Italians are passionate about many things, but above all, we LOVE food! It’s the centerpiece of almost any gathering, supplemented by some of the finest wines in the world, factors that make Italy a leading country for destination weddings.
However, Italian wedding menus might work a little different to what you’re used to. That’s why we’ve got a handy list of the four main things you need to know about menus at Italian weddings.
Italian weddings: wedding location plays a part in the menu
A magnificent fact about Italy is that each region has outstanding food to offer, and location will play a big part on what’s considered “traditional” food for a wedding.
For example, fresh seafood naturally dominates the more coastal areas’ wedding menus, while the more landlocked regions feature heartier meat-focused dishes. Local produce that’s in-season ensures that whichever location you pick for your Italian wedding, your menu will be a class act.
How many courses should you expect at an Italian wedding menu?
Traditionally, it’s a seven-course affair, so here’s a quick breakdown of each one:
- Aperitivo: Guests are served a welcoming cocktail along with appetizers such as canapés, olives, aged Parmesan, mini quiches, and the like. Guests are allowed to mingle before sitting down for the antipasti.
- Antipasti: Once seated, guests are served their antipasto at their respective tables. This can be a single course or a mix of different plates. Depending on the season the wedding takes place, typical antipasti include bruschetta, beef or fish tartare, and salads.
- Primo piatto: The first course is a pasta dish or a risotto, and there’s no shortage of possibilities to suit taste and texture preferences. All the pasta shapes, ravioli, tortellini…not only is the list endless, there are several options for pescetarian and vegetarian diets too.
- Secondo piatto: The second course is where things get even juicier. Beef, pork, lamb, and fish tend to be the most popular for this course, which is served with a contorno (side dish). This is typically vegetable-based, so think Italian-style roasted potatoes, eggplants, or spinach to name but a few options.
- Sorbetto: The sorbet is a key step to cleansing the palate ahead of the dessert. The predominant flavors are lemon, mint, strawberry, ginger, and mandarin.
- Dolce: Time for dessert! From the quintessential tiramisù or panna cotta to selections such as rum babà, cannoli, and chocolate and fruit tarts, there’s no end to the sweetest options. And don’t forget; if it’s an Italian summer wedding, there’s got to be place for a gelato cart.
- Torta nuziale: The cherry on the proverbial cake in this case is the actual wedding cake, traditionally a single-tiered millefoglie wedding cake. This is made of several pastry layers (the name translates to “a thousand sheets”) filled with Chantilly cream, chocolate drops, or almond brittle, crowned with fresh strawberries or berries. This course is normally accompanied by a confettata—traditionally, these would be sugar-coated almonds, but nowadays several different confetti flavors are accepted.
How long between courses at a wedding in Italy?
The last thing you want is for your special day to rush by in an instant. Thankfully, us Italians know a thing or two about enjoying life, which is why an Italian wedding is a multi-course affair that we endeavor not to rush through. We allow 30 minutes to one hour between courses, allowing time for clearing plates, socializing, speeches, entertainment, and ensuring you and your loved ones savor the moment as much as the meals.
How do I plan the menu for a wedding in Italy?
At Gallorini Giorgi events (find us also on Instagram), operating at the highest standards is not a goal; it’s simply part of who we are. When it comes to planning the menu for a wedding in Italy, we make sure to work with the best local producers to make your dream wedding menu come to life.
Furthermore, we’ll also work closely with you to learn of any guests’ dietary restrictions and provide them with an alternative that satisfies their needs without them missing out on the excellence Italian cuisine has to offer.
Contact us today to learn more about how to craft the perfect Italian wedding menu befitting of your special day!
