Italian Wedding Songs for the Ceremony, Cocktails and Reception
By Frank Baggetta
Italian music can play several roles during a wedding: marking a ceremony, welcoming guests, carrying family traditions or opening the dance floor. The lists below are starting points. The arrangement and timing still need to fit your event.
Ceremony and formal moments
For a processional, signing or recessional, begin with songs whose tempo and length fit the moment. Frank's catalogue includes:
- Ave Maria
- Con Te Partiro
- Caruso
- O Sole Mio
Confirm the arrangement and timing with your officiant, venue and musician.
Cocktail-hour songs
During cocktails, familiarity and mobility can matter more than a fixed running order. Songs to consider include:
- That's Amore
- Volare
- La Vie En Rose
- Santa Lucia
- Come Back to Sorrento
Accordion can stay in one performance area or move among guests, depending on the room and event.
Dinner and reception songs
For dinner and the reception, separate background selections from songs tied to an entrance, dance or family request. Frank's catalogue includes:
- Funiculi Funicula
- Tarantella Napoletana
- Mambo Italiano
- Oh Marie
- Al Di La
Build the list around your families
Start with the songs relatives expect to hear, then add music connected to the couple and the setting. Frank's Italian repertoire contains 325 catalogued songs. He also served for sixteen years as musical director of the Johnny Lombardi Canadian Italian Song Festival and placed second at the World Accordion Competition in Ancona, Italy.
Browse the Italian song list, then send Frank any particular requests with your event details.