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FAQs

The Wedding Website of Nicole Stelter and Ali Albakaa
Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

June 01, 2026

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Our wedding attire is semi-formal, meaning we’re aiming for a polished and dressy look without being overly formal. We kindly ask guests to dress in our wedding colors: black, red, burgundy, gold, olive green, and cream white. Wearing one of these tones will help create a beautiful and cohesive atmosphere for our celebration. Thank you for being part of our special day!

Question

What are some tips about Italian culture?

Answer

Personal space is typically smaller when speaking with Italians. Italians are expressive, they may use many hand gestures when speaking. Aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks + snacks) is a must-try tradition. DO: Italians appreciate even a small effort — start with “Buongiorno” before asking anything. “Ciao” is friendly but best used with people you know. A smile + “Grazie” goes a long way. Meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Service at restaurants is relaxed — expect to ask for the check when you are ready to leave, wait staff do not typically provide the check unless asked. Carry some cash (in Euros)- smaller cafés, taxis, and shops may prefer cash. Dress a bit more polished. Italians tend to dress stylishly, even casually. Think “put together” rather than athleisure. Validate your train tickets (if applicable). If using regional trains, look for the little validation machines before boarding. Respect churches and historic sites. Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches. Speak quietly, these are active places of worship. DON’T Don’t expect fast dining. Meals can take 1.5–2+ hours. You usually have to ask for the check: “Il conto, per favore” Don’t order a cappuccino after a meal. Italians typically only drink cappuccino in the morning. After lunch/dinner, order an espresso instead. Don’t rely on tipping culture. Tipping isn’t expected like in the U.S. A small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not required. Don’t touch produce at markets. In many markets, the vendor selects items for you. Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Many people do, but starting with a simple Italian phrase is appreciated. Don’t sit at a table without checking. Some cafés charge more for table service vs. standing at the bar.

Question

What are some common Italian words and phrases?

Answer

Hello → Ciao (informal) Good morning → Buongiorno Good evening → Buonasera Goodbye → Ciao (informal), Arrivederci (formal) Please → Per favore / Per piacere Thank you → Grazie You’re welcome → Prego Excuse me / Sorry → Scusi (formal), Scusa (informal) Yes → Sì No → No One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten → Uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque, sei, sette, otto, nove, dieci Water → Acqua (still = naturale, sparkling = frizzante) Wine → Vino Cheers! → Salute! I am allergic to… → Sono allergico/a a… Where is…? → Dov’è…? The bathroom → Il bagno The train station → La stazione The airport → L’aeroporto How much does it cost? → Quanto costa? I would like… → Vorrei… Ticket → Biglietto Do you speak English? → Parla inglese? Help! → Aiuto! I need a doctor → Ho bisogno di un medico Call the police → Chiami la polizia Beautiful → Bellissimo/a Love → Amore