When planning the wedding, the months of August and May is avoided altogether. The month of May is the celebration and veneration of Mary while they generally consider the month of August to be bad luck.
- The bride uses a veil to hide herself from evil spirits (while this is generally applicable in other cultures as well).
- The groom carries a small piece of iron in his pocket called Toc Ferro to prevent the Evil Eye. This Evil Eye is the symbolism that because of their union and happiness together, ‘evil spirits’ and people may grow jealous of the couple. So to prevent this, the Toc Ferro is what Italians believe would work.
- For the wedding favor, the most popular and traditional one is giving away sugar-coated almonds (given in odd numbers) placed in bags called bomboniera (a plastic mesh bag). This is to show the bitter-sweet years ahead of them while the odd number is believed to bring good luck (whether in weddings or in any other occasion).
- At the end of the ceremonies, the couple will throw a glass and the number of pieces it breaks into symbolizes the number of years they will be spending together.
During the toast, everyone wishes for 100 years of togetherness. But before this, it is traditionally the best man who serves the liquor to the guests.
- The bag often called “la borsa” is something the bride carries as some guests may give money as gifts instead and the bride places them in this bag.
- As for honeymoon, Sicily and Capri are just 2 of the most popular honeymoon places in Italy.

Across the world, almost all traditions and customs in weddings or in any other social occasion symbolize or represent something. While it is important to do these customs, remember that we must not solely rely on them, but rather, work on keeping the relationship together.

Respecting tradition, especially if both bride and groom are from the same country, are pivotal when preparing and during the wedding itself. It is both fun, and if it cannot do any harm but rather give the possibility of good things, or good luck, why not give it a try? When planning an Italian wedding, make sure you incorporate is not all, but most of these traditions – Italian decorations, Italian reception food, Italian wedding favors, and Italian traditions to complete an Italian wedding.