Are you looking for ways to incorporate your love for this stunningly romantic location in your wedding? Then we’ve got you covered with our favorite Italian wedding decor ideas! Citrus infused scents, rustic serenity, indulgent hearty food, beautiful untouched Tuscan landscape, breathtaking Amalfi coastlines…The beautiful descriptions of this idyllic country are endless. It’s no wonder that Italy is one of the most popular places for destination weddings, and why so many brides want to replicate this theme at home.
Make your guests feel like they’ve been whisked away to this Mediterranean jewel, with our selection of Italian wedding decor ideas to suit any style.
1. Welcome Bag
Prepare your guests for the festivities ahead with some Italian themed essentials and goodies. It will give them a small taste of what’s to come! Include a mini bottle of Italian Prosecco, limoncello or Aperol to start the celebrations. Also, include a map or compact guide of the local area if your wedding is in Italy.
2. Traditional Vintage Car
Feel extra special as you arrive at your ceremony or leave for your reception in a traditional Italian car. You’ll find various stylish Italian cars that you can rent for the day to show off your Mediterranean theme. And the best part? It makes for a gorgeous photo opportunity too!
3. Italy-Inspired Wedding Invitation Suite
Give your guests an insight into your wedding style with your wedding invitation suite. You can even put subtle details across your save the dates and invitations, such as small illustrations and motifs of Italy. Or go all out, and even include Italian phrases, a map of Italy and even a postcard.
4. Tile Escort Cards
Incorporate the intricate details of an Italian villa and use traditional ceramic tiles as escort cards. This fun nod to Italy captures the essence of the country’s beautiful patterned tiles. It’s perfect for a bride that wants a creative way to include Italian wedding decor .
5. Terracotta Centerpieces
Emulate the handmade Italian pottery to create your centerpieces. Use different sized pots to hold an assortment of flowers and candles. The colorful hues are also gorgeous to compliment rustic details such as wooden tables and linen.
6. Colorful Blooms
Nothing says summer in the Amalfi like beautifully bright colors. Take inspiration from this dreamy Italian region and source vibrant blooms, such as gorgeous pinks, lemon yellows, and sunset oranges. Be brave with rich tones that transport your guests straight to the Mediterranean.
10. Scented Candles
Sight, taste, sounds… and don’t forget smell! Whisk your guests away to the Mediterranean with the smell of La Bella Italia. Brides love citrus-floral scents to create a fresh, light and sweet wedding scent. You can even gift your guests the same candles. They’ll remember your beautiful wedding day as soon as they light it up at home!
11. Vespa Photo Backdrop
Make your photo booth fun and a little more extra with this Italian prop. Spruce up the vespa with some flowers, and add some wooden signs with different Italian cities. Your guests will love this cute backdrop!
12. Aperitivo Cocktail Hour
Introduce your guests to the Italian tradition that everyone loves! The long-standing aperitivo is considered an ‘opener’ before the main meal, and the perfect excuse for people to meet up and unwind for a glass of wine. Incorporate this into your cocktail hour with the popular Aperol Spritz and some finger foods.
13. Citrus Drinks
Citrus flavored colored drinks are perfect for an Italian themed wedding, and of course, a summer wedding. The fresh smell, hues and taste are bound to remind your guests of a Mediterranean vacation. Create some signature cocktails and mocktails containing lemon, limes, and oranges for the perfect drink options.
14. Prosecco Station
A Prosecco station is ideal for brides that want their special day to exude sophistication and elegance. Delight your guests with a dedicated bubbly area in your beautiful romantic setting.
15. Banquet Tables
One of the main themes of Italian culture is the importance of family. So, emphasize this during your reception with banquet tables creating an intimate setting. This type of table helps to facilitate conversation which is ideal if your guests haven’t seen each other for a long time. It also adds to the ‘le gioie della tavola’ which encourages joy, warmth and the essence of community.
16. Patterned Plateware
Include Italian patterns and illustrations in your table decor. Use plates that are inspired by beautiful Italian colors and motifs. Sea blue tones contrasted with sunset yellows make for a perfect color combination to remind your guests of a gorgeous summer evening in Italy as they enjoy their meal.
17. Olive Branches
Imitate a gorgeous rustic Tuscan villa with greenery garlands using olive branches. This minimal decor idea creates an inviting and romantic space. You can also add in a matching pergola if you’re having an outdoor wedding.
18. Lemons
What would remind you more of Sicily than its sunshine colored fruit? It’s widely believed that the world’s finest lemons come from Sicily, so they’re a must for an Italian inspired wedding. Some ways you can use them include table garlands, centerpieces, and even aisle decorations.
19. Grazing Table
Grazing tables are perfect for any type of wedding! But you can really make the most of this platter to display the very best of Italy. Make sure to include an antipasto section with cured meats, cheeses, nuts, fruits, olive oils, and bread. Also, consider adding props for a rustic and undone effect.
20. Pizza Station
If you want to surprise your guests with a late-night snack, what is more perfect for an Italian wedding than pizza! Even if your special day is formal, there are ways that you can keep your sophisticated edge with this casual comfort food. For example, use creative toppings, and make your pizza bar customizable with elegantly styled serving dishes.
21. Traditional Italian Cake
For a truly traditional Italian wedding cake, opt for a delicious mille-feuille. This classic cake is traditionally prepped with puff pastry layers, chantilly cream, plenty of berries and topped with powdered sugar. The simple yet delicate dessert is a perfect way to match with your Italian theme.
22. Cannoli
If you need ideas for alternative wedding desserts, then cannoli is the one for you. The Sicilian tubed-shaped pastry has a sweet, creamy filling which usually contains ricotta. It’s a perfect sweet treat for your guests! You can even include different flavored fillings for them to choose from!
23. Gelato Station
When you picture an Italian summer vacation, the image isn’t complete without a gelato! Guests can pop over when they finish their meal to choose from a selection of different traditional Italian ice creams, while they mingle with others.
24. Limoncello Favors
Finally, make sure to prepare mini bottles of homemade limoncello for your guests to take home and enjoy as a post-wedding treat. This popular Sorrentine dessert drink is the perfect way to close off your Italian themed wedding. The smooth, sweet and zesty lemon is a delicious way to evoke thoughts of southern Italy.
With this list of creative ideas to choose from, you can guarantee your guests will remember your beautiful Italian themed wedding! But if you’d like to see some more Italy-Inspired Wedding Ideas head over to WedBoard. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy, you’ll find everything you need from stunning local wedding venues to talented Italian wedding vendors.
In the meanwhile, you can also find inspiration and tips for a variety of themes for your special day right here, including, 34 Stunning Ideas For A Rustic Theme Wedding and 21 Stunning Blue Themed Wedding Ideas.
Featured image: D & A Photography
