From the Engagement to the Reception
Even to this day in Italy, age old Italian weddingtraditions are being practiced. If you are Italian, or have Italian heritage and would like to integrate some Italian wedding traditions into your modern day wedding, then use the following ideas for inspiration.
Engagement
Originally, it was up to the bride and grooms parents as to whom they married, with the utmost importance placed on lineage. If the bride’s father experienced even a tinge of doubt, the engagement would be canceled immediately. In many cases, a matchmaker would send a request to the bride’s family with his hopes of marrying her. At that point it was up to the bride’s family to either accept or deny the proposal. If the bride’s family accepted, then the Italian wedding planning would begin.
Ring
It’s always been customary for Italian bride’s to wear diamond engagement rings because Italians believe that diamonds are “created by the flames of love”.
Wedding Prep
One of the age old Italian wedding traditions is the dowry. The Italian bride, in preparation for her big day, would gather household items and clothing and take them to her future husband. This tradition still takes place today in the form of a bridal shower.
Luck
It was and still is customary for Italian brides to marry on Sunday, because it’s considered bad luck to marry on any other day of the week. Any gold jewelry worn on the wedding day is also considered bad luck. Candy covered almonds, which are considered a symbol of fertility, are handed out to wedding guests.
Food
The family is required to find Italian wedding venues that have the capacity to cook and serve up to fourteen different courses! If you plan on attending a traditional Italian wedding, make sure you show up with an empty stomach and a healthy appetite!
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