Italian wedding in France: which traditions should you keep?
For an Italian wedding in France, the easiest traditions to keep are the confetti offered in a bomboniera, the late-night confettata, the rice toss, the tarantella, and the taglio della cravatta. They integrate seamlessly into a secular ceremony and a reception at a private estate. A Franco-Italian menu and a bilingual ceremony then allow you to bring both cultures together for the weekend.

Five almond dragées in every bomboniera, a necktie cut up and auctioned off at midnight, a shower of rice as you leave the ceremony: an Italian wedding is defined by its rituals. When choosing to get married at an estate in France, one question often comes up: which traditions should you keep, and how can you bring them to life far from Italy?
In this guide, Domaines & événements reviews the traditions that best adapt to an Italian wedding in France, from the ceremony to the end of the night.
Which traditions should you keep for an Italian wedding in France?
The easiest traditions to keep for an Italian wedding in France are those centered around the table, gifts, and the party. The magazine Matrimonio.com lists fifteen customs that are still very much alive in Italy. Here are the ones that fit perfectly into a private estate setting:
- Confetti and the bomboniera, given to each guest;
- The confettata, the late-night dragée buffet;
- The "something..." tradition, the bride's lucky charms;
- The rice toss, or flower petals, as you leave the ceremony;
- The serenade the night before, very popular in central and southern Italy;
- The taglio della cravatta, the groom's tie is cut into pieces and sold to the guests;
- The tarantella, the traditional folk dance from Southern Italy that brings all generations together.
Some superstitions travel too: according to the proverb "né di Venere né di Marte non si sposa né si parte" (neither on Venus's day nor on Mars's day should one marry or depart), it is best to avoid getting married on a Tuesday or a Friday.
Why do Italian couples choose a destination wedding in France?
Italian couples choose France for its proximity, heritage, and gastronomy. According to Atout France (Italy market, June 2026), Italians made 7.7 million trips to France in 2025, accounting for 20% of their travel abroad. Atout France also notes that wine tourism and gastronomy are among their growing priorities.
Getting married in a French château allows for the blending of two cultures: the Italian art of hospitality and the French heritage setting. To discover the full trend, check out our complete guide to destination weddings.
How to host a successful confettata at a French estate?
A successful confettata relies on high-quality sugared almonds, a generous display, and perfect timing, usually at the end of the reception. According to Matrimonio.com, it is set up "alla fine del ricevimento" and requires several kilos of sugared almonds.
A few tips for success in France:
- Choose almond confetti, the wedding classic, in colors that match your decor;
- Provide a variety of containers : glass jars, bowls, silver trays, and small bags to fill;
- Pairing the confettata with the dessert buffet, with a wedding cake, macarons, or calissons;
- Setting up the area in a high-traffic location : an orangery, terrace, or vaulted lounge.
Sugared almonds have a long history shared by both countries: according to Gambero Rosso, it was the apothecaries of the 16th-century courts who first began coating almonds in sugar.
Should you provide a bomboniera for every guest?
Yes, tradition dictates that every guest receives the same bomboniera, filled with five confetti. According to Matrimonio.com, these five sugared almonds symbolize health, fertility, longevity, happiness, and wealth. For a wedding in France, the bomboniera can include a local souvenir: a bar of Provençal soap, a small jar of honey, or a sprig of lavender.
Which Italian rituals can be incorporated into a secular ceremony in France?
The easiest Italian rituals to incorporate into a secular ceremony are the "something..." tradition, exchanging rings in two languages, and the rice toss. A secular ceremony allows for complete freedom regarding texts, music, and the order of events.
- The "something..." tradition : the bride wears something blue, old, new, gifted, and borrowed, with each item symbolizing a connection to her past, her future, and her family.
- A bilingual ceremony : texts, readings, and vows alternate between Italian and French so that all families feel included.
- The rice toss : a symbol of abundance and fertility, often replaced by flower petals or soap bubbles.
- The wedding rings : superstition holds that if they are dropped, the officiant should pick them up, not the bride and groom.
To prepare for this moment, read our article on outdoor secular ceremonies.
Is a secular ceremony in France legally valid in Italy?
No, a secular ceremony has no legal standing; it must be preceded by a civil marriage. Most Italian couples therefore marry civilly in their local town hall, as a civil marriage in France requires at least one month of residency in the municipality (Article 74 of the Civil Code). In the case of a civil marriage in France, the certificate must be transcribed in Italy, according to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
How can you combine Italian cuisine with French local produce?
The best way to blend Italian cuisine with French terroir is to distribute the two cultures throughout the day. The meal remains the heart of an Italian wedding in France, so it deserves to be planned with the caterer from the very first meetings.
- During the cocktail hour : antipasti, burrata, Italian charcuterie, and French cheeses served side by side;
- For dinner : a fresh pasta course as an appetizer, followed by local meat or fish;
- For the wine : Prosecco for the aperitif, followed by wines from the Rhône Valley, Burgundy, or the Loire;
- For dessert : a traditional French croquembouche or wedding cake, accompanied by a confettata.
