Italian Wedding Food Ideas

Traditional Italian wedding food usually consists of at least 12 courses. Starting with antipasto and ending with an Italian wedding cake.

An Italian wedding reception is a lengthy and elaborate feast for everyone to enjoy.

TRADITIONS

An Italian wedding is steeped in tradition and symbolism. From throwing candy covered almonds tied in mesh bags at the bride and groom for good luck and fertility to releasing doves into the air to represent love and happiness.

Before the reception dinner even begins the best man serves sweet liquor and strong drinks to all the guests. This allows the guests a chance to toast the newly married couple. The toasting will continue throughout the meal.

ITALIAN WEDDING MENU IDEAS

Below are some menu ideas for your Italian wedding:

Antipasti

• Bruschetta with: Tomato & basil; Caponata, Eggplant, peppers, onions in tomato-caper sauce
• Fresh mozzarella with Tomato, basil and olive oil
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Olives
• Salami
• Mortadella
• Pickled peppers
• Calamari
• Prosciutto
• Smoked Sausage Canapes
• Mini pizzas
• Quiche with baby vegetables

Soup and Salad

• Italian Wedding Soup (made with meatballs, rice and topped with Parmesan)
• Cream of Mussel Soup
• Shrimp, Tomato and Mixed Green Salad
• Roasted Pepper Salad
• Fresh Fruit

• Ziti
• Rigatoni Primavera
• Lasagna
• Vegetarian Lasagna
• Ravioli
• Smoked Penne
• Baby potato gnocchi
• Risotto with porcini mushrooms

Entree

• Baked stuffed salmon
• Roasted leg of veal
• Roasted piglet
• Roasted chicken
• Chicken Cacciatore
• Chicken Marsala
• Sausage, peppers and onions
• Eggplant Parmesan

Side Dishes

• Vegetables gratin-tomatoes, eggplant, porcini mushrooms, peppers
• Roasted Potatoes
• Charcoal grilled vegetables
• Mushroom risotto

Desserts

• Sugared almonds
• Bow ties - twists of fried sugared dough (often served at the beginning of the meal)
• Tiramisu
• Panna cotta - often served over the Italian Wedding cake
• Italian Wedding Cake

There is often a Viennese hour or Viennese table where Italian pastries and cookies are served.

Beverages

Wine, sweet liquors, strong liquors, espresso and coffee.

ANOTHER ITALIAN WEDDING CUSTOM

Before the reception ends the couple should break a glass. The number of broken pieces symbolizes the years the couple will be married.

Evviva gli sposi! - 'Hurray for the newly weds'!

(Click here for Italian Wedding Customs.)

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