How to Incorporate Italian Traditions into Your Wedding Day (And Your Photos)
One of the greatest joys of photographing weddings in Italy is witnessing the beautiful, often centuries-old traditions that families bring to the day. These rituals are more than just customs; they’re pulses of emotion, symbolism, and connection that create some of the most heartfelt and meaningful photos in your entire gallery.
Whether you have Italian heritage or simply want to honour the beautiful culture you’re marrying in, incorporating a few traditions can add a layer of profound authenticity to your celebration. Let me share some of the most photogenic and meaningful ones I’ve seen.
1. La Bomboniera & I Confetti
This is perhaps the most iconic tradition. Confetti here are not paper streamers, but sugar-coated almonds. They symbolise the bittersweet aspects of life and marriage: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. Five almonds are traditionally presented to each guest in a beautiful favour called a bomboniera.
How to Incorporate: Choose beautiful bomboniere—perhaps ceramic from Sicily or Vietri, or a simple linen pouch.
Photo Magic: A detail shot of the bomboniere arranged on a table with the almonds spilling out is a must. Even better, a shot of you two placing them at each setting, or a guest admiring theirs. The moment when the couple is presented with a special bomboniera from their parents is also deeply emotional.
2. Il Taglio della Cravatta (The Cutting of the Tie)
A fun, lively tradition usually happening during the reception. The groom’s tie is cut into pieces by the best man (or sometimes the bride!) and then auctioned off to guests. The money raised is given to the newlyweds to help start their life together.
How to Incorporate: Simply have a pair of decorative scissors ready and let your best man or maid of honour announce it!
Photo Magic: This is pure, candid gold. The laughter, the playful bargaining, the groom’s mock horror. It’s a burst of high-energy joy that tells a story of community and celebration. Get close for the cutting moment and wide for the auction chaos.
3. Il Valzer (The Waltz)
While the first dance is universal, in many Italian regions, it’s followed by a specific, often choreographed waltz. What makes it special is when, partway through, the parents join, and then other couples, until the entire dance floor is swirling together.
How to Incorporate: Learn a simple waltz! Your band or DJ will know the classic tunes (“Luna Rossa,” “Che Sarà”).
Photo Magic: The elegance of the waltz, the focused intimacy of you two moving together, and then the beautiful moment when your parents cut in. An overhead shot from a balcony (if possible) of the swirling dance floor is absolutely stunning.
4. Le Serenate (The Serenade)
While less common today, the idea of music as a courtship gift is romantic. A modern twist could be a surprise musical performance for your partner during the day—a guitarist during the cocktail hour, a classical trio during dinner, or even a Tarantella band for the party.
How to Incorporate: Arrange a surprise performance for your spouse.
Photo Magic: Capturing the reaction is key. The look of surprise and delight on your partner’s face as the music starts. The joy of guests gathering around. It’s a moment of pure, shared emotion.
5. La Tarantella
This isn’t just a dance; it’s a frenzy of joy! This traditional folk dance from the south, with its fast tempo and circle formation, often kicks off the real party. Guests join hands and dance in a circle, the pace getting faster and faster.
How to Incorporate: Ask your band to play a Tarantella and have your wedding planner or a confident family member start the circle.
Photo Magic: Action, action, action! Use a slower shutter speed to show motion blur, capturing the whirl of colour and movement. Get in the middle of the circle for shots of laughing, breathless faces. It’s the epitome of celebration and energy.
6. Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue… Italian Style
The classic rhyme has an Italian cousin with deeper symbolism. Consider incorporating:
Something Old (Vecchio): A family heirloom—your nonna’s lace, a vintage piece of jewellery sewn into your dress.
Something New (Nuovo): Your wedding attire.
Something Borrowed (Preso in Prestito): Borrow from a happily married friend for good luck.
Something Blue (Azzurro): A blue garter or a tiny blue ribbon (nastro azzurro) is traditional for fertility and fidelity.
A Note for Your Photographer
The key to photographing traditions is understanding their emotional weight. My job isn’t just to document the action of cutting a tie, but to capture the laughter and camaraderie around it. It’s not just about the dance, but the connection between you, your parents, and your community.
If you plan to include any traditions, big or small, tell your photographer beforehand. We can anticipate the moments, know where to stand, and ensure the photos reflect the true meaning and feeling behind the custom.
These traditions are threads that connect your personal love story to the rich tapestry of Italian culture. They add depth, warmth, and a beautiful, timeless spirit to your day—and to the photos you’ll cherish forever.
Auguri!