Planning your wedding is all about curating the ultimate day to celebrate you and your partner, and what better place to do it than Italy? This dreamy country (of course we’re not biased) is teeming with beautiful landscapes, delicious food and rich culture, making it the perfect place to hold your wedding ceremony. However, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before you jump straight into planning – keep reading to find out what they are and kick-start your dream Italian wedding.
Decide on a budget
Setting a budget is a crucial foundation for any wedding no matter the price bracket, but even more so for those looking to have their special day abroad. There are lots of additional costs you’ll need to be aware of, such as transportation, paperwork fees and even some hidden charges. These fees could include cleaning and service charges that you may assume are included in the original price, but are actually added on at the end. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin your wedding planning process by establishing some cost estimations, but make sure to add on a bit extra as a contingency.
Think about your setting
Italy is a vast and diverse country, and every region has something different to offer. So, it’s important to decide on what kind of venue you’re looking for early on in the planning process. Italy has some truly fascinating historical architecture scattered throughout. These include the world-famous Colosseum and the ancient city of Pompeii which can make for brilliant excursions for multi-day weddings. Yet the lakes and coasts are equally as stunning, boasting quaint coastal towns bordering the bright blue sea.
Whether your dream day is set on a golden sandy beach in Capri or in a majestic Tuscan castle, having an idea ahead of time can be incredibly helpful when it comes to searching for a specific venue. Did someone say research weekend away?
Consider local Italian customs and traditions
Each country has its own customs and traditions, as do specific regions of some countries, including Italy. It’s crucial to do your research on the local customs prior to planning your day, as there may be rules or restrictions that you’ll need to adhere to.
You could also add some flair to your day by incorporating some Italian wedding traditions, such as glass breaking. It’s customary for the couple to smash glass on their big day, and it’s thought that the more pieces it shatters into, the longer their marriage will last.
Think about your Italy wedding guest list
Destination weddings can typically expect to have a shorter guest list than usual, mainly due to the travel costs and the extended time commitment. It’s important to be mindful of this, as many people that you invite may not end up attending. Instead, try to focus on the people that are closest to you, ensuring that your wedding can cater to them first and foremost.
Italy is a beautiful country and is considered a dream wedding destination for couples all over the world. No matter how you decide to celebrate, you’re bound to have a wonderful time. Just make sure to get all of the planning done as early as you can, so that you can focus on what’s to come and truly enjoy your big day.
(and don’t forget to bring us with you as your Italian speaking wedding photographers!)
