Italians are historically rebels, partly because they’re constantly being invaded: by foreign armies, by foreign customs, by foreign languages or simply by foreigners in general, ever since the Roman Empire kicked the bucket. This may be the reason why they try so hard to maintain their provincial identities – a trace of feudalism - and gawk at anything not in their code of couth.
Italians are steadfast in their traditions. Marriage is still on the top of the list and the procedures and processions surrounding this once-in-a-lifetime event are sacred. Weddings are a big deal and a big investment and the rules of style, etiquette and good breeding are set in stone and non-negotiable.
Here are 5 style no-no’s from the Italian Wedding code of couth:
no flip-flops
Flip-flops
Not even a wedding in Sardinia would see the groom wearing flip flops. The male appendage, if well-groomed, may be flaunted in summer at the beach or at discos (dancing with thongs? ouch!) but never, ever, at a wedding.
No flip-flops.
Mourning bridesmaids
In Italy, black is worn at funerals. At weddings, the Italian code of couth paints the bridesmaids in light pastels or in a color matching the wedding dress (off-white or champagne) and a sash or belt in the color scheme preferred by the bride. Other no-no colors for the bridal party are purple and green.
No black for bridesmaids.
Hand delivered bouquet
Bouquet hand off
The ultimate expression of love and nature, the bridal bouquet is carefully chosen by the bride-to-be in her favorite flowers which compliment her gown and echo her color and floral theme throughout the entire procession, wedding hall and reception venue. Nowadays bouquets can be freeze-dried to last a lifetime, so that memory is forever.
The no-no here is although the bride does all the floral decision-making, the bouquet must be paid for and handed to her on the wedding hall/church doorstep or at some point BEFORE the wedding ceremony by no other than her prince charming himself.
No bouquet delivery boy.
Tiara yes, veil no
Only the Catholic church requires brides cover their heads. For a Civil Ceremony there is no specific dress code, but the Italian code of couth sees stylish gowns in off-white or colors (still no black, purple or green) and hairdos pinned with flowers or a tiara at most.
No veils for a town hall “I do”.
Love your shoes
Love your shoes
Although Prada makes a great pair of sandals to go with any gown for the moderate price of 2,000 euros, they are definitely a no-no even for a Civil Ceremony. The bridal appendage must be jealously concealed in a stylish pair of heels, low-cut pumps or slingbacks, same color as the wedding gown. Sorry, no open-toes either.
No bridal feet revealed.
Disclaimer: All of the above no-no’s only go for Italians 
