Getting married in Italy: traditions and street food

Getting married in Italy is a unique experience for newlyweds, amidst traditions, culture and good food.

Weddings in Italy follow a precise procedure, from planning to the actual celebration. The celebration is then followed by the festivities, which generally take place in suggestive locations, preferably by the sea. All accompanied by good music and typical food, which varies from region to region.

Sicily represents the region with the highest approval rating for couples who love good food, as it offers the possibility of ranging from the simplest Sicilian street food to more refined and gourmet catering. Indeed, let us not forget that Sicily offers many fish dishes that would not disappoint even the most demanding palates.

Getting married in Italy: wedding day timeline

Weddings in Italy are divided into several stages, each with its own meaning and duration.

First of all, the wedding is always preceded by the preparation of the bride and groom and in particular of the bride, who will be made up and styled.

The duration of the wedding in Italy will depend on the type of celebration chosen.

The ceremony is followed by the photographic service of the bride and groom and, if desired, the service can also include photos with the bridesmaids and wedding witnesses, as well as a video of the event. More and more photographers are using drones to capture the most beautiful moments of a wedding in Italy.

The photo shoot is followed by the reception. Generally, villas and historical palaces are preferred, but the choice is very wide. In Sicily, the bride and groom can choose to get married in castles, in the woods, in the countryside, biodynamic resorts, masserie, ancient convents.

The menu generally includes, in addition to a welcome aperitif that is generally served standing (or if you wish with tables for standing), a starter at the table, 2 first courses, a main course of fish or meat with a side dish.

At the end of the lunch or dinner buffet desserts will be served and the wedding cake will also be offered. The cutting of the cake is a very romantic moment and is always accompanied by an auspicious toast.

This is followed, if desired, by dancing and celebration, with entertainment, live music and, on some occasions, fireworks.

Nothing prohibits the bride and groom from organising a smarter wedding, favouring, for example, a buffet only, which will include the main dishes that a Sicilian wedding menu should offer.

Getting married in Italy: planning and preparations

Wedding celebrations in Italy follow a complex phase of planning and preparations. Wedding preparations represent the most difficult part of the organisation.

The preparation phase can last months and involves many different aspects: choice of location, invitations, choice of wedding and groom’s dress, flower arrangements and organisation of the ceremony and reception. This is why wedding planning is increasingly being entrusted to an experienced wedding planner who knows the area where one chooses to get married.

Getting married in Italy: Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony can be civil, religious or symbolic, depending on the preference of the bride and groom. Each type follows its own procedure and has its own duration:

– Civil Wedding: Celebrated in a town hall or authorised location, in the presence of a civil registrar. The ceremony is short and lasts approximately 20 minutes.

– Religious Wedding: In Church for Catholic couples. Many locations in Sicily also offer small consecrated churches where wedding vows can be exchanged.

– Symbolic Wedding: It has no legal value, but it is nevertheless an emotional celebration and allows for maximum personalisation for the bride and groom.

Getting married in Italy: typical Sicilian food

Food is one of the key elements of an Italian wedding, and in Sicily it plays an even more important role. Indeed, Sicilian cuisine is famous for its intense flavours and Arab, Spanish and Greek influences.

The Sicilian wedding represents a unique culinary journey for bride, groom and guests, combining tradition and creativity.

Among the typical dishes that cannot be missing from a Sicilian wedding banquet:

1. Antipasti, which make up the various specialities of Sicilian street food par excellence, including arancine, panelle and potato croquettes, Sicilian Sfincione, bread with spleen, vegetables in tempura, aubergine and fish caponata;
2. Traditional first courses including pasta or rice with cuttlefish ink, risotto alla marinara, pasta alla norma, pasta with sardines, seafood couscous, baked anelletti, and much more;
3. Second Courses of Fish and Meat, including swordfish rolls, meat rolls, lobster, and much more.;
4. Dolci e Torta Nuziale (Sicilian Cassata, Sicilian Cannoli).

Getting married in Italy: how can we help?

The Sicilian Dream Weddings team specialises in organising weddings in Sicily, as well as in Italy. We know the Sicilian territory better than anyone else because this is our land and we love it very much.

Italian weddings follow a path that combines formality and celebration, involving the bride and groom and their guests in an emotional journey. We love guiding the bride and groom in the organisation of their most beautiful day and do our utmost to ensure that their every wish is fulfilled.

Sicily offers enchanting wedding locations and your guests will not be disappointed either. We will try to make your wedding an unforgettable emotional journey.

Would you like to get married in Sicily and are you looking for a wedding planner in Sicily to guide you through every step of the planning, from the choice of location to the wedding menu? Contact us.