To learn more, discover our ideas for a memorable wedding menu.
What Italian traditions are perfect for the evening and the weekend?
The most popular Italian evening traditions are the tarantella and the taglio della cravatta, both of which create wonderful moments of connection between guests. Booking a private estate with on-site accommodation allows you to extend these celebrations throughout the entire weekend.
- The taglio della cravatta : guests purchase pieces of the groom's tie; the more generous the offer, the larger the piece. The money collected goes to the newlyweds.
- The tarantella : scheduled for the beginning of the evening, it kicks off the dancing.
- The serenata : the night before the wedding, a welcome dinner at the estate can feature the groom serenading the bride beneath her window.
A practical example. Imagine Giulia and Marco, a couple from Bari. On Friday, their friends perform a serenade in the estate's courtyard. On Saturday, the secular ceremony is held in both Italian and French, followed by dinner under the trees. At midnight, Marco's tie is auctioned off, just before the confettata.
Which estate should you choose for an Italian-style wedding in France?
The ideal estate for an Italian wedding in France offers large reception areas, on-site accommodation, and easy access from Italy.
- Domaine des Barrenques : lush and enchanting, this historic monument in Lamotte-du-Rhône in the Vaucluse region can host up to 225 guests within its 6-hectare park.
- Domaine de la Vivande : authentic and intimate, located in the Drôme Provençale, it can host up to 140 guests and offers 51 beds.
- Domaine d'Aveny : majestic and historic, located about an hour from Paris, it can host up to 220 guests and offers 94 beds.
- Domaine du Grand Morin : natural and poetic, it can bring together up to 150 guests and offers 71 beds.
To refine your choice, discover the 7 criteria for choosing your wedding venue.
In summary: Italian wedding traditions in France
An Italian wedding in France can retain all its authentic charm:
- give a bomboniera to each guest, with five sugared almonds;
- set up a confettata at the end of the reception;
- include the "qualcosa di..." and a bilingual ceremony;
- create a French-Italian menu ;
- liven up the evening with the tarantella and the cutting of the tie.
Are you imagining a French-Italian wedding in a château? Discover our exclusive wedding venues and request your personalized proposal: our team will help you bring your traditions to life on our estates.
FAQ: Italian wedding traditions in France
How many confetti should be given to each guest?
Italian tradition dictates that each guest receives five confetti, tucked into their bomboniera. Sugared almonds are always given in an odd number, as an odd number cannot be divided and symbolizes the cohesion of the couple, according to Matrimonio.com. The five confetti represent five wishes: health, fertility, long life, happiness, and wealth. The calculation is based on the number of invitations sent, not the number of guests present.
What should you put in a bomboniera for a wedding in France?
A bomboniera primarily contains five almond confetti, accompanied by a small keepsake. For an Italian wedding in France, many couples choose a gift that evokes the region of the estate: Marseille soap, a sachet of lavender, a jar of local honey, or a mini-bottle of olive oil. A tag with the couple's names and the wedding date completes the set.
Can you have a confettata with a French caterer?
Yes, a confettata is easy to organize with a French caterer. Simply order the confetti from an Italian or French confectioner and designate a space near the dessert buffet. The caterer will handle the setup and replenishment. The confettata pairs beautifully with French sweets, such as a croquembouche, macarons, or calissons.
Why do Italians avoid getting married on Tuesdays and Fridays?
Italians avoid Tuesdays and Fridays because of a popular proverb: "né di Venere né di Marte non si sposa né si parte" (neither on Venus's day nor on Mars's day do you marry or depart). Tuesday is the day of Mars, the god of war, and Friday is the day of Venus: both days are considered unfavorable for major departures or weddings. This superstition is still followed by many families. For a wedding in France, Saturday or a Thursday in the off-season are therefore popular options.
How do you organize a secular ceremony in both Italian and French?
A bilingual secular ceremony relies on an officiant who is fluent in both languages, or two officiants who share the speaking duties. Readings can be assigned to loved ones from each family in their respective languages. A bilingual ceremony program helps all guests follow along. The couple's vows can be spoken in the language of their choice and then translated in the program.
Domaines & événements: a collection of exceptional estates
Domaine des Barrenques, Domaine de la Vivande, Domaine d'Aveny, and Domaine du Grand Morin are part of the Domaines & événements collection, which brings together eight exclusive venues dedicated to weddings, seminars, and private events.
Each estate has its own unique identity:
- Domaine de la Vivande : authentic and intimate
- Domaine de la Thibaudière : elegant and enchanting
- Domaine de Vaujoly : sparkling and festive
- Domaine de la Roche Couloir : captivating and unique
- Domaine d'Aveny : majestic and historic
- Domaine des Barrenques : lush and enchanting
- Domaine du Grand Morin : natural and poetic
- Domaine de la Huguenoterie : rustic and welcoming
These venues share the same philosophy: to offer human, friendly, and inspiring experiences in heritage sites surrounded by nature.


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