Addressing Wedding Invites In Italy: The Ultimate Guide

Planning a wedding in Italy or just curious about the wedding invitation customs there? This guide will give you an overview of how to address wedding invitations in Italy, from the format and language to the design and timing.

Invitation Format: Simple, traditional, printed on good-quality paper, with no graphics or colours

Italian wedding invitations are usually simple and traditional, printed on good-quality paper, without any graphics or colours. Typically, this is a single sheet of good cotton paper, often cream-coloured. The text is printed in cursive, in brown or blue, and is oriented either horizontally or vertically. This part is called the 'partecipazione' and is sent to anyone who might attend the ceremony or who should be informed of the marriage.

The text announces the couple's intention and the date of the wedding. It is customary to include the names of the couple's families, and to use formal titles such as 'Signora' and 'Signor' followed by the person's surname.

> Gentilissima Signora Caterina Agueci

> Egregio Signor Giacomo Trapani

> Together with their families

> Request the honour of your presence

> At five o'clock in the evening

> At Villa Comunale in Lucca, Italy

The invitation should be printed in all capital letters and avoid any punctuation or special characters. It should include the recipient's name, followed by the street address, including the street name and house number, and the postal code, city and province abbreviation.

> SIG MARIO ROSSI

> VIALE EUROPA 22

> 00144 ROMA RM

It is also common to include a small card with the invitation, which is given to those invited to the wedding lunch or dinner, as this is usually a smaller number of people.

Wording: Formal, informal, romantic, or funny

When it comes to the wording of your wedding invitations, you have several options, including formal, informal, romantic, or funny. Here are some examples to help you craft the perfect invitation for your Italian destination wedding:

Formal Wording:

The formal wording for wedding invitations is traditional and elegant. It typically includes the full names of the hosts and the individuals getting married, with middle names included. The date and time are usually spelled out in full. Here's an example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Tom Byrne request the honor of your presence at the marriage of Talia Camila Flores to their son, Stephen Anthony Byrne, on Saturday, the eleventh of June, two thousand and twenty-three, at twelve o'clock in the afternoon at the Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Reception to follow.

Informal Wording:

Informal or casual wedding invitation wording is perfect for small or chill weddings. It is more conversational in tone and typically uses numbers for the date and time. Here's an example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Byrne joyfully invite you to the marriage of Talia Flores to their son, Stephen Byrne, on Saturday, June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm at the Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Dinner and dancing to follow.

Romantic Wording:

Romantic wording is ideal for couples who want to emphasise the love and emotion of their wedding. It can include poetic or sentimental phrases. Here's an example:

> Together with their families, Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne invite you to witness their love and join them in a celebration of their union on Saturday, June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm at the Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington. An evening of dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow as we raise a toast to love and new beginnings.

Funny Wording:

If you and your partner are known for your sense of humour, you can inject some wit into your wedding invitations. Here's an example:

> It's time to tie the knot! Talia Flores and Stephen Byrne invite you to witness the happiest day of their lives and share in their joy. Join us for a day of love, laughter, and maybe a few happy tears on Saturday, June 11, 2024, at 12:00 pm at the Arctic Club Hotel, 700 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington. Let's eat, drink, and be married!

Language: Bilingual invitations may be needed for non-Italian speakers

When planning a wedding in Italy, particularly if you have international guests, it is important to consider the language used on your wedding invitations. Bilingual invitations are often a thoughtful and practical approach to ensure all your guests can understand the important details. Here are some tips and suggestions to navigate this aspect of your Italian wedding invitations:

If you are inviting guests who do not speak Italian, it is considerate to provide a bilingual invitation. This will ensure that all your guests can understand the important details of your wedding. Offering invitations in both Italian and the primary language of your non-Italian guests will make everyone feel included and valued. This is especially important for any older relatives or guests who may not be familiar with modern translation tools.

The bilingual invitation can be formatted in a few ways. You could have the Italian and non-Italian text presented side by side, with the Italian text on the left and the translation on the right. Alternatively, you could present the entire invitation in one language, and then include a separate insert with the translation. This option gives you more flexibility in the invitation design, but may increase costs due to the additional printing and paper required.

When creating the bilingual invitations, pay close attention to the translation. While online translation tools can be helpful, they may not always provide the most accurate or elegant phrasing. Consider hiring a professional translator or asking a bilingual friend to review the invitations to ensure accuracy and fluency in both languages. This will avoid any potential misunderstandings or awkward phrasing.

In addition to the language of the invitation itself, consider the level of formality and any regional differences in Italian. The tone and wording of your invitation should reflect the style of your wedding. A formal, traditional wedding may call for a more elegant and formal style of Italian, while a casual beach wedding could use a more relaxed and modern tone. Regional differences in Italian may also come into play, so take this into account when choosing your wording to ensure it resonates with your guests.

