Italian Wedding Traditions

Some Italian wedding traditions go back to medieval times or maybe even before then. Italy and love just go together. Italy evokes images of romance- Romeo and Juliet, Venice, and wine are just a few. The very word 'romance' is derived from 'Rome'. It's only natural that one of the most romantic cultures in the world also has many wedding traditions and customs. An Italian wedding is a true celebration, extravagant in every way. An Italian wedding reception usually lasts until the early morning hours.

Diamond engagement rings is one of the most common Italian wedding traditions. Diamond engagement rings date back to medieval ages. Italians believed that diamonds were created by the passionate flames of romantic love. Before engagement rings became a wedding tradition, an Italian groom would offer a payment of precious stones for his future bride.

In some Italian regions it is a tradition for the bride and groom to walk to the church together on their wedding day. Locals will place objects in the path of the bride to gauge her reaction. How she reacts foreshadows how she will handle her future married life.

Italian wedding traditions in other areas actually require the bride and groom to cut a log in two with a double handle saw after the wedding. This symbolizes the couple's partnership in marriage. Another Italian wedding tradition that is popular is tying a ribbon in front of the church. The ribbon represents the bride and groom 'tying the knot'.

Italians also have superstitions regarding weddings. If an Italian bride wears green the night before a wedding, it brings good fortune to the future married couple. It is bad luck if the bride wears gold on her wedding day, except for her wedding ring. The Italian bride wears a veil to protect her from evil spirits. If the veil is torn, it is considered good luck. For good luck, an Italian groom carries iron in his trousers pocket.