Italian Wedding Vibes: What to Wear & What Not to Wear
Planning your outfit for an Italian celebration is more than just about looking good — it’s about feeling good, too. You’ll want to blend refined elegance with a relaxed Mediterranean charm, ensuring you're as comfortable as you are stylish. Whether you’re the bride, groom, or a guest, the right attire enhances not only your comfort but the timeless beauty of Italy’s venues. So, let’s dive in and create an Italian wedding look that’s perfect for you!
1. Fabrics and Silhouettes for Every Role
When it comes to Italian weddings, breathable fabrics are your best friend. Personally, I absolutely love a silk dress — it’s elegant and timeless. But, of course, if you’re getting married in the heat of summer, you might want to consider lighter fabrics, like cotton blends, to avoid sweat stains under the Italian sun! Linen and lightweight silks are perfect for hot summer ceremonies, while unstructured cuts and soft draping complement historic architecture beautifully.
For those evening receptions under the stars or in a hilltop villa, I recommend matte chiffon or crepe — these fabrics move gracefully in the evening breeze. For the groom or groomsman, an unlined linen or cotton-linen blend jacket will keep things sharp but relaxed, paired with slim trousers in light grey or navy for that effortless yet dapper look.
2. Colour Palettes That Pop on Camera
Italy’s landscapes are truly breathtaking, from the pastel-hued villages on the Ligurian coast to the rich terracotta villas in Umbria. The colours of Italy are timeless, and choosing the right hues to harmonise with your surroundings will enhance your photos and give your wedding a sense of place. Let’s dive into how you can incorporate these colours into both female and male outfits — making sure you and your guests look picture-perfect in every shot!
For the Bride (or Female Guests)
When it comes to wedding attire, the right colour palette can make all the difference. For a wedding in Italy, consider these stunning options:
Summer Weddings by the Sea
Soft pastels like sage, blush pink, and powder blue are perfect for a romantic seaside wedding. These colours reflect the soft hues of the sea and sky, giving you an ethereal, timeless look.
Outfit Inspiration
Think of a flowing chiffon gown in blush pink or a soft sage-green dress with lace details. The light fabrics will move beautifully with the sea breeze.
Pinterest Inspiration
Rustic Farmhouse Venues
For weddings in charming venues like a Tuscan farmhouse, warm neutrals like terracotta, ivory, and warm taupe feel natural and harmonious against the rustic backdrop of the venue.
Outfit Inspiration
A linen dress in ivory with delicate terracotta accents or a warm taupe gown with natural textures like lace or embroidery would be stunning.
Pinterest Inspiration
Autumn or Winter Celebrations
For cooler months, muted jewel tones such as emerald green, deep burgundy, and sapphire bring an air of sophistication and richness to the occasion.
Outfit Inspiration
A velvet gown in deep emerald green or a burgundy satin dress with long sleeves and lace details would be perfect for an autumn or winter wedding.
Pinterest Inspiration
For the Groom (or Male Guests)
While the focus is often on the bride, the groom’s attire should also complement the surroundings and the wedding theme. Here’s how you can bring those Italian hues into your look:
Summer Weddings by the Sea
For a relaxed yet stylish look, go for light grey or navy suits paired with a light blue or sage-green shirt. The soft colours add a fresh and airy vibe to the ceremony, reflecting the calm of the Mediterranean.
Outfit Inspiration
A linen suit in light beige with a powder blue tie or a sage-green pocket square for a pop of colour.
Pinterest Inspiration
Rustic Farmhouse Venues
Warm tones like terracotta or warm beige suits are perfect for matching the rustic charm of an Italian farmhouse wedding. Pair with a white shirt or ivory tie to keep the look fresh but sophisticated.
Outfit Inspiration:
A light terracotta suit with a tan tie or a wheat-beige blazer with a simple ivory shirt.
Pinterest Inspiration
Autumn or Winter Celebrations
For cooler months, jewel tones like deep burgundy, navy blue, or emerald green add depth and elegance. Pair a burgundy velvet blazer with black trousers, or opt for a navy wool-blend suit with a sapphire-blue tie.
Outfit Inspiration
A navy blue wool suit with a burgundy silk tie or an emerald green velvet blazer with dark trousers for a seasonal touch.
Pinterest Inspiration
3. Seasonal Wardrobes and Essential Packing Lists
Depending on the season, you’ll want to carefully choose your fabrics and styles to match the weather. Here’s a little breakdown:
June to August: Think linen dresses, cotton-silk blend gowns, and suits in pastel shades. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed straw hat and breathable undergarments!
