If there's a culture that celebrates as joyfully as the Italians, it's the Lebanese. A Lebanese wedding in Italy brings together two traditions of family, music and generous tables, and the result is one of the liveliest weekends you can imagine. We photographed Hadi and Suzanne's welcome party at Palazzo di Bagnaia in Umbria, and the energy was extraordinary. Here's how to plan the traditions in an Italian setting, and what to ask the venue before you fall in love with it.

The zaffe

The zaffe is the traditional entrance of the couple: drummers with the tabl and the darbuka, musicians and dancers leading the bride and groom into the party, with singing, clapping and the high, joyful ululation called the zaghrouta. In Italy it can start at the top of a villa staircase, cross a courtyard or arrive through the garden. Plan the path, check that the drums are allowed at that hour, and tell your photographers exactly where it starts: it's the most cinematic five minutes of the night.

Dabke

The dabke is a line dance, with stamping steps and linked arms, that pulls everyone onto the dance floor, including Italian guests who've never seen it before. Plan a large, solid floor, as old terraces and lawns don't love a hundred people stamping in rhythm, and a DJ or band who can move between Arabic music, Italian classics and the rest.

The ceremony, and the legal side

Lebanese weddings are religious at home: a church ceremony, or the katb el kitab, the signing of the marriage contract in front of a sheikh. Civil marriage isn't available in Lebanon, but civil marriages celebrated abroad are recognized there, which is why some couples, including interfaith couples, choose a civil ceremony in Italy. Others hold the religious ceremony at home and a symbolic one in Italy. Whichever you choose, ask your planner and your consulate early about documents.

The henna night and the welcome party

Many weddings begin with a henna night, a celebration of the bride with the women of both families, music, food and henna on her hands. In Italy, it can become the welcome party: a garden, lanterns, mezze and Italian wine, like Hadi and Suzanne's La Dolce Vita afternoon by the pool.

At the table

• Lebanese mezze alongside Italian antipasti: hummus and burrata, tabbouleh and caprese.
• Grilled meats with Italian sides, or a Lebanese dinner with Italian pasta as a first course.
• A dessert table with baklava and knafeh next to the millefoglie.
• Arak alongside Italian wine, and Lebanese coffee after the espresso.
• Italian caterers can work with specialist Lebanese cooks; your planner will find the right people, and halal options when needed.

The sword and the cake

The couple often cut the wedding cake together with a long sword, sometimes an heirloom from the family. Tell the venue in advance, plan the moment with the music and the lights, and let us know: it's one of the great photographs of the night.

Big families, big venues

Lebanese weddings often have large guest lists and late nights. Choose a venue that can host the whole party, with rooms nearby, a dance floor big enough for the dabke, a sound system ready for drums, and no early curfew. Many villas must lower outdoor music around midnight, so plan an indoor space for the second half of the night.

Questions couples ask us

Can we have live drums at an Italian villa?

Usually, yes, within the venue's music hours. Agree the timing in writing, and check whether the venue has neighbors who need notice.

How large can a Lebanese wedding in Italy be?

As large as the venue allows. Several estates and hotels can host three hundred guests or more, with space for every event of the weekend.

See Hadi and Suzanne's welcome party at Palazzo di Bagnaia, or tell us about your own celebration.