Planning a wedding in Italy is an exciting journey filled with romance and beauty, but where do you start? If you’ve just announced your engagement and decided on a fabulous Italian wedding, here are some essential steps and ideas to guide you through the planning process. This outline won’t cover everything, but it will point you in the right direction.
1. Choose a Wedding Date
Start by selecting a wedding date or at least a preferred month and year. Knowing your timeline helps you receive seasonal pricing from venues and suppliers. Consider holidays, school schedules, and weather conditions that might influence your choice.
2. Define Your Wedding Budget
Determine how much you can spend on your wedding in Italy. Discuss your budget with your partner and families to establish a maximum amount. Decide what expenses you’ll cover, such as accommodations for guests. Many couples choose to subsidize costs, allowing guests to pay less while covering the venue, food, drinks, and entertainment.
Once you have a budget, create a spreadsheet or tracking method to record expenses, guest lists, and service providers. For tips on budgeting effectively, see my article on how to budget your wedding, save money, and time.
3. Decide Who to Invite
Creating your guest list early is crucial, as it affects venue selection. Start with must-invite guests, then add those you should invite, and finally, those it would be nice to include. Consider whether you’ll invite children.
Many couples worry that guests won’t attend a destination wedding, but often, the opposite is true. Inviting people abroad gives them a reason to take a holiday and celebrate with you.
4. Determine Your Wedding Type
Decide on the type of wedding you want: a religious ceremony in a church, a civil wedding, or a symbolic garden ceremony. This choice will influence your venue selection. Ensure your venue is close to a church or town hall if needed, or that it has suitable grounds for your ceremony. For more on symbolic ceremonies, check out my article on how to have an intimate symbolic blessing ceremony in Italy.
5. Choose and Book Your Venue(s)
With a guest count and wedding type in mind, start searching for the perfect venue in Italy. This can be one of the most challenging steps due to the myriad of options available. Consider the style of your wedding—elegant, rustic, luxurious—and the location’s accessibility.
Be prepared for varying response times from venues. Once you receive quotes, clarify what is included and ask any questions you may have. A phone call can sometimes be more effective than email, especially if there’s a language barrier.
Choosing a venue is critical; if you fall in love with a unique location, it can be hard to find a replacement if it’s not available. Prioritize your desires over guests’ preferences—this is your special day!
Also, consider weather contingencies. Ensure your venue has indoor alternatives in case of rain, or budget for a tent if needed.
6. Book Your Photographer
Once your venue is secured, it’s time to book your wedding photographer. A talented photographer is crucial for capturing your day. If you have a favorite photographer in mind, check their availability alongside your venue. For tips on selecting the right photographer, see my article on how to choose and book a wedding photographer.
7. Book a Videographer
If capturing video is important to you, secure your dream videographer early. If it’s not essential, you can wait until other priorities are settled.
8. Choose Your Bridal Party
Decide on the number of bridesmaids, best men, and any other key roles in your wedding party.
9. Go Wedding Dress Shopping
Selecting a wedding dress can be more challenging than it seems. You might have a style in mind, but trying on different dresses can change your perspective. Choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful, regardless of others’ opinions. Bring along someone whose taste you trust.
Once you’ve chosen your dress, you can shop for bridesmaid outfits.
10. Attire for the Groom and Groomsmen
Find the perfect suit or tuxedo for the groom and groomsmen, including shoes and accessories.
11. Send Out Invitations
Now that you have your date and location, send out your invitations. Given that this is a destination wedding, don’t hesitate to send them out early and request RSVPs well in advance.
Consider coordinating your invitation style with your wedding theme, and don’t forget to include any additional stationery you may need.
12. Organize Your Wedding Ceremony in Italy
Choose your ceremony type—religious, civil, or symbolic—and begin the necessary documentation. If you opt for a symbolic ceremony, research and book a celebrant who aligns with your vision. For more information on the significance of a celebrant, refer to my article on how to choose a celebrant for your ceremony.
13. Find a Caterer
Organizing tastings with caterers can be a delightful experience. Sample food and wine to select your wedding menu, and consider the caterer’s responsiveness as well.
14. Find a Florist/Event Stylist
Browse online for inspiration and create a mood board on platforms like Pinterest. Share this with your florist to receive quotes and styling ideas. For ideas on enhancing your wedding decor, check out my article on 51 great ideas for a better wedding.
15. Lighting
Depending on your venue, you may need additional lighting to create the desired atmosphere. Good lighting enhances the overall experience and helps your photographer capture stunning images. For more on lighting considerations, see my article on the best time to take wedding photos.
16. Hair and Makeup
Schedule a trial with your hair and makeup artist to alleviate stress on your wedding day. Take photos of your trial look to ensure they can replicate it on the big day. For tips on hair and makeup for your wedding in Italy, refer to my article on hair and make-up wedding Italy.
Consider whether you’ll need styling for your bridal party and guests, and ensure your stylist has enough assistants for everyone.
17. Musicians and Entertainment
Music sets the tone for your event. Research bands and DJs, and inquire about their costs, repertoires, and availability. Don’t forget to ask about the SIAE Tax, a mandatory fee for public music performances in Italy.
18. Wedding Cake
Some caterers include traditional Italian wedding cakes in their menus, while others may offer a cake made by the chef in front of your guests. If you prefer a more elaborate cake, coordinate with a cake designer for a stunning display.
19. Develop a Wedding Day Schedule
Creating a detailed schedule for your wedding day is essential. Plan when to start getting ready, when to leave for the ceremony, and the timing for drinks, dinner, and other events. If you work with me, I’ll guide you on the ideal timeline for your day. For more on creating a wedding timeline, see my article on how to create a timeline for your wedding in Italy.
20. Transportation
If your wedding involves multiple locations, consider transportation for your guests to ensure everyone arrives on time.
21. Create Seating Plans
Plan seating arrangements for both the ceremony and the reception. Consider where family members will sit and who will be at the head table during speeches.
22. Go Ring Shopping
Allow time for resizing and engraving wedding bands if desired.
23. Get Other Wedding Accessories
Consider items like a guest book, ring cushion, pens for signing, wedding favors, and more.
24. Book Your Travel
Don’t forget to book your flights and travel arrangements early to avoid last-minute stress.
Hiring a Wedding Planner in Italy
This article is designed for those who want to plan their wedding themselves. If you lack the time or prefer a hands-off approach, consider hiring a professional Italian wedding planner.
Planning your wedding in Italy may seem daunting, but thousands of couples successfully navigate this journey each year. With careful organization and the right support, you can turn your dream of an Italian wedding into a reality!
