ITALIAN CEREMONY

Since most Italians are Catholic, a traditional Italian ceremony is very similar to that of Roman Catholics. The attire is that of a traditional bride, white dress followed by a white veil, hand in hand with her father who walks her down the aisle and hands her to her husband to be. The bride and groom are wed by a priest and the wedding is usually accompanied by a catholic mass then the exchanging of vows between the bride and groom.
Some traditional Italian traditions include the lighting of the unity candle and the “blessing of Virgin Mary.” The blessing of Virgin Mary is completed when the bride and groom place flowers at Virgin Mary’s feet. It is also part of the Italian tradition to tie a bow or ribbon across the churches doors to symbolize the tying together of two lives. A common Italian tradition that might be seen more often today is the carrying of the “buste.” A buste is a white satin bag that carries money in any form that the guests gift the couple. Any male who chooses to dance with the bride must first contribute to the satin buste. There are also a few folktales that some Italians believe. For instance, some believe that it is bad luck for a bride to wear any gold until her husband gives her the engagement ring.  Others believe that a groom should carry a piece of iron the day of his wedding to cast off any evil spells people may have casted on him. The bride’s veil is also seen as a way to protect the bride from evil, and also symbolizes her purity and virginity as most cultures do. Last but not least, we have candy covered almonds. As the couple is leaving the reception, guests throw these candy covered almonds to represent the sweet and bitter elements of married life.

ITALIAN FOOD AT WEDDINGS

Food for Italians is a very important element in their culture. For an Italian wedding to have seven course meals is very typical and traditional. In fact, don’t be surprised if your sit down or buffet is followed shortly after with a late night buffet. Since the Italian meal is a big part of the wedding, it is important to carefully plan it. You never will leave an Italian wedding on an empty stomach. The following are traditional Italian plates served at most weddings.

• - Antipasto- antipasto is a traditional Italian plate that is served t most weddings and consists of salami, fruits, cheese, olives, ham, prosciutto all mixed and topped off with of course Italian dressing.
• - Pasta course- everyone I’m sure is aware that Italians are pasta lovers! This Italian plate may consist of any kind of pasta, ranging from penne all the way to tortellini, and is mixed in a rich tomato or cream base sauce. Some couples
• may choose to have both pastas one in each flavored sauce.
• - Meat- most Italians like to serve veal, chicken or steak. Whatever the couple prefers most.
• -  Seafood- usually, at traditional Italian weddings, each table is served a seafood platter containing lobster, crab legs, and clams.
• - Hot plates- this plate con contain a variety of things, however they mostly include eggplant, sausage and peppers or fettuccine Alfredo.
• - Cold salads- salads are great to have to just mix with pasta or hot dishes. The salads can also include anything from the traditional multi-bean salad or Mediterranean salad.
• - Desert- no meal is complete without desert. Popular Italian deserts include gelato, tartuffo (coated balls of ice cream, cut and served in halved) and tiramisu.
• - Wedding cake- even after all that deserts, traditional Italian weddings serve the traditional white cake. However, most Italians like a fruit filling for example strawberry, and are very elaborate on the detailing of the cake.
• - Beverages- wince, coffee, cappuccinos are also all musts at traditional Italian wedding.

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