Italian Wedding Menus Decoded: What You’ll Actually Be Serving
You’ve booked the villa, chosen your flowers, and found the perfect dress. But what about the food? For many couples planning a wedding in Italy, the menu feels exciting—but also slightly mysterious. Multiple courses, late-night timing, endless wine… what are your guests actually in for?
Spoiler: they’re in for something unforgettable.
Here’s how a typical Italian wedding menu works—and what you should expect to serve.
1. Welcome Aperitivo: Grazing, Not Sitting
Before guests even sit down to dinner, they’ll likely experience an aperitivo hour (or two). Think of it as a lavish pre-dinner cocktail party:
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Passed canapés (mini arancini, bruschetta, cured meats)
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Food stations (cheese wheels, raw seafood bars, local specialties)
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Aperol spritzes, prosecco, Negronis
This is often a highlight of the night, so don’t be afraid to elevate it. Your aperitivo can also act as a buffer for guests while photos are happening.
2. Dinner is a Journey, Not a Sprint
A formal Italian wedding dinner typically includes:
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Antipasto: A plated starter or cold salad (burrata with heirloom tomatoes, carpaccio, etc.)
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Primo: The first hot course—often pasta or risotto – Better Duo of first courses pasta + risotto
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Secondo: The main protein (fish or meat), sometimes with a vegetable side
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Contorno: Seasonal side dishes—grilled courgette, roasted potatoes, artichokes
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Insalata: Yes, the salad often comes after the meat – No it is a side dish but can be served separately
Timing-wise, this portion of the evening can last 2–3 hours. The pace is part of the charm. No one is rushing—and your guests won’t want to.
3. Dessert Table is not a Must
While dessert is part of the meal, it’s usually simple: a fruit tart, a semifreddo, maybe panna cotta with seasonal fruit. The main event comes later...
4. The Cake Cutting is a Whole Moment
In Italy, the wedding cake is often served outside under the stars—sometimes with a prosecco toast, sparklers, or music change.
Traditional options include:
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Millefoglie (layers of pastry and fresh cream) often prepared in front of guests, a show in itself
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Crostata with fruit
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Custom gelato carts or sweet buffets as a fun extra
Many couples also add a "confettata"—a table of sugared almonds and sweets for guests to bag up and take home.
5. Yes, There’s a Midnight Snack (and It’s Glorious)
After a few hours on the dance floor, guests will welcome late-night treats. Think:
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Pizza served fresh from a wood-fired oven
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Mini calzones
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Cannoli or tiramisù in individual pots
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Espresso station or amaro bar
Some of these bites might be included in your catering package—just ask and check extra charges.
Final Thought
Italian wedding menus are less about extravagant plating and more about local flavour, generous portions, and joyful pacing. Trust your chef or caterer to guide you through regional specialties—and focus on what feels seasonal, abundant, and delicious.
The best part? You’ll never hear a guest say, “I wish there had been more food.”