Italian Wedding Checklist

Order Jordan Almonds and Bomboniere

Buy good-quality sugar-coated almonds (confetti) and decorated bomboniere packaging. Count five almonds per guest. Sulmona almonds from Abruzzo are the traditional choice.

Arrange Tarantella Music and Band

Book a live band that can play the Tarantella and its regional variants (pizzica, tammurriata), as well as contemporary Italian and international songs for open dancing.

Complete Corso Prematrimoniale

Attend and complete the Catholic pre-marital preparation course (corso prematrimoniale) at your parish. It is required for every Catholic nuptial mass in Italy.

Plan Multi-Course Italian Menu

Work with the caterer on the full pranzo nuziale: an aperitivo buffet, primo (pasta or risotto), secondo (meat or fish), contorni, insalata, formaggi, and dolce, with regional specialties and wine pairings.

Purchase Gold Fedi Nuziali

Choose and buy simple gold wedding bands (fedi nuziali) in the Italian tradition. Italian rings are traditionally worn on the right hand.

Arrange La Serenata Musicians

Hire musicians and coordinate with friends and family for the groom's serenade to the bride on the evening before the wedding. Check that the bride's home has a window or balcony that is easy to reach.

Prepare Busta Collection

Set up a decorated box or bag for collecting the envelopes of money (buste) at the reception. Ask a trusted family member to look after the collection and keep the envelopes safe.

Book Wedding Car

Reserve a decorated vintage car or luxury vehicle to take you from the bride's home to the ceremony, and from the ceremony to the reception venue.

Obtain Glass or Vase for Breaking Ritual

Get a glass, small vase or decorative ceramic for the couple to break after the ceremony. A thicker vessel that shatters into many pieces is considered the best omen.

Obtain Nulla Osta and Civil Documents

Foreign nationals marrying in Italy must get a Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediment) from their home country's embassy or consulate in Italy. Gather all the civil documents you need well in advance.