Having an Italian style wedding in London - 5 things to consider.

Credit: John Nassari

Maybe you are marrying an Italian, maybe you just love the country, maybe you are considering an elopement to Italy following by a wedding celebration in London - we have Roberta Burcheri, Italian wedding planning expert of Roberta Burcheri Events based in London to steer you in the right direction.

There are many good reasons why many British couples yearn to recreate Italian feel into their own wedding day: the citrus-filled air, the pristine countryside, the rich cuisine the breath-taking coastline and so on. Injecting Italian decoration ideas into your big day, that are adaptable to any wedding venue aesthetic, will make your guests feel as though they have been whisked away to one of the most beautiful places in all of the Mediterranean.

1. Get hitched la dolce vita style
Make your wedding entrance and departure one to the remember, arriving at your wedding reception on a classic vintage automobile to complement your stylish Italian aesthetic. Your pictures are going to be to die for! Injecting Italian decoration ideas into your big day, that are adaptable to any wedding venue aesthetic, will make your guests feel as though they have been whisked away to one of the most beautiful places in all of the Mediterranean.

Welcome Baskets.
Prepare your guests for the event by giving them Italian-themed delicacies. It will give them a taste of what is to come! Begin the celebrations with a small bottle of Italian Prosecco, Aperol. If your wedding is in Italy, including a map or a brief description of the region.

The Colour palette and décor.
Are you a lover of vivid colour? Then bright, cheery hues are synonymous with summer on the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, or Apulia regions. Get your hands on some beautiful pinks, lemon yellows, and sunset oranges by taking a cue from this enchanting area of Italy. Use bold, deep colours to take your guests to the Mediterranean in a single step.

Are you more keen on classic but with a touch of modern pastels or colder hues? Choose a palette with sage, olive cream and blue tones. In both instances you don't really need to bring out the actual elements such as lemons or olive branches that have been seen thousands (or maybe millions) times.

Keep it original and just splash the palette to be reflected on all the different wedding décor and installations, incorporated throughout textured materials, florals, and textiles. it helps give the whole day a sense of continuity. Mix up old and new decor elements for a state-of-art tablescape: hire items from specialised event rental companies or if you like to be even more original, source some nick-nacks and porcelain urns from antiques markets, you'll find some pretty timeless gems walking among thousands of sought-after objects (that you can keep for life!).

Credit: John Nassari

2. Italy-Inspired stationery suite
Give your guests a glimpse of your wedding's aesthetic with your invitations. You may also sprinkle understated touches throughout your save the date and invitations, such as miniature Italian images and themes. You might even go all out and add some Italian words, a map of Italy, or perhaps a postcard from the country. Use traditional ceramic tile-themed escort cards for a more authentic Italian villa feel. This cheeky Italian homage perfectly captures the spirit of the Italy's beautifully tiled buildings. Name tables after locations that you went to in Italy, maybe on your journey to propose to each other or just on holiday.

3. Reception
You can't have an Italian inspired wedding without being fanatic about its food and drinks.

Aperitivo.
Share with your guests the Italian custom that is beloved by one and all. The traditional Italian welcome drink known as an aperitivo is served as an "opener" before the main course. It also provides the ideal opportunity for friends to mingle and relax over a glass of prosecco, an Aperol or limoncello Spritz or bespoke wedding cocktail. Pair with lush appetizers and the Aperitivo is going to be a success. Delight the little ones or guests that do not prefer alcoholic drinks with handcrafted and individually iced lemon granita from Sicily, that can be added to a refreshing lemon iced tea.

Banquet Tables
Meals are significant aspects of Italian tradition and culture and are all about togetherness. Therefore, make this a point of emphasis throughout your reception by establishing an intimate environment with buffet tables. When your guests haven't seen one other in a long time, it's best to have a table that encourages interaction since it makes it easier for people to talk to one another. Additionally, it contributes to le "gioie della tavola", which means "pleasure of eating" warmth, and the core of Italian community.

The food at an Italian wedding is legendary. Italy has a very serious food culture. Antipasti, often known as a starter, is a small meal that is typically given at the table if you're having a fine dining menu. Then comes the "Primo", the main meal, which often has pasta in the form of ravioli or risotto, among other possibilities. The second course, "Secondo", consists of a main dish, and it may be composed of fish or meat like beef, lamb.

Dolce, or Dessert, will be the cherry on top of your magnificent wedding dinner. Select a traditional Italian dessert like Tiramisù or Panna Cotta and pair it with an espresso or macchiato. The delectable and understated mille-feuille is the traditional Italian wedding cake made of indulgent puff pastry, Chantilly cream, berries, and powdered sugar. You can serve a late night family-style meal with focaccia on platters for sharing.

Bomboniere
Couples express their gratitude to their guests by giving them small presents shortly before they depart. They are known as bomboniere in Italian, and they consist of a gift, confetti (sugared almonds), and decorative ribbons and they symbolise family life in Italy. Fun facts: they have to be an odd number, usually five.

Credit: John Nassari

4. Glamourize it
Bring your A-game when it comes to your wedding day attire. Some of the most prestigious Alta Moda houses in the world are located in Italy, think about a dreamy Valentino or Gianbattista Valli gown and glam it up a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. For a classic Summer groom look go for a stone or sage coloured linen suit or a stylish Italian style tux

5. Overall Atmosphere
Want to have an Outdoor feel for your reception but you're worrying about the weather? Go for a glass Orangery venue that provides you a big room, drenched with natural illumination. Create an earthy atmosphere reminiscent of the peaceful Italian countryside by filling urns with plants and aromatic herbs like rosemary, basil, and even individual small trees, to make the room smell lovely and add a touch of Mediterranean warmth.

Contact details: Roberta Burcheri, www.robertaburcherievents.com