Things to Know Before You Come
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Wedding Gifts & Our Registry
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In Italy, it's customary for wedding guests to give money rather than physical gifts. One reason for this tradition is that many Italian couples marry later in life and have already established their homes. As a result, traditional household registries are much less common than they are in the United States. If you're wondering about local expectations, guests typically contribute an amount that roughly covers the cost of their attendance at the wedding. This is usually around €50–€150 per person, though of course gifts are always voluntary and should reflect what feels comfortable for you. For this reason, we kindly ask that you do not bring physical gifts to the wedding. If you would like to give a gift contributions can be made to Giacomo's IBAN (IT02M030690243100000008395), via Zelle (cari.quoy@gmail.com), or through any of the funds listed on our registry page. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for the effort you've made to celebrate with us in Italy.
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Please Don't Do An Accent
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This may sound like a funny thing to mention, but it's worth saying. Please don't put on an Italian accent while you're here, especially when speaking to Italians. While it's often intended as playful or affectionate, it can come across as uncomfortable or disrespectful. Italians generally don't find it charming, and it's best avoided. The good news is that everyone will appreciate your genuine curiosity, enthusiasm, and attempts to learn a few words of Italian far more than an accent!
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Talking About Prices
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One thing that often surprises visitors is how different the economic landscape is in Italy compared with the United States or the United Kingdom. While some things may seem inexpensive to foreign visitors, Italian salaries are generally much lower than those in many English-speaking countries. Because of this, comments about how "cheap" everything is can sometimes land differently than intended. We know no one means any harm, but it's something worth keeping in mind when discussing prices with locals.
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The Great Italian Receipt Adventure
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If you buy something in Italy, you're getting a receipt. A coffee? Receipt. A bottle of water? Receipt. A pack of gum? Believe it or not, receipt. Italian businesses are legally required to issue receipts for transactions, no matter how small. So if a cashier hands you a receipt, they're not being wasteful or trying to upsell you—it's simply part of doing business here. You're welcome to toss it once you've left the shop, but there's no "No thanks!" option at the register. The receipt is coming with you whether you're ready or not.
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Don't Lose Your Grocery Store Receipt Yet
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Speaking of receipts... Many Italian grocery stores require you to scan your receipt in order to exit the checkout area. This is especially common at self-checkout lanes. If you notice gates, turnstiles, or a small checkpoint after paying, don't panic. Just keep your receipt handy until you're completely out of the store. You may need it to open the gate or verify your purchase. It's a very normal system here, even if it feels a little unusual the first time you encounter it.
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When in Doubt, Ask
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If something feels confusing, different, or unexpected, don't worry. Every country has its own little quirks, and Italy is no exception. We're happy to help answer questions before or during your trip. We'd much rather you ask than spend twenty minutes trapped behind a grocery store exit gate.
