Italians are famous for their food worldwide, and if you asked them, they would say no one does it better. That’s why when you’re planning your Italian wedding menu, it can be exciting but overwhelming with all the choices. So, we’ve written down our top tips for your big day.
Food is a way of life under the Tuscan sun, and the reason so many eager brides and grooms choose Italy for their destination wedding. Food in Italy is a cause for celebration every day; however, it becomes the star of the show during a wedding. Just keep in mind, it is all about pairing the courses.
The Antipasti
The start of any Italian wedding menu is the Antipasti, literally translating to “before the meal”. It is usually a selection of canapes and aperitifs.
Guests will arrive here after the ceremony and enjoy a wide variety of Italian appetizers, both hot and cold. The Antipasti is often a combination of cured meats, such as salami, mortadella, prosciutto, paired with Italian cheeses like pecorino, mozzarella, or parmesan. Furthermore, you may also find bruschetta, toasted bread topped with tomatoes and other toppings, in the mix.
When eating in Italy, the idea of eating local is a given, so you will taste the freshness in anything you choose. Incorporating different food stations, such as a Caprese station, or Tuscan station featuring all your favourite meats and cheese, is an excellent opportunity to showcase a wide variety of Italian food.
The antipasti are best paired with a Prosecco to drink. A perfect Italian alternative to champagne, with delicate bubbles and soft sweet flavour.
Italian Wedding Menu Primi
Following the Aperitif comes the Primi. You and your guests will now relocate to the reception hall, where you will discover a delicious pasta dish. While many pasta dishes boil down to the same simple ingredients, the variety of styles, textures, shapes, and sauces create an endless variety of unique experiences from one pasta dish to another.
With so many to choose from, it is common to pair a selection of two different dishes. Perhaps a risotto or stuffed pasta, like ravioli, paired with fresh handmade pasta. Choose your favourite combination and expect to be wowed.
Secondi – The Main Course
If you’re keeping track, we are now at our third course, aptly named Secondi. The Secondi offers the main dish and usually serves Manzo (beef). For couples wanting something a little different, we have Maiale (Pork), Agnello (Lamb) or Pesce (Fish). If you still have room, consider a Contorni or type of side dish, such as sautéed vegetables, to accompany your meal.
Here you can enjoy a fine Vino Bianco (white wine) with your chicken or fish or a more classic Vino Rosso (red wine) with pasta and red meats.
Dolci on an Italian Wedding Menu
A great meal must end with a great Dolci (dessert). Italy is home to many delicious desserts to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth. For a traditional Italian dessert, try Panna Cotta. It is a sweet cream dessert with chocolate or fresh berries on top. Not to mention, there is nothing more delicious than Italian ice cream or Gelato for a treat in the heat.
Finally, if you want to celebrate your wedding in authentic Italian style truly, you do so with a Millefoglie. A large, flat, circular cake with layers of pastry, sweet cream, fresh berries, and powdered sugar. Especially as the pastry chef ceremoniously assembles the dish for more fun, right in front of you and all your guests! It is a delicious dessert and comes with a one of a kind experience.
Wash it all down with some tasty Muscat—Moscato, and you will be ready to kick off the heels and dance the night away!
If you would love some help planning your Italian wedding menu, your Italian wedding planner will be a great resource in this department. Get in touch to see how we can help you bring your dream day to life.
