Italian American weddings are full of passion, family, and cherished customs that have been passed down through generations. These celebrations are more than just beautiful events—they are cultural experiences that blend tradition with heartfelt meaning.
From the romantic serenade the night before the wedding to the joyful chaos of the reception, every moment is steeped in symbolism. And at the center of it all? The wedding rings.
At The Italian Jewelry Company, we believe your wedding jewelry should reflect not just your personal love story but the richness of your heritage. Our Italian Wedding Ring Collection includes timeless designs like olive branch and cross bands, handcrafted in Italy with meaning and elegance.
Let’s explore some of the most beloved Italian American wedding traditions and how you can bring them into your own celebration.
Before the Ceremony: Romance and Rituals
La Serenata (The Serenade)
In Southern Italian wedding traditions, it’s common for the groom to serenade the bride the night before the wedding. This public display of love, accompanied by musicians and family, is a touching gesture of devotion and celebration.
The Groom Pays for the Bouquet
One longstanding tradition is for the groom to pay for the bride’s bouquet. Seen as his final gift to her before they become husband and wife, it’s a symbolic gesture of love and commitment.
No Pre-Wedding Glimpses
Many Italian American brides still follow the custom of not allowing the groom to see them before the ceremony. In some regions, it’s also believed to be bad luck for the bride to even see herself in a mirror in her wedding dress.
During the Ceremony: Faith, Fortune, and Family
Sunday Weddings
Sunday is considered the luckiest day to marry in Italian culture, said to bring fertility and prosperity. Friday weddings, by contrast, are traditionally avoided.
Making Your Own Luck
Superstitions abound at Italian weddings. The groom might carry a small piece of iron in his pocket to ward off evil spirits, while the bride may tear a small piece of her veil to invite good luck into the marriage.
No Wedding Party
Italian weddings typically don’t include a large bridal party. Instead, two close family friends—one for each partner—serve as the legal witnesses. This custom emphasizes the intimacy and sincerity of the union.
To honor this simplicity and symbolism, many couples choose rings that reflect heritage and tradition. Discover handcrafted bands in our Italian Wedding Ring Collection, created to last a lifetime.
During the Reception: Festivity and Tradition
Bomboniere and Confetti
Rather than paper confetti, Italian weddings feature sugared almonds known as “confetti,” which are given as favors in elegant containers called bomboniere. Traditionally, five almonds are included to symbolize health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life.
La Tarantella
This lively folk dance is a staple at Italian receptions. Guests join hands in a circle, spinning and dancing to joyful music. It represents happiness and unity, setting the tone for a celebratory evening.
“Un Bacio Per La Sposa!”
Throughout the night, guests will clink their glasses and shout “Un bacio per la sposa!”—a kiss for the bride. The newlyweds are expected to kiss on cue, much to the delight of their guests.
Cutting the Cake
The cutting of the wedding cake represents the couple’s first joint task and symbolizes their cooperation in the life ahead. Italian weddings may also feature millefoglie or other traditional layered desserts as a sweet ending to the meal.
The Groom’s Tie
In a humorous and practical tradition, the groom’s tie is sometimes cut into pieces and “sold” to guests. The money collected goes toward the wedding expenses or honeymoon.
Rice Tossing
As the couple exits the ceremony, guests toss rice or grain over them, a traditional blessing for fertility, abundance, and good fortune.
Venetian Hour
The reception may conclude with a grand Venetian Hour, also known as the Trionfo di Golosità. It’s a table overflowing with cakes, cookies, pastries, fruits, liquors, and coffee—offering a sweet finish to a joyful day.
The Ring That Tells a Story
In a celebration so rich in heritage and tradition, your wedding rings should be equally meaningful. At The Italian Jewelry Company, our collection of Italian wedding rings is designed to honor these customs while adding timeless beauty to your love story.
From classic gold bands to symbolic designs like the olive branch and cross, each piece is crafted with tradition and artistry in mind.
Explore the full Italian Wedding Ring Collection and find the ring that captures your roots, your love, and your forever.
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