Your wedding menu: Italian style

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Like in many other aspects of Italian culture, a typical Italian wedding tends to be a traditional affair. When it comes to the wedding meal, tradition is very often followed, and with delicious results!

The exact food you eat will depend on the region you choose, and the time of year. Each region is famed for certain specialties, and some ingredients are best in a particular season, although there are some ‘staples’ which you’ll certainly be able to find all over the country at any time. Naturally, you can guarantee everything you eat will be scrumptious – Italy doesn’t have a fantastic reputation for nothing!

The typical format for a sit-down meal in Italy is a multiple-course meal, made up of the following stages:

1. APERITIVO (Cocktail Hour)

Upon arrival at the venue, an aperitivo will usually be served. Guests will be given either a cocktail or a glass of traditional Italian prosecco, and will be able to enjoy the bite-sized nibbles, taken either from a buffet-style arrangement or from trays carried around by waiters.

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2. ANTIPASTI (Starters)

The first dish served at the tables is the starter. These tend to be seasonal, and again will depend on the region. Depending on your tastes, or on the local delicacies, you may choose meat- fish- or vegetable-based starters.

3. PRIMO PIATTO (First Main Course)

In Italy, even at home, the main course is divided into two parts; the primo (first) and the secondo (second). ‘Primi’ usually consist of pasta or risotto, and may be served with a variety of typical sauces. The region may again play a part in your choices; in Piemonte you might like to try the traditional agnolotti – typical ravioli stuffed with meat, or if you get married in Liguria, you mustn’t miss the vivid green pesto.

4. SECONDO PIATTO (Second Main Course) with CONTORNO (Side Dish)

The secondo usually consists of meat or fish (of course, vegetarians will also be catered for upon request!). Italian cooking is famed for its fresh, quality ingredients, so you can be sure that whether you choose fish, beef, pork, or anything else, your ingredients will be top quality. These are often served with fresh vegetables on the side.

5. SORBETTO (Sorbet)

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After the main courses, a sorbet is traditionally served to cleanse your palatte and allow you to taste the flavours of the next course. Sometimes, this is mixed with an alcohol such as prosecco or vodka. Sorbets are typically lemon flavoured, but sometimes you can find strawberry, mint, ginger, or apple too.

6. DOLCE (Dessert)

To close off your meal, you may opt for a typical Italian pudding like tiramisu or panna cotta, or simply for a serving of fresh fruit to cool down and refresh your guests during the summer heat.

Other important features:

TORTA NUZIALE (Wedding Cake)

Just like in many other countries, in Italy, the wedding cake plays a key part in any reception. We’ll be writing another post soon to give you more details about the Italian way with wedding cakes…

CONFETTATA/SWEET TABLE

Another great Italian tradition is a table full of sugared almonds and other sugar-coated treats, or indeed a Sweet Table featuring all kinds of desserts, just in case your guests had a little space left! For more information on the confettata/sweet table, click here to see our previous post.

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CAFFE E DIGESTIVI 

(Coffee and After-Dinner Liquor)

Typically, an Italian meal will be rounded off with a good hit of caffeine in the form of an espresso, and a little glass of liquor to help with the digestion of all that food! Typical liquors served include potent Grappa, a herb-infused Amaro, or sweet, lemony Limoncello.

Of course, the vast majority of venues and restaurants will be more than happy to accommodate your likes and dislikes, and will let you tweak the dishes to create a personalized menu which suits you, and we’re more than happy to give you our advice and local knowledge so that you and your guests can enjoy the very best food that Italy has to offer.