With more and more couples choosing to have destination weddings. I was interested in finding out how the planning process works from the UK. So I asked Rosa Aqua Weddings, a specialist Italian wedding destination planner for some tips and advise.
Photo by Photografica Mangili http://www.photograficamangili.it/
Have you always dreamed of having an Italian wedding but you are not sure where to start?
Getting engaged and making plans for your future wedding is very exciting, but it can also be overwhelmin g, especially if you are planning to get married abroad.
To help you on your wedding planning way, we have put together some key steps for you to follow for a successful destination wedding in Italy.
Budget –Setting a budget is the most important step and it should be your top priority when planning a destination wedding. Deciding on a budget can be complicated and time consuming, but it is an essential part of the planning process to avoid any disappointment along the way.
You can have a beautiful wedding in Italy without spending a fortune. When creating your budget, being realistic is a key factor. It will be easier to establish a feasible budget by prioritising those elements that are most important to you and your partner and that you would like to include in your wedding.
Think about your guest list. If you are considering to cut your costs, you could have a smaller event with your family and closest friends instead of a large party. When choosing your destination wedding date , you may have a favourite season, or a preferred time of the year that is more convenient for you and your guests’ schedules. Bear in mind that getting married in Italy in late Spring and Summer can be more expensive. October to April would be a cheaper option, and the weather can be mild and pleasant this time of the year in some regions such as Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. Saturdays are the most popular days for weddings, but if you want to save some money, a weekday wedding would be a good option as most venues offer discounts on weekdays.
Wedding Theme – Defining your wedding theme is another important part of planning your big day as this will influence all the other details of your wedding, such as your venue, your attire, and flower decor. Picking a theme for your destination wedding can be quite a tough decision. Choose a style that reflects your personality and taste. Having a clear vision of what you want your wedding day to look like, will make your planning experience easier and more enjoyable. Your wedding planner will be able to assist you in selecting the most suitable style for your event. Here is some advice on how to choose your perfect wedding theme: https://rosaaquaweddings.com/blog-1/f/how-to-choose-your-perfect-wedding-themePhoto by Photografica Mangili http://www.photograficamangili.it/
Venue – Relax… You’ve figured out your budget and chosen your favourite style… Now you are ready to look for the perfect venue for your Italian wedding.
Italy is undoubtedly one of the most popular and romantic wedding destinations in Europe. From Lake Como and Tuscany in the North to Sorrento and Puglia in the South, when looking for your dream venue for your big day, you are completely spoilt for choice with the variety of stunning locations that Italy has to offer.
Finding the ideal location and setting is one of the first decisions to make when organising your destination wedding. It is an extremely important step that will affect your wedding’s outcome. Let’s talk about the main factors to take into account when searching for your perfect venue.
Decide what type of ceremony is best for you. In Italy most venues are fully licensed to hold a civil, legal binding wedding at their premises . Some couples prefer to have a civil wedding in their home country and just a symbolic blessing in Italy. If you are going to have a civil ceremony or a religious one, make sure you start preparing the necessary legal paperwork at least 10 months before your wedding day, especially if you are planning to get married in July or August as these are the busiest months. Having a professional bilingual wedding planner is essential to avoid any issues that may arise due to language barriers. According to your preferred type of ceremony, your wedding planner will help you organise all the required documentation.
When looking for a location in Italy you might have a favourite place in mind, it is also important that it’s easy to reach for you and your guests, avoiding longer journeys and additional costs.
Start searching for a venue at least one year in advance, most venues in Italy book out quickly especially in the Summer months. Whether you are looking for a luxury and elegant setting, a breathtaking view or a rustic ambience, your favourite wedding theme will guide you in your choice of the perfect venue. It is important to consider the number of guests that will be attending the event, the seating arrangements, and if there are suitable facilities for everybody. Most venues in Italy offer the possibility of holding both your wedding ceremony and reception at their premises, but if these are taking place in two different sites, make sure they are close to each other so that your guest do not have to face long and expensive trips. The ideal destination wedding venue would provide on-site accommodation, if this is not possible for all your guests, it is advisable to look for hotels nearby. The perfect venue for your big day will have a wide selection of menus options to suit any requirements. Once you have put together a short list of your favourite venues, it is worthy to arrange some site visits and take a trip to Italy to view as many venues as you can, you will know which is the right one from the moment you walk in.
Photo by Photografica Mangili http://www.photograficamangili.it/
Check out our selection of venues and locations in Italy. https://rosaaquaweddings.com/venues
Suppliers - Once you have secured your dreamy wedding venue in Italy, you will be able to start researching vendors such as florists and photographers. Your wedding planner will recommend a selection of experienced suppliers, negotiating the best rates on your behalf, saving you time and unnecessary worries.
Wedding Planner – Organising a destination wedding is challenging and can be very difficult without the help and support of a professional wedding planner. It is like designing a puzzle, there are so many elements to consider such as location, food, accommodation, timings, transport.
A bilingual UK based wedding planner who knows the Italian location where you are going to get married, will be ideal to assist you in sourcing the right vendors and communicating your requirements to them in Italian.
Your wedding planner will support you from start to finish, creating a wonderful event that you and your guests will remember forever, and will be with you on your special day to ensure your big day runs smoothly. Just enjoy every minute of your Italian wedding!
Photo by Photografica Mangili http://www.photograficamangili.it/
Thank you Rosa Aqua for such a lovely and helpful blog.
To find out more about Rosa Aqua Weddings, their services and how they can help you on your journey, visit their site www.rosaaquaweddings.com