Italian songs for your wedding
Adding a few Italian songs to your wedding is an easy way to make the music feel rooted in the place, and Italian musicians will know them well. Here are the pieces that come up again and again at weddings in Italy, by part of the day.
Ceremony
Classical and operatic pieces suit Italian churches, villas and gardens, and work beautifully with strings, harp or organ.
- Ave Maria (Schubert, or the Bach/Gounod version): a traditional choice for church ceremonies.
- Canon in D (Pachelbel): not Italian, but still the most requested entrance piece.
- Spring, from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi): bright and celebratory, especially fitting in Venice, Vivaldi's home city.
- Intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana (Mascagni): sweeping and emotional, lovely for the signing.
- Nuovo Cinema Paradiso theme (Morricone): a favourite with couples who want something cinematic.
- Con te partirò: a romantic choice for the entrance or exit.
Aperitivo and dinner
Swing and jazz versions of Italian classics, mid-century crooners and Neapolitan songs create a warm, sociable atmosphere.
- Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu)
- That's Amore
- Tu vuò fà l'americano
- Azzurro
- Il cielo in una stanza
- Parlami d'amore Mariù
- 'O sole mio and Funiculì funiculà, two Neapolitan classics guests will recognise
First dance
- Il mondo: a big, romantic ballad.
- La vie en rose (in an Italian-style arrangement): not Italian, but a perennial favourite with live bands.
- Quando quando quando: if you'd rather something upbeat.
- Your own song, Italian-style: many bands will arrange a favourite song with mandolin, accordion or strings to give it an Italian feel.
Party: the Italian sing-alongs
Ask your band to drop a short Italian medley into the party. These reliably get Italian guests singing and everyone else dancing:
- L'italiano
- Felicità
- Sarà perché ti amo
- Gloria
- A tarantella to finish, often with the whole room dancing in a circle
Tip: send your musicians a short must-play list and a do-not-play list. Italian bands can usually learn a special request if you ask well in advance.
Interested in where these traditions come from? See regional music traditions across Italy.
Questions couples ask
What is a traditional Italian wedding song?
The tarantella is the best-known traditional Italian wedding dance. Neapolitan classics such as 'O sole mio and Funiculì funiculà, and pop sing-alongs like L'italiano and Felicità, are also very popular.
Can an Italian band learn our first dance song?
Usually, yes, if you ask well in advance. Many bands will also arrange a song with Italian instruments such as mandolin or accordion.
Need music for your wedding in Italy?
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