In Italy, a wedding is much more than a ceremony: it’s a mix of emotion, symbols, community, and tradition. Despite the changes in recent decades, many Italian wedding traditions are still alive—sometimes reinterpreted in a modern way, other times preserved with care and pride. Let’s explore the ten most iconic Italian wedding customs.
1. The bride arrives late
This small tradition is believed to bring good luck: the bride should arrive a few minutes late as a sign of good fortune. Even though modern couples try to stay on schedule, the “bride’s delay” remains a symbolic gesture that builds anticipation and emotion.
2. The bridal procession and arrival at the church
The bride is accompanied by her father (or a close relative), while the groom waits at the altar. Often, children lead the procession carrying the rings or scattering flower petals. It is one of the most emotional moments of the day.
3. Honking horns in the wedding convoy
After the ceremony, the newlyweds leave the church amid a shower of rice thrown by guests to celebrate the union. Then, they head to the reception in a decorated car convoy, honking horns along the way to share their joy with the town. This tradition is especially popular in small and mid-sized towns.
4. Cutting the groom’s tie
At the reception, friends cut the groom’s tie into small pieces and “sell” them symbolically to guests to raise money for the honeymoon. It’s a playful, spontaneous way to involve everyone in the celebration
5. The bride’s garter
The garter, worn under the bride’s dress, symbolizes fertility and good luck. In some weddings, the groom removes the garter and tosses it to single male guests, much like the bouquet tradition. In other cases, it is given as a gift or auctioned symbolically. Today, couples often adapt or skip this tradition depending on their preferences.
6. The bouquet toss
The bride throws her bouquet to the single women. According to tradition, whoever catches it will be the next to marry. Some brides prepare a separate bouquet for the toss to keep the original as a keepsake.
7. Cutting the cake
One of the most anticipated moments is cutting the wedding cake, which symbolizes the couple’s first act of sharing. This is often accompanied by fireworks and a collective toast.
8. The first dance
After the meal, the couple opens the dance floor with their first dance. It’s an intimate and romantic moment, followed by guests joining in. The chosen song usually holds special meaning for the couple and marks the start of the wedding party.
9. Confetti and bomboniere
Before the celebration ends, guests receive wedding favors (bomboniere) with sugared almonds (confetti). They symbolize health, love, and prosperity. There are always an odd number—usually five—representing indivisibility.
10. The cash gift: “la busta”
Guests usually give money as a gift in an envelope. Many couples set up a decorated box or special table to discreetly collect the envelopes. Today, this is a common alternative to a wedding registry.
Typical phrases for an Italian wedding
Have you been invited to an Italian wedding or are you planning to propose in Italian? If so, you’ll want to learn some classic Italian phrases to surprise your friends—or even to pop the question to your partner!
Marriage proposal
- Vuoi sposarti con me? – Do you want to marry me?
- Mi vuoi sposare? – Will you marry me?
- Vuoi essere mia moglie? – Do you want to be my wife?
- Vuoi essere mio marito? – Do you want to be my husband?
- Sì, lo voglio – Yes, I do
Ceremony
- Vi dichiaro marito e moglie. – I now pronounce you husband and wife.
- Accetti di prendere… come tuo legittimo sposo/sposa? – Do you take… as your lawful husband/wife?
- Con questo anello, ti sposo. – With this ring, I marry you.
- Prometto di esserti fedele, nella gioia e nel dolore. –I promise to be faithful to you, in joy and in sorrow.
- Finché morte non ci separi. – Until death do us part.
Congratulations to the couple
- Viva gli sposi! – Long live the newlyweds!
- Tanti auguri agli sposi! – Best wishes to the bride and groom!
Learning Italian through wedding traditions makes it even more exciting and unforgettable!
Italian weddings are not just celebrations of love, but also an authentic way to explore the culture, language, and customs of the Bel Paese. From the “I do” to the bouquet toss, every gesture has its story and vocabulary.
Would you like to learn Italian while discovering its culture, food, and most romantic traditions? Write to me and let’s start this language journey together… because you never know where love might take you!
