A Tuscan-Themed Wedding
Tuscany, a hilly region near the middle of Italy, is renowned for its red wines, magnificent scenery, and simply sophisticated cuisine ... not to mention the medieval charm of its walled towns, castles and fortresses.
Then, there are the olive groves, vineyards and rambling farmhouses, and that dreamy blue sky.
If you or your fiancé have Italian ties, a Tuscan theme wedding is a great way to celebrate them. And even if you don't, the Tuscan or Italian country theme is a great way to make the most of any outdoor setting.
The cornerstone of the Tuscan theme is simple elegance. Often, this theme shows up in vineyards, country clubs, and manicured gardens. It's also a good choice for Italian-theme banquet rooms or restaurants (especially those with arches, columns or warmly-colored stucco).
Decorating for your Tuscan-Theme Wedding
Start with the signature colors of Tuscany: gold and a color actually known as Tuscan red, which leans toward brick. Olive makes a great (and traditional) accent. But you can choose any color combination you want.
After that, simply think about what makes a vineyard romantic. Hanging lanterns let your reception linger into the evening. Parasols give your bridal party a graceful, old-world look. Tiered fountains add gallons of ambiance.
How you go about the nuts and bolts from here really depends on your tastes. For a relaxed look, draw on the graphics of vintage Italian wine posters, or old-world maps. Scan in your favorites and use these to turn out one-of-a-kind table cards or invitations. Display your table cards over wine bottles topped with a slotted cork.
You could also create (or buy) rustic cork placecard holders. For whimsical look, light up key tables and focal points with grape cluster string lights.
Ivy (real or faux) will give any glass canister instant vineyard flair. More laid-back ideas for table decorations: pitchers filled with bread sticks in appealing spiral shapes, mason jars filled with miniature sunflowers, Gerber daisies and the occasional rose, or bowls or urns heaped with gilded fruit.
The cake is the biggest focal point of any reception after the bride, so many brides like to take this uptown even if the reception's more relaxed. A Tuscan-themed cake is a wonderful chance to dabble in the forefront of cake artistry, like texture (such as Venetian lace), gold leaf (think elaborate gold medallions), or even a painted-on rendition of a gorgeous Tuscan china pattern. But if you want to keep things simple, three clean tiers banded by gold and red ribbons will look just as beautiful. Set off your cake table with the traditional cake letters, but spell "AMORE" instead of "I DO."
A Taste of Tuscany
Many caterers will have a good idea where to start if you ask for a Tuscan buffet, a Tuscan food station or even an all-over Tuscan menu.
Tuscan cuisine prides itself on presenting simple food that just knocks you out with its excellence. Any Tuscan menu is going to highlight unpretentious but perfectly-done combinations of peasant breads, soft cheeses, tomatoes, beans, olive oils and wine. Typically appearing the menu are starters like antipasto, bread sticks, and Tuscan white bean bean paté on crostini.
You also might find a selection of the finest olives (and tasty derivatives like tapenade), fruit compotes, and delicious cured meats like Tuscan ham and salami. Or in the European tradition, golden pears poached in a flavorful red wine, then knocked over the top with goat cheese and honey. A Tuscan ravioli filled with grilled eggplant, spinach and a variety of cheeses would draw raves as a main course.
For beverages, serve San Pellegrino to whet your guests' whistles, and Prosecco for toasts (its sweeter flavor makes it the perfect pairing for cakes everywhere). When it's time to dish up the cake, make it even more enjoyable by bringing out the barista and offering espresso and cappuccinos.
Also, keep in mind that no theme offers a better excuse to entertain your guests during cocktail hour with a wine tasting. Hire a local expert to help bring out the nuances of your wines and really make things memorable.
The Sweet Sounds of Amore
Music is indispensable to any Italian wedding. But a vineyard wedding calls for intimacy: a classical guitarist or a string quartet, say. Alternately, a small operatic choir will have your guests leaping from their seats (and searching for tissues). As the night goes on, an traditional Italian band will get your guests stamping to the strains of the Tarantella.
Gifting Your Guests
There's so many possibilities for favors at your Tuscan theme wedding. Let's start with the food: consider bottles of imported, herbed olive oil ... or real balsamic vinegar, or Italian truffles. Also popular are bottles of hearty Tuscan wine, personalized with wine labels bearing the couple's wedding date. The favor market's bursting with appealing wine accessories, such as
wine stopper favors and
wine charms. Of course, Jordan almonds are never out of place at any Italian wedding.
A Final Note
The elegant country theme has universal appeal, whether it's the rustic sophistication of Provence or the old-world simplicity of Tuscany. If you're lucky enough to have some Italian in your background or a beautiful vineyard nearby, the Tuscan theme is a great way to celebrate close to the heart.
Thx for information.
I was planning on getting married Oct ’12 but now planning for a March/April ’13. The theme is a wine theme/tuscany. I love the colors I originally chose (deep red/purple gold/rich green) Can I still use them in March/April?
jen,
absolutely!!
Check this out…
I am getting married in March. My love, he suggested that we get married at olive garden. I am leaning towards this but am asking that they allow us to add our special Tuscan appeal.
What do you all think about olive garden…okay we are in our sixties and loved each other since childhood. we really love each other. and the theme is so perfect.
let me know. I am also thinking of wearing green tones and beige with the red highlights and ivy..i can so visualize this. But let me know what u think..
thanks gwen getting it on at 60…oh yes!!
