Readings 

-Traditional Italian wedding readings are often religious.

- An example of a non-traditional Italian reading could be the song ‘I Have But One Heart’ from the Godfather.

Unity Ceremonies

-13 Gold Coins- Las Arras. A Roman or Mediterranean custom of coins blessed and presented, each representing a virtue that is important in marriage like peace, patience, and love as well as signifying a blessing for prosperity.

-Wine Unity Ceremony. A glass of red wine and a glass of white are combined and then shared.  The meanings include the tradition of Italian wine making.

-The wine can be made by a significant family member. I officiated a wedding where the father of the Bride and the Groom made the wine together.

-Often the wine ceremony concludes with this Italian proverb: “May your life be like fine wine – rich, sharp, and clear.  And like good wine, may it improve with every passing year.”

Traditions

-The almond candy favor’s hardness represents endurance, it’s sweetness life’s joys and the odd number cannot be divided by two, just as the couple now one, cannot be divided.

-Gifts of salt and bread, the bread’s sweetness and sustenance for the couple to know joy and abundance. The salt is for the difficulties of life that with perseverance add strength to the marriage.