Italy is not only a wedding destination desired by many couples - Italian culture also inspires wedding themes in Latvia. We offer ideas on how to bring the relaxed Italian lifestyle aesthetic to life at your wedding.

Italian moods can be conjured up in a wide variety of environments

The chosen wedding venue will largely determine the mood of the celebration. The Italian theme is grateful for the fact that it can be brought to life both in ancient medieval and magnificent baroque architecture. Also, for celebrations in the Italian style, places for celebrations under the open sky will be perfectly suitable - in a shelter in a nature reserve or on the beach sand.

Italian wedding celebrations are characterized by dinner under the open sky. In Latvian weather, you cannot rely on such a scenario, you definitely need a plan B, but if the weather is kind, nothing embodies the Italian lifestyle like dinner in the fresh air. If you don't want to risk, a safer scenario will definitely be an indoor wedding, so you can turn a Latvian manor into an Italian villa and hold the ceremony in the garden, but continue the evening indoors.

Afternoon or evening wedding in Italian style

Organizing a wedding is a question that Italians often approach much more relaxed than Latvians. Most weddings follow a traditional and usual scenario, so there is no need to reinvent much. Most often, the celebration takes place in one location. The ceremony takes place in the late afternoon, followed by a cocktail hour and dinner. Of the wedding concepts, afternoon or evening weddings will most closely match the traditions of Italian wedding celebrations.

The fact that the celebration starts later and there is no need to move between the ceremony, the wedding stop and the place of celebration during the day ensures that both the couple and the guests will be much more energetic and not as tired as after a long wedding day with various activities in different places. In a way, the concept of an afternoon wedding embodies the Italian way of life - not to complicate anything and simply enjoy.

Mediterranean wedding decorations

Wedding floristry in the Mediterranean region uses flowers in bright colors, such as red, orange, yellow, flowers of different sizes and textures are mixed, which makes flower compositions very natural. They are usually very well thought out, with a few centerpieces that catch the eye, but in general, the wedding table setting is complemented by natural but minimalist floral arrangements. In Mediterranean countries, flowers are expensive and they wither quickly in the heat of summer weddings, so they are used very thoughtfully in decorations.

Italians love classic wedding flowers – roses, lilies, peonies, all endowed with strong symbolism. Olive branches and orange blossoms, jasmine, as well as various citrus fruits are widely used. The topicality of the moment - the use of various fruits in wedding decorations - will fit very well into the design of a Mediterranean-style wedding.

When it comes to olive branches and orange blossoms, various green alternatives available in Latvia can be used. Wedding decoration with greenery and blooming branches will give the wedding a natural atmosphere. In the Mediterranean region, it is very popular to use various terracotta and ceramic products - pots, pitchers, vases and the like - in wedding decorations. All this can be perfectly included in the design of a wedding in Latvia.

Italian cuisine at a wedding

One of the reasons many couples choose to celebrate their wedding in Italy is the food. No one doubts that Italian cuisine is truly excellent. Even the Italians themselves believe that food is one of the most important elements at a wedding - often, after the wedding, the wedding meal is the most widely discussed. If it is not possible to celebrate the wedding in Italy, then Italy can be brought to Latvia - there are quite a few excellent Italian restaurants, for example Piazza Italiana Riga.

Start the evening with an aperitif, continue with pizza, pasta or exquisite seafood. Italian cuisine offers dishes for different tastes and wedding meal concepts. There is also a wide selection of desserts – tiramisu, cannoli, panna cotta and many others. A quality Italian espresso can be served with desserts. Of course, the wedding meal will also be perfectly complemented by the selection of Italian wine. Other Italian cocktails and drinks such as Aperol Spritz, Negroni and Limoncello are also available for variety.

Creative approach to the Italian theme

When choosing an Italian theme for a wedding, it is easy to fall into clichés and repeat what you have already seen many times. Italian culture, lifestyle and aesthetics are rich with various recognizable symbols, so dig deeper and try to find the surprising in Italian culture. Understand what resonates with you and what you want to incorporate into your wedding.

Wedding invitations with phrases in Italian or Italian serenades as a surprise for guests during dinner - there are many ways to include elements of Italian culture in a wedding, you just have to try to balance it all and present it tastefully, as well as not to overdo it with decorative wedding accessories that reduce the sense of authenticity.

An element that perfectly underlines and unites any wedding theme is music. From classical music in the ceremony to an Italian disco party - a romantic wedding in Italian style is guaranteed. Another important element is the attire of both the guests and the bride and groom, so guests can be asked to appear as if they are going to a celebration in Italy, while the bride can choose an Italian-inspired wedding dress. The history of fashion in Italy is incredibly rich, each region of Italy has its own wedding dress traditions, but Italian haute couture houses dictate trends all over the world, so there is no shortage of inspiration for wedding dresses in Italian culture.

An Italian wedding is an unforgettable experience, strong traditions, sincerity and passion prevail in them - you can cultivate and experience all this at your wedding in Latvia. Italians focus on the essentials – the convenience of a ceremony and celebration in one location, excellent food, beautiful but not overdone decorations and live music. After that, all that remains is to enjoy it all.

If you are planning a wedding in Italy or want to be inspired for an Italian-style wedding, take a look at the wedding media BRIDE LIFESTYLE .

Author of the article: Renate Berga

Photo: Daniele Torella Photography, Saukans Photography , Dos Mas En La Mesa, Redamancy Photo And Film

Restaurant: Piazza Italiana

Place of wedding celebration: Liepupe Manor