ITALIAN WEDDING AT BLACK SWAN LAKE | BUSTLE EVENTS

Feb 9

HOW TO INCORPORATE FAMILY TRADITION & CULTURE INTO YOUR WEDDING DAY

This year’s wedding trends are a breath of fresh air—literally. After waiting out the height of the pandemic, many couples are finally getting their chance to tie the knot surrounded by family and friends. Couples are prioritizing their guests’ health and safety and wanting authentic, family-style wedding experiences above all else. Garden venues and family estates like Black Swan Lake provide the most idyllic backdrop for al fresco weddings like this one we have featured in Martha Stewart Weddings.

For Gina and Steven, this Tuscan-inspired venue was perfect in more ways than one. The two wanted to give a big nod to their American-Italian family heritages as the two families joined to become one. Family is incredibly important to both of them, so although they couldn’t ask everyone to journey to Italy with them, they could bring Italy to their wedding day with this gorgeous black tie affair. Our team enjoyed infusing Tuscan and vintage Italian elements into their wedding design.

After waiting two years for the wedding of their dreams, no detail was spared. Gina and Steven both agreed that even though their wedding day would be a formal event, they wanted it to feel like a large family gathering, just like a big Italian Sunday dinner. To bring their vision to life, we used long banquet tables covered in Italian linens topped with timeless and elegant table settings, soft florals, and taper candles—nothing to detract from the warm conversations and great company following the vows. Bronze candelabras hung from the leafy trees above to add soft light and create the perfect evening ambiance.

Gina and Steven’s wedding day was a beautiful blend of everything the love most—especially their family and loved ones and the rich heritage that led to where they are today. Many couples want to infuse a bit of nostalgia and family tradition into their wedding day.

HOW TO HONOR YOUR FAMILY HERITAGE:

6 WAYS TO TIE CULTURAL ELEMENTS INTO YOUR WEDDING DESIGN

PICK A CULTURE-INSPIRED VENUE

Choose a venue that either complements or features the look you’re going for. The goal is to embellish the existing ambiance—not transform the venue into something it’s not. Venue selection is a crucial foundation for your wedding design. Black Swan Lake is a Tuscan-inspired venue with Italian-manicured gardens and Tuscan landscapes. If you don’t have a venue in mind, our team at Bustle Events is happy to offer recommendations based on your vision and theme.

INFUSE ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

Gina wanted their ceremony arch to resemble Italian architecture, and we recreated that look with delicate floral pointed arch as opposed to a rounded arch.

INCORPORATE TRADITIONAL ARTWORK INTO THE INVITATION SUITE

For this wedding, the invitation suite featured famous Italian artwork on the envelope liners. Alternatively, you could stick with modern art, but your stationary may feature artwork by an artist of your nationality or ethnicity.

ESCORT CARD DISPLAY OR SEATING CHART

Instead of traditionally posting the seating arrangements, make it fun and festive or warm and welcoming by incorporating your theme or culture piece. For this Tuscan-inspired wedding, we designed an Italian market cart covered in linens to post guests’ names and seats. Fresh cut florals, lemons, apples, and artichokes overflowing from baskets enhanced the Italian theme and added pops of color and character to feel even more warm and inviting.

CULTURE-INSPIRED CUISINE & DRINKS

It makes sense that Gina and Steven went with a delicious Italian menu and hand-selected Italian wine followed by Italian coffee and dessert. Food and drink is one of the best ways to deliver a nostalgic cultural wedding experience and bring people together.

To get you going, here are a few classic cocktails from around the world:

o Peruvian Pisco Sour

o Singapore Sling

o Fresh Peach Sake

o Spanish Sangria

o Venetian Aperol Spritz

o French Kir Royal

o Cuban Mojito

o London Pimm’s

TRADITIONAL MUSIC & DANCE

It’s ok if you have guests from all over—it’s fun to learn! Incorporate a few traditional songs and dances that your family cherishes, and ask everyone to join in. Demonstrate the steps—and pour some more wine—and you’ll have everyone out on the dance floor making memories you’ll never forget!