Finally, don't forget to apply the bilingual approach to any other wedding stationery that your guests will interact with. This could include RSVP cards, information sheets, or even the place cards and menus at the wedding reception. Consistency in language will ensure a seamless experience for your guests and reinforce the theme and tone of your special day. By taking these steps, you can ensure that all your guests feel welcome and informed, regardless of their primary language.

RSVP: No strict RSVP method; guests may confirm attendance by phone

When it comes to addressing wedding invitations in Italy, there are a few cultural norms to keep in mind. Italian wedding invitations are typically simple and traditional, printed on good-quality paper, often cream-coloured, with text in cursive, in brown or blue. The invitation usually consists of a single sheet of paper, announcing the couple's intention and the wedding date. This part is called the "partecipazione" and can be sent to anyone who might attend the ceremony or who should be informed of the marriage.

Now, for the RSVP section, Italian weddings tend to have a more relaxed approach compared to Anglo-Saxon traditions. There is no strict RSVP method, and guests are generally expected to confirm their attendance by phone. Here are some paragraphs to guide you through this process:

No Strict RSVP Method

In Italy, wedding invitations rarely include a reply card. This is a notable difference from Anglo-Saxon traditions, where reply cards are customary. Italians prefer a more informal approach, trusting that guests will confirm their attendance through a phone call or by contacting someone close to the couple.

Guest Communication

It is common for Italian guests to phone a close relative of the couple, such as the mother of the bride or groom, to confirm their attendance. This method may seem unconventional, but it is rooted in the culture's emphasis on close personal connections. It is assumed that guests invited to the wedding are already well-acquainted with the couple or their families.

Advantages of Phone RSVP

Phone RSVP offers a more personal touch to the wedding planning process. It allows guests to connect directly with the couple or their families, fostering a sense of warmth and hospitality. This method may also provide an opportunity for guests to ask any questions they have about the wedding, such as attire, transportation, or accommodation.

Challenges of Phone RSVP

One challenge of phone RSVP is that it may result in an uncertain headcount for the event. Some guests may forget to call, while others might confirm but not attend, as the writer of the source text experienced. This can lead to additional costs for the couple if they have booked and paid for a specific number of guests.

Tips for a Smooth Process

To ensure a more accurate headcount, it is beneficial to set an RSVP deadline, usually about four weeks before the wedding. Gently remind guests to respond by this date through personal contact, whether in person, over the phone, or via online communication. This will help you finalise the details, such as food and seating arrangements, with greater certainty.

Additionally, consider including a small card with the invitation, specifically for those invited to the wedding lunch or dinner. This way, you can have a better idea of numbers for the catering. It is also a good idea to provide guests with a wedding website where they can find further details and possibly RSVP online if they prefer.

Cultural Sensitivity

Remember that Italian wedding traditions reflect the local culture and values. By embracing these differences, you honour the uniqueness of the destination wedding and create a memorable experience for both you and your guests.

So, when planning your Italian wedding, feel free to set aside strict RSVP methods and embrace the Italian way of doing things. Enjoy the personal connections and conversations that come with guests confirming their attendance by phone. It's all part of the magic leading up to your special day!

Timing: Send invitations 6 months before the wedding

When it comes to the timing of sending out wedding invitations, it's generally recommended to do so around six months before the wedding. This is especially important for a destination wedding in Italy, as it gives your guests enough time to prepare for their travels.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Save-the-Date:

Send out your "Save-the-Date" notes 9-10 months before the wedding. This initial step is crucial as it gives your guests a heads-up about your wedding plans and allows them to start making travel arrangements. It's a more informal note, so it can be digital or printed. Include a personal touch and a hint of your wedding concept, perhaps with a few Italian words or an image related to Italy.

Invitation Timeline:

The actual wedding invitations should be sent out approximately six months before the big day. This timing is intentional; sending them too early might cause guests to procrastinate and forget to schedule the necessary travel plans. By sending them six months in advance, you strike a balance between giving them ample notice and creating a sense of urgency to respond.

Invitation Design and Wording:

The design and wording of your invitations can reflect your wedding concept and personal taste. Consider including a note with your wedding website, where guests can find additional details about accommodation, transportation, and any other questions they may have. This will save you from multiple inquiries and provide your guests with a central source of information.

RSVP Challenges:

Unlike Anglo-Saxon traditions, Italian wedding invitations often lack a reply card or strict RSVP method. You may include "RSVP" on the invitation, but traditionally, guests are expected to be close enough to contact you or someone in your close circle directly. This can make it challenging to get a solid headcount, so be prepared for some uncertainty regarding attendance numbers.

Stationery Continuity:

Consider creating visual continuity between your wedding invitations and the rest of your wedding-day stationery. This doesn't mean everything has to match exactly, but playing with creative elements to design memorable keepsakes is always a nice touch. Think about including items like a bespoke itinerary, a ceremony program, favor tags, thank-you notes, custom menu cards, place cards, and more.

Remember, the timing of sending out your wedding invitations is crucial to ensuring your guests have enough time to plan their attendance at your destination wedding in Italy.

Frequently asked questions