Italian Wedding Feast

With the Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes wedding taking place, all eyes (or quite a number) have been turned to Italy. It has always been a favorite place for getting married. There is something in the relaxed atmosphere of this beautiful, scenic country that just makes for absolutely wonderful weddings.

Maybe its the passion of the people that inspires such beautiful weddings. They do nothing half heartedly. The very air seems scented with amore (love).

Food is one good reason to get married in Italy. In fact food is central to weddings in Italy. Their food is absolutely wonderful and weddings get sumptuous feasts with as many as 14 courses. There are traditional wedding dishes but if you want to be more modern, there are many, many dishes to choose from.

It starts with cocktails. The guests get to circulate and mingle for about an hour, enjoying their drinks while the wedding party is in seclusion. This gets everyone mellow and warmed up for the feast.

The wedding party will pass through a pathway between the guests as they are acknowledged as newlyweds. They go into their first dance, they’ll then be joined by the entourage and then the guests. The speeches will begin and the champagne flows for the toasts. The women are then served sweet liquors while the men will probably opt for stronger drinks.

Antipasto is normally the first course of the feast. Calamari, stuffed mushrooms, salami or prosciutto are often the appetizers of choice. Mixed vegetables with meat or wrapped in some prosciutto or other cold cut, which are also excellent appetizers.

What is an Italian wedding without pasta? There is usually more than one pasta dish served. Pesto is always a good choice. Pasta Alfredo is delicious and a familiar taste to most. Of course you may prefer a tomato based sauce. Don’t be afraid to ask for your favorite pasta sauce.

The main course at Italian weddings will often include roasted lamb or roasted pig. There are normally five or six dishes served. Seafood, ribs, roastbeef are just a few of the choices. On the side salad, potatoes - mashed or baked, vegetables and bread are all made available.

Dessert is something that Italians are well known for. There is usually more than one cake served at an Italian wedding. Aside from the wedding cake, you can have your favorite cakes - lemon or chocolate. Why not have some Tiramisu? Ice cream or gelato is an excellent addition to the meal; and of course, coffee and liquers are served - as much as you can drink.

If that isn’t enough, wedding guests are given confetti by the couple. Confetti are sugared almonds which the couple distributes out of a basket they call a la bomboniera. They make for simple wedding favors and are said to bring good luck.

Italian celebrations are truly lavish. It is an absolutely wonderful way to celebrate your union. If you love food and want your celebration to be absolutely delicious, this is definitely the way to go.

[tags] wedding,wedding reception,food,Italy,wedding planning [/tags]