If you’ve been lucky enough to score an invitation to a wedding in Italy, congratulations are in order. I can almost assure you, that you’re in for a magical experience. However once that excitement settles, the question still remains: what to wear to a wedding in Italy? Italian weddings are known to be famously elegant, stylish and deeply steeped in tradition. Getting your outfit right means understanding the venue, the dress code, the season and of course, channeling a little ‘La Dolce Vita’ energy.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what to wear to a wedding in Italy, from a sun-drenched Tuscan vineyard to a formal church ceremony in Rome.
- Understanding Italian Wedding Dress Codes
- Shop Black Tie Dresses to Wear to an Italian Wedding
- Shop Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
- Shop Informal Wedding Guest Dresses in Breathable Fabrics
- What to Wear to a Wedding in Italy: Tuscan Vineyards
- Shop Chic Italian Tuscan Vineyard Wedding Guest Dresses
- What to Wear to a Wedding in Italy: Church Ceremony in Rome or Florence
- Shop Church Ceremony Worthy Dresses for an Italian Wedding
- Shop Stylish Shawls and Silk Scarves
- What to Wear to a Wedding in Italy: Amalfi Coast or Southern Italy
- Shop Beach/Ocean Wedding Guest Dresses
- Colors to Wear (and Avoid) at an Italian Wedding
- Accessories for an Italian Wedding
- Shop Evening Bags and Clutches for a Wedding in Italy
- Shop Jewelry
- Final Tips for Dressing for a Wedding in Italy
- Shop Block Heels Heels to Wear to a Wedding in Italy
- Shop Statement/Designer Heels to Wear to a Wedding in Italy
Understanding Italian Wedding Dress Codes
Before you begin shopping, you need to understand the dress code on your invitation. Italian weddings typically fall into a few categories:
- Formal Attire / Black Tie: Think floor-length gowns, elegant jumpsuits, or sophisticated cocktail dresses in luxurious fabrics.
- Smart Elegant / Cocktail: Think a chic cocktail dress in a midi or knee-length, tailored separates and chic tailored suits.
- Informal / Casual Chic: Flowy sundresses, light weight linen sets, or relaxed but polished looks.
When in doubt about what to wear for a wedding in Italy, always opt to dress up, rather than to dress down. Italians take fashion seriously and your outfit will be noticed; so by all means, dress to impress!
Shop Black Tie Dresses to Wear to an Italian Wedding
Shop Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Shop Informal Wedding Guest Dresses in Breathable Fabrics
What to Wear to a Wedding in Italy: Tuscan Vineyards
Vineyard weddings in Tuscany are among some of the most romantic settings in the world. Think rolling hills, golden light and cobblestone streets which means your footwear will matter just as much as your dress. You will definitely need elegant sandals in blocked heels to navigate the cobblestone streets, if attending a summer wedding outdoors. For a Tuscan vineyard wedding, opt for a flowing midi or maxi dress in warm earth tones, dusty rose, terracotta or sage green. While you can wear any color you’d like, these hues tend to photograph beautifully against the tuscan landscape. Soft pastels in lighter fabrics are always a great option to consider as well.
The type of fabric is also something to bear in mind – choose silk, chiffon or light linen to stay cool during an outdoor ceremony. Avoid overly casual cotton fabrics or simply anything that wrinkles easily.
Shop Chic Italian Tuscan Vineyard Wedding Guest Dresses
What to Wear to a Wedding in Italy: Church Ceremony in Rome or Florence
Church ceremonies in Italy come with important modesty requirements. It is important that you cover your shoulders and knees inside a Catholic church: this is a non-negotiable. A chic solution when wearing a sleeveless or off-the-shoulder dress is to layer it with a structured blazer, a stylish shawl or a silk scarf that you can opt to remove at the reception, if you so desire.
Knowing what to wear to a wedding in Italy for a church setting means planning your layers intentionally. A floor-length gown in pastel shades like blush pink and powder blue or deep jewel tones like emerald green and deep blues is always a safe and stunning choice.
Shop Church Ceremony Worthy Dresses for an Italian Wedding
Shop Stylish Shawls and Silk Scarves
What to Wear to a Wedding in Italy: Amalfi Coast or Southern Italy
Coastal weddings along the Amalfi Coast or in Positano call for breezy, sophisticated resort wear. Think a one-shoulder maxi dress in deep blue or emerald green, a silk slip dress with hints of lace or a crisp tailored linen set accessorized with gold accessories. The backdrop is stunning, so your outfit should feel effortlessly glamorous.
Flat sandals, low wedges or blocked heels are practical for navigating coastal terrain while still looking chic and polished – I’ve linked some of my favourites at the end of this post. When considering what to wear to a wedding in Italy by the sea, prioritize lighter breathable fabrics and vibrant colors that complement the scenery. If it is an outdoor Italian wedding you will certainly need come prepared with a wide-brimmed hat and a chic pair of sunglasses.
Shop Beach/Ocean Wedding Guest Dresses
Colors to Wear (and Avoid) at an Italian Wedding
One of the most important things to know about what to wear to a wedding in Italy is the color etiquette:
- AVOID white, ivory, or cream — these are reserved for the bride.
- AVOID all-black in some more traditional Italian regions, as it can signal mourning.
- WEAR rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, deep burgundy, or cobalt.
- WEAR soft pastel hues like dusty rose, lavender, peach, and baby blue.
- WEAR bold Mediterranean shades like terracotta, coral, or mustard for outdoor events.
Accessories for an Italian Wedding
Italian women are known for their impeccable accessorizing. When styling your look for a wedding in Italy, think quality over quantity. Structured and statement clutches, delicate gold or statement jewelry and a pair of elegant or statement earrings can transform even the simplest of dresses into a show-stopping look.
If you’re attending a luxury or formal black-tie wedding in Italy, this is the moment to splurge on a designer handbag or statement jewelery.
Shop Evening Bags and Clutches for a Wedding in Italy
Shop Jewelry
Final Tips for Dressing for a Wedding in Italy
- Always check the dress code on your invitation carefully.
- Consider the season: Italian summers are hot, so if attending a summer wedding opt for breathable, natural fabrics an essential.
- Pack your outfit carefully to avoid wrinkles, especially when travelling for an italian destination wedding.
- When determining what to wear to a wedding in Italy, the ultimate guide to clue you in on what to wear is paying attention to the venue: for formal occasions think church wedding, vineyard weddings are outdoors, think garden setting and coastal weddings think chic cocktail dress in lightweight fabrics.
- Comfort matters: you’ll be celebrating for hours, so choose shoes you can actually dance in like block heels.
Shop Block Heels Heels to Wear to a Wedding in Italy
Shop Statement/Designer Heels to Wear to a Wedding in Italy
Styling outfits for a wedding in Italy is one of fashion’s great pleasures. With the right preparation, you’ll feel as effortlessly chic as the Italian guests around you. Now go enjoy la dolce vita! Be sure to check out my post Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses, filled with chic affordable finds.
