Tradition, Community & The Art of the Chuppah

After the ceremony at the **Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino**

Jewish weddings are rich in symbolism, rooted in tradition, and deeply personal. Whether the ceremony takes place in a centuries-old synagogue or under a handmade chuppah in a private garden, the structure and flow of a Jewish wedding create space for something sacred, emotional, and joyful.

As floral designers working across Italy, we've had the honor of creating chuppahs in some truly unique venues, each one shaped by the couple's story, the local setting, and the heritage they bring with them.

The Chuppah: More Than Just a Canopy

At the heart of every Jewish ceremony is the chuppah, a canopy held up by four poles, open on all sides. It represents the couple’s first home together, open, welcoming, and filled with intention. But it’s not just symbolic. The chuppah becomes the frame through which guests witness one of the most significant moments in two people’s lives.

We’ve created chuppahs in a wide range of styles, from minimalist and modern to fully bloomed with seasonal flowers and natural branches. What matters most is that it reflects the couple and holds space for the ritual with sincerity. We’ve built chuppahs in venues like Borgo Petrognano, Camporsevoli, Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte, and even at the Synagogue in Florence, adapting our design to each unique space, whether it’s a formal garden or a historic courtyard.

For those looking for a destination wedding with meaning and depth, a Jewish wedding in Italy offers both tradition and beauty in balance.

Photo Andrea Sampoli - Chuppah at **Villa Corsini**

Jewish Communities & Ceremony Options in Italy

Italy is home to several active and welcoming Jewish communities, especially in Florence, Livorno, and Rome. Depending on your level of observance, we can help coordinate with Rabbis from Florence and Livorno, both of whom are accustomed to officiating at destination weddings in Tuscany and beyond.

And then there’s Pitigliano, a small town carved into volcanic rock, often called La Piccola Gerusalemme (Little Jerusalem). Historically, Pitigliano had a thriving Jewish community with a beautiful synagogue that still stands today. The town has a quiet, contemplative atmosphere that makes it an unexpectedly moving place to exchange vows. If you're looking for something authentic and rooted in heritage, Pitigliano is worth considering. I’ve visited myself, and there's something about the narrow streets and tucked-away spaces that stays with you.

Pitigliano, a magical place for your ceremony and wedding celebrations

Decorating the Chuppah: Elevating the Ceremony

When we design a chuppah, we begin by asking: What feeling do you want to evoke when you stand under it? Do you imagine it full of color and texture, echoing the landscape around you? Or do you want something clean and architectural, letting the structure speak for itself?

We use a mix of fresh flowers, branches, fabrics, and sometimes even family heirlooms or embroidered tallitot. Our goal is to create a chuppah that doesn’t just look beautiful, but feels meaningful. Whether it’s overlooking the sea at the Belmond Hotel Splendido or set in the garden of Villa Corsini a Mezzomonte, each chuppah we design is tailored to its place and moment.

Photo Milos Dokmanovic - **FunkyBird Photography**

A Thoughtful Approach

Planning a Jewish wedding in Italy is not just about finding a venue, it’s about weaving together tradition, beauty, and the personal details that matter most. We’re here to help you navigate that, from florals and ceremony setup to coordinating with officiants and respecting customs.

If you’re in the early stages of planning or already imagining your chuppah under the Tuscan sky or within historic walls, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s Talk Flowers