September to October: Transition into crepe or light wool-blend midi dresses and tailored suits in earth and jewel tones. A pashmina or light wrap will come in handy for those cooler evenings.
November to April: Opt for velvet or heavier silk gowns, long-sleeve lace dresses, and wool-blend suits in rich, deep hues. A stylish trench coat will be your new best friend.
One of my personal tips: roll your clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles. Also, packing cubes are a lifesaver to keep everything organised!
Are you part of the bridal party?
Check with the bride about what colour scheme and material everyone is going for. If you're organising a wedding, I suggest you give your bridal party some direction on colours without forcing something they are not comfortable in. My bridesmaids and our our ceremony witnesses chose an outfit of a style that they liked, with a specific colour in mind to create a similar theme/ombre effect without all looking the same. Still good for the individual.
.4. What Not to Wear
There are a few things to avoid when dressing for an Italian wedding — let’s start with the basics!
All-white outfits should be avoided (it’s the bride’s time to shine, after all!).
Overly branded pieces or loud logos can take away from the timeless elegance of Italy. Italians are known for their understated luxury.
Skip the flip-flops, graphic t-shirts, and athletic sneakers — even if you’re at a beachfront ceremony. Instead, opt for raffia sandals or leather loafers for a more polished look.
Steer clear of clashing floral prints that compete with the venue décor. If the location is already bursting with colour, choose solid or subtly patterned pieces to stand out in an elegant way.
5. Footwear Fundamentals
When in doubt, balance style and practicality. If you’re attending a vineyard ceremony, block-heel sandals or wedges are a great option to avoid sinking into the grass. For those cobblestone streets in Rome or Florence, low-heeled pumps and leather loafers will provide stability and comfort as you walk.
And let’s be real — dancing and exploring those narrow Italian alleys are must-dos after the ceremony! Pack a foldable pair of flats for those moments.
6. Accessory Accents
Let’s talk about the fun part: accessories! These little touches can elevate your outfit and tie everything together in a way that feels authentically you. Personally, I absolutely adore statement earrings, especially in gold or mother-of-pearl — they’re perfect for chaneling those coastal Italian vibes. These pieces add that touch of glamour without feeling too overdone, which I think is key for an Italian celebration.
You can also play around with other subtle accents, like a woven leather belt for a rustic yet chic vibe, a silk pocket square for a dash of refinement, or a slim leather watch strap for a sleek, understated look. It’s all about those little details that reflect your personality and the stunning Italian atmosphere.
For the gentlemen, don’t shy away from adding a floral lapel pin or a silk tie in a seasonal hue — it’s a great way to bring the whole look together. I love seeing how these details bring a bit of Italian flair to an outfit, giving it just the right amount of charm.
And here’s a little piece of advice if you’re planning your wedding: Encourage your guests to follow a dress code. For example, for our June wedding in Sicily, we encouraged chic but fun summer dresses for the ladies, with lots of colours, and linen suits for the men. It helped create a cohesive and vibrant look for everyone, but still gave each person the freedom to express themselves. This can make your wedding photos even more magical and ensure that everyone feels part of the celebration!
7. Pro Tip – Curate a Pinterest Inspiration Board
My secret to nailing the perfect wedding look? Start with a Pinterest board that’s laser-focused on your theme or location. Instead of calling it something generic, choose a name that sets the scene — think “Amalfi Coast Summer Wedding Dresses”, “Tuscan Vineyard Wedding Style”, or “Sicily Wedding Colour Palette”.
When you start searching, mix location, theme, and style keywords so you discover fresh ideas. Try phrases like Italian coastal wedding guest outfits, Mediterranean chic wedding attire, beach wedding shoes for Italy, romantic villa wedding guest looks, or even European destination wedding hair ideas. These will pull up everything from breezy linen gowns for seaside vows to elegant silk dresses for Venetian palazzos — plus accessories, colour palettes, and hair inspiration.
Pin it all — outfits, shoes that can handle cobblestones, statement jewellery, and even fabric swatches. This board becomes your style bible and is so easy to share with your bridal party, photographer, and stylist, ensuring everyone’s aligned on colours, textures, and the overall vibe. The result? A wedding album and venue styling that look effortlessly cohesive… and totally Instagram (and Pinterest!) worthy.
May your wedding planning be full of joy, and your Italian celebration even more magical than you imagined.
Sending sunshine, spritz, and support,
Elisa x
