Let me start by saying this: I’ve been to plenty of weddings in my life, but never something like a wedding in the south of Italy. It’s one of the only events I could possibly think of that would dedicate (potentially) nine or more hours to eating ONE meal, spin you (quite literally) off your feet, and be one of the best parties you could ever attend.

 

 

Southern Italian wedding traditions

I’ve been to plenty of weddings before – but here’s some of the traditions at Italian weddings that I didn’t expect to experience:

 

1. The nine-hour meal

If this sounds a little crazy to you, please know that I’m really not exaggerating, especially in the south of Italy.

Folks there really know how to eat.

Having been to two southern Italian weddings, I can say that the number of plates eaten during this nine-hour meal ranged between 12 and 19. I stopped counting after 19 – so it very well could have been more.

 

 

2. Bomboniere

Back in the US, wedding favors are pretty normal – but they’re usually placed at the tables or in little baskets on your way out of the ceremony. Some folks like to customize them (my favorite was their favorite cooking spice in engraved jars), while some go for a little bag of chocolates or one of my favorites – an antique key that doubles as a bottle opener. Pretty handy if you’re going for an apperitivo by the beach and someone forgets the bottle opener at home.

However, in Italy – there’s a whole part of the wedding reception dedicated to the Bomboniere, or gifts given to the guests by the bride and groom. Usually, it’s when everyone is leaving that they’re passed out, and it’s a way to congratulate the newlyweds on the way out. Some are very tailored to the couple – for my partner’s sister’s wedding, they gave their guests a little olive tree – and for some, it’s an activity they like to do together, like making custom liquor (kind of like making schnapps at home).

Oh, and they always have confetti (which are little chocolate-covered almonds). That’s essential.

 

3. How seriously the bouquet toss is taken

I’m going to get married in a year. At least, according to my Mauro’s family.

When you catch the bouquet in Italy – everyone, AND I MEAN EVERYONE, is convinced that you’ll be married within the next year. And they’ll tell you EVERY time they see you for the next few months. That you can definitely count on.

 

 

4. Witnesses instead of bridal parties

This was probably my favorite wedding tradition that I saw at all three weddings that we attended in June. Two witnesses for each spouse stood up and supported them for the wedding. Kind of like bridesmaids and groomsmen, BUT there was no need for matching dresses, color coordination, or any nightmares like the ones we saw in the movie 27 Dresses.

Mauro even said, “if there’s one thing you never do in Italy: tell more than one girl to show up in the same dress.”

Amen to that.

 

5. “Auguri gli sposi” instead of the glass-clinking smooch

Now, being from the Midwest – and I’m sure my fellow Midwesterners can vouch for me here – the glass clinking smooch is one of the most used and enjoyed traditions at US weddings. Every time you clink your glass, the newlyweds have to share a smooch.

In Italy – it’s a little different.

I had to double-check before I tried it, and when I’d asked Mauro if that was common in Italy he told me, “Only clink your glass if you want to give a speech.” Fair enough. Instead, what is more common in weddings in Italy is the “Brindisi” or the toast to the newlyweds. Different tables lead it every time – shouting “Auguri gli sposi!” or “Best wishes to the newlyweds!”, and all the other tables follow in response.

People get really into it, and it’s super fun to watch.

 

 

Have you ever been to a wedding in Italy before? Let me know some of your favorite traditions if you have any. If you haven’t, what’s your favorite wedding tradition you’ve ever seen? Italian weddings are such a fun event and so many people get involved – just remember, if you ever go to one, expect it to be an all day event. And I’m talking 8am to midnight for a day wedding, or 4pm to 6am for an evening wedding. You’re in it for the long haul!

 

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What I wore to this summer wedding:

The silk dress I wore is from a local artisan, so I’ve linked a few other silky favorites for you below.

 

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