Most people in the world know that the country of Italy means love and in many cases love means marriage, right?
Imagine getting ready for this big Italian wedding... Floating on the water in Venice, shopping in Florence or having lunch in Rome, that's the romance part, it's magical. But boy do they have a few different wedding customs :-)
It's natural for many people to visit the country with their loved ones or alone in the hope of finding love. Just as you do with any international city that you plan to visit for a wedding, getting to know local wedding traditions can help you make a good impression.
How about flirting and dating at the wedding?
It may sound exciting depending on what your goals are. Even though, Italians are known for their love of romance they're still conservative when it comes time to settling down.
There's an Italian thought process when it comes to dating (or potentially building a relationship).
Italian traditions dictate that men should be financially stable, successful and grounded. One thing women should be aware of; Italian men are mommas boys. Beware being involved means getting involved with Momma too.
Are you interested in dating Italian men? You should make a clear distinction between; whether they are planning on a casual affair (sex is emotional and fun) or something more permanent (like being a good wife and mom) How you approach a man and discern his feelings will depend a lot on this. Ultimately in his eyes you'll either be a good girl or a bad girl!
For Men - Even today, the family of an Italian woman will alwaysbelooking into the background of a man that she is seriously interested in. Being chivalrous and being sensitive to the needs of a woman can take you a long way.
It goes without saying you'll need to turn on the charm. Italian women love to be told just how beautiful they are. So prepare to tell them early and often :-) If you're a stoic kind of guy who plays it close to the vest don't bother. Italian women want a nice open, emotionally connected man.
You'd think with all the exposure to today's values that the traditions of the past would be disappearing. That's certainly not the case.
Weddings - Italian wedding traditions are many, and these are often based on the region you're in.
For instance, one small town has the couple walking together to the chapel. During the walk, family will place barricades or blocks to make it difficult to get to the church.
Tradition says that watching the couple handle these unexpected (obstacles) surprises placed on the way to the church will give you (and them) an insight into how their married relationship will go through their life. Other locations will simply place the obstacles around the church. The goal is the same.. to see just how the couple reacts to adversity. It's an interesting concept and loosely based on scientific fact.
Some couples tie a ribbon together at the chapel as a symbol of their bond together. The ring is gently placed on the left ring finger. This is to signify and symbolize traditional love and commitment.As part of Italian traditions in some places, the groom is expected to carry a piece of iron in his pocket. (This is to keep evil spirits at bay.)A veil covers the bride's face to protect her from jealous spirits. If it tears it's considered bad luck. Many carry a duplicate in their satin bag.
Traditions are so powerful they even direct the times of the year and even certain times of the week, (traditionally Sunday is the day of choice) when you can expect to get married.
Out of all the traditional Italian celebrations, a wedding can be the biggest even of the year. Lot's of family, huge choices in food and drink, plus dancing! These celebrations are known to go on for days. Plan for a morning wedding and the reception well, it'll end when the bride decides. After all, it IS her day right!
After the ceremony, the married couple has a crazy celebration with family and friends with dancing, feasting, eating and a huge wedding cake. Many times this goes on till the early hours of the next day.
Italy in general is based on a long standing love affair with history. Italian weddings are no different.
The more you understand Italian wedding traditions, the more you'll fully experience, understand and appreciate the true meaning behind the wedding and reception.
Imagine getting ready for this big Italian wedding... Floating on the water in Venice, shopping in Florence or having lunch in Rome, that's the romance part, it's magical. But boy do they have a few different wedding customs :-)
It's natural for many people to visit the country with their loved ones or alone in the hope of finding love. Just as you do with any international city that you plan to visit for a wedding, getting to know local wedding traditions can help you make a good impression.
How about flirting and dating at the wedding?
It may sound exciting depending on what your goals are. Even though, Italians are known for their love of romance they're still conservative when it comes time to settling down.
There's an Italian thought process when it comes to dating (or potentially building a relationship).
Italian traditions dictate that men should be financially stable, successful and grounded. One thing women should be aware of; Italian men are mommas boys. Beware being involved means getting involved with Momma too.
Are you interested in dating Italian men? You should make a clear distinction between; whether they are planning on a casual affair (sex is emotional and fun) or something more permanent (like being a good wife and mom) How you approach a man and discern his feelings will depend a lot on this. Ultimately in his eyes you'll either be a good girl or a bad girl!
For Men - Even today, the family of an Italian woman will alwaysbelooking into the background of a man that she is seriously interested in. Being chivalrous and being sensitive to the needs of a woman can take you a long way.
It goes without saying you'll need to turn on the charm. Italian women love to be told just how beautiful they are. So prepare to tell them early and often :-) If you're a stoic kind of guy who plays it close to the vest don't bother. Italian women want a nice open, emotionally connected man.
You'd think with all the exposure to today's values that the traditions of the past would be disappearing. That's certainly not the case.
Weddings - Italian wedding traditions are many, and these are often based on the region you're in.
For instance, one small town has the couple walking together to the chapel. During the walk, family will place barricades or blocks to make it difficult to get to the church.
Tradition says that watching the couple handle these unexpected (obstacles) surprises placed on the way to the church will give you (and them) an insight into how their married relationship will go through their life. Other locations will simply place the obstacles around the church. The goal is the same.. to see just how the couple reacts to adversity. It's an interesting concept and loosely based on scientific fact.
Some couples tie a ribbon together at the chapel as a symbol of their bond together. The ring is gently placed on the left ring finger. This is to signify and symbolize traditional love and commitment.As part of Italian traditions in some places, the groom is expected to carry a piece of iron in his pocket. (This is to keep evil spirits at bay.)A veil covers the bride's face to protect her from jealous spirits. If it tears it's considered bad luck. Many carry a duplicate in their satin bag.
Traditions are so powerful they even direct the times of the year and even certain times of the week, (traditionally Sunday is the day of choice) when you can expect to get married.
Out of all the traditional Italian celebrations, a wedding can be the biggest even of the year. Lot's of family, huge choices in food and drink, plus dancing! These celebrations are known to go on for days. Plan for a morning wedding and the reception well, it'll end when the bride decides. After all, it IS her day right!
After the ceremony, the married couple has a crazy celebration with family and friends with dancing, feasting, eating and a huge wedding cake. Many times this goes on till the early hours of the next day.
Italy in general is based on a long standing love affair with history. Italian weddings are no different.
The more you understand Italian wedding traditions, the more you'll fully experience, understand and appreciate the true meaning behind the wedding and reception.
About the Author:
Dominic Siano's male perspective helps plan your memory filled Italian wedding. Recognized as the best Escorted Italian Tour agent and groom, he focuses exclusively on your Italian wedding experience He helps you make memories. You can see a sample wedding planning tour of his here.
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