Gwen, Congratulations!! Restaurant weddings are not uncommon. Actually they are very nice and everything you need is right there. I have to admit I have been to the Olive Garden only a couple times, the only thing I wwoul dbe concerned about is the privacy. if they do not have an area that is set to the side for events then all other customers will be there too. Go with what you love!! That is the number one thing a bride should feel is happy!! For your attire it is best to suit your skintone and hair. you said red highlights, green is the perfect choice. If you can post a pic or tell me your skin color etc. I would be ahppy to assist.
Gwen,
* check this out, love it!!!
* and this
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are good..I love this OMG…I love it…thanks!
Thanks for the input
I am not sure why I said red highlights on me personally, It was pretty much the colors of the theme etc. I am rather meduim brown toned and my hair is slightly salt and pepper gray around the edges and I am plus sized…where are u located?
Thanks
Gwen, I am in Louisiana. I am so happy you liked the posts!! Stick with a color that compliments your skintone. I am thinking greens in the more jewel tones would flatter you. Also dont overlook silver, you would be surprised how it can look. Especially if your looking for something more bridal feeling. When trying on dresses make sure to take someone( one or two people tops, varying opinions will confuse) with you that will be honest about the coloring and style. You will want to glow on your wedding day.
I am getting married (2nd time) in July outdoors in a Tuscany setting. I am looking for ideas for food for the reception…..any ideas???
I really like Italian foods, but for some guest in my age bracket I am thinking they might get indigestion. So go with the typical menu with a light fare and I would also add rice for those who do not like pasta.
Karen,
* Wedding party / romantic Tuscan ambiance
my daughter is getting married July ’10 in a vineyard and she is going with a Tuscan theme. She has been told to let everyone know to wear “vineyard casual clothing” does anyone know how casual this is. We do not want shorts and flip-flops. the wedding is in Maryland and it is very hot and humid in July and we want everyone to be comfortable. If anyone knows how to word the invites, please let me know, thanks
sharon,
here is a link to vineyard casual, it is just mainly sundresses, slacks, jackets and no ties. what youwould wear inthe hamptons.
*A Quintessential Island Clambake Wedding
have the main info for the invite some may not know what that means, so it is best to include this on a simple and separate enclosure. have dressy casual with definiton inside as stated by a wedding expert on another forum.
*Party Definitions
I am hosting a Tuscan theme vow renewal on the exact same day in Ky at a quaint winery. Our dress for guests is “dressy casual” meaning sundresses for the ladies and slacks and dress shirts or polo’s for men. No ties required. Good Luck.
Hi!
What wedding venue in Maryland? I am searching for nice venues for a tuscan themed wedding as well.
Thanks!
Emil
Hi Emil,
check out Running Hare Vineyard, http://www.runningharevineyard.com. My daugher is getting married there and the events building looks very Tuscan ,sitting on top a hill in the vineyard. Very nice and great people to work with
How did your event turn out..It sounded like a grand idea. I am planning now…let me know please!
I have some fun wine-themed items for sale! Check ‘em out!
http://www.labradoodlebride.webs.com
I am recently engaged and wanted to share my table setting ideas with everyone. My mother is very creative. She put them together for me.
Hello kara i would like to know your table setting please. My fiance is Italian. And I would like to have are wedding Rec. A Italian theme. Thank you in advance!
Hope
hmdalessio79@comcast.net
Kara: I would love to hear your ideas for an Italian theme as I am working on a luncheon with an Italian theme.
Hi Kara,
I am decorating tables for an Italian Tuscany dinner party and would love to see the ideas your Mother used.
dear Kara,
It would be wonderful to hear your Mom’s crative ideas. Please share!
some ideas for a gift box u can use either a wooden wine barrel, or i am using a wooden wine crate with a slit cut on the top
Hi tara
Where on earth did you find one? At winreries in my city they are hundreds of dollars. I can’t find one anywhere..
i found mine on ebay!
They range at around 30$ plus shipping fees…which still amounts to less then renting a birdcage from where im from! hope this helps!
Lindsey – I’m getting married in a Gazebo too. We are leaving it plain because we think it looks beautiful with the white pillars and then natural flowers around it. Our colors are Burgandy, Ivory, with green and gold accents. The girls are wearing burgandy.
Does anyone have an idea for a “Card Box” for the guest to provide cards?
Our Tuscan Olive Oil favors!!! The custom labels and ribbon were made and sent to us quickly and safely. All we had to do was place them on the tables. Huge hit!
ChristiesidoraATyahooDOTcom
I’m having an outside wedding this August in southern Ca. The venue is very Rustic. I want an Italian them. Can anyone please help with decoration ideas. Colors ? Flowers? Bridesmaid Colors? and decorating the Gazebo of where were getting married.
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH
Hi, these ispirations are very beautiful!
Noemi wedding planner from Italy
PS ladies, if you want to browse a lovingly photographed guide to a do-it-yourself vineyard wedding, check out JeanM’s how-to for a wine country wedding. Very elegant, using materials that anyone can find.
Hi everyone, I just want to say that Mishka does AMAZING event design. If you are just feeling a little burned out with your own planning, take a sec to look at her creations and I can almost guarantee you will feel new fire about the design process! There’s nothing pretentious, tired or overdone there … just fresh ideas and confidence!
Her site is here but you can throw yourself into her color-drenched destination weddings at her flickr home for a mini-vacation. She does one-of-a-kind island weddings that look NOTHING like the cookie-cutter events you all-too-often see in ads and magazines — and, she says even then it’s often cheaper than a wedding at home!