10 Italian wedding ideas to evoke a taste of Tuscany
A destination wedding in Tuscany is a dream for many of us, yet the expense and logistics of hosting a wedding in Italy often pushes it out of reach. But never fear, marrying stateside doesn’t mean you can’t borrow a few Italian ideas from the Mediterranean olive groves for your wedding on home soil. Today Italian wedding photographer and Fine Art Curation member Anna Gianfrate shares her 10 top Italian wedding ideas to evoke a taste of Tuscany, wherever in the world you're getting married.
Romantic wedding invitation suite with calligraphy
Your wedding invitation suite sets the tone of your entire event so go with an elegant Italian theme from the outset. Think greenery, florals and citrus fruits, as well as imagery that is reminiscent of the great Italian Renaissance artists. Calligraphy, wax seals and custom monograms also add a gorgeous old world touch.
Villa venue
Find an Italian-style villa to host your wedding and you're well on your way to an authentic Tuscan soirée. Thankfully, there are a whole host of European-inspired wedding venues throughout the US, from wineries and châteaux to country mansions and sprawling estates. Look out for lush gardens with mature cypress trees, olive and lemon groves, and other plans native to the Mediterranean.
Pizza party as welcome event or rehearsal dinner
Everyone likes pizza right? This Italian staple is the perfect fare for an informal welcome or rehearsal dinner, allowing everyone to help themselves and break the ice with people meeting for the first time.
Aperol spritz bar
Get everyone in the Tuscan mood with Italian's number one cocktail. Light and refreshing with a unique bittersweet taste, Aperol Spritz is the perfect drink to start the evening. The recipe is as easy as 3-2-1 – 3 parts Prosecco (75ml), 2 parts Aperol (50ml), and 1 part soda (25ml) - served over plenty of ice and garnished with an orange slice.
Potted herbs and tomatoes for rehearsal dinner decor
There's nothing quite like a relaxed welcome meal outside with unfussy decor inspired by the surroundings. Potted herbs like rosemary, thyme and basil are perfect for evoking the scents of Italy at your rehearsal dinner, and tomatoes, figs and citrus fruits provide a gorgeous splash of color to the tables.
Live accordion band
There's nothing quite like the unmistakable sound of an accordion band playing traditional music... what could be more Italian?!
Extra virgin olive oil for wedding favors
Perhaps you can't get married in Tuscany, but there's nothing stopping you bringing an authentic taste of it to your guests with favors of local extra virgin olive oil. Bellissimo!
Prosecco bar for cocktail hour
If it's an Italian vibe you're looking for, it's got to be Prosecco at cocktail hour! Serve it straight up or offer options for guests to create their own cocktails, like pomegranate or orange juice, creme de cassis or St Germain.
Outdoor cocktail hour in a garden
Time your outdoor cocktail hour with golden hour for a relaxed, dreamy ambience and the most stunning photography backdrop. Everything feels more romantic in the soft golden light before sunset and it's even more idyllic if your venue has a pretty view.
Vintage gelato cart
You can go the traditional route with a multi-course Italian wedding menu or just choose your favorite courses and end the meal enjoying gelato while watching the sun set.
