Italy Destination Wedding Guide | Junebug Weddings

Image by Maria Bryzhko Photography

It’s no secret that Italy is probably the most beautiful countries on Earth–which is why it’s no surprise that it’s one in all the most popular spots for destination weddings. With incredible architecture, delectable cuisine, stunning coastlines, and vineyards galore, it has something for everybody. But like with every other type of destination wedding, there’s so much that goes into planning.

From ensuring that you simply’re legally married to selecting the proper venue for you and your spouse, we’re breaking down every thing you must learn about hosting an Italy destination wedding. So pour yourself an Aperol Spritz and prepare to get to planning.

Top Cities For An Italy Destination Wedding

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is arguably probably the most popular destinations for an Italy wedding. Villages like Postino, Sorrento, and Ravello boast scenic backdrops, incredibly blue waters, colourful buildings, and a wide range of venues–each luxurious and budget-friendly. And since all of the villages are right next to 1 one other, it’s easy to hop around in case you’re trying to explore all of the Italy coastline has to supply.

Puglia

Situated in southern Italy, Puglia has slightly little bit of every thing. Beautiful weather, Instagram-worthy ocean views, a laidback atmosphere, and medieval architecture make it the proper spot for anyone trying to find a standard Italian affair.

Image by Stefano Santucci Photography. See more of this real wedding here

Tuscany

In case you and your spouse are big wine drinkers, you’re sure to like Tuscany. With lots of of villas to select from, in all places you tie the knot in Tuscany will probably be met with views of rolling green hills. The delicious wine and food are only an added bonus. Not to say the undeniable fact that there are two major international airports nearby, so it’s easy to get to and navigate once there.

Lake Como

Although Lake Como is slightly tougher to get to, it’s price it when you see the scenery. Plagued by beautiful villages like Bellagio, Menaggio, and Tremezzo, Lake Como is home to among the most beautiful views in all of Italy. It has many larger venues for those having big weddings, nevertheless it’s also known for its small villas ideal for micro weddings and elopements. And what’s more magical than a ship ride at sunset after saying “I do?”

Rome

We all know that not everyone seems to be in search of oceanfront weddings. In case you’re more fascinated by a city wedding stuffed with culture and wealthy heritage, Rome is town for you. It has a never-ending list of historical monuments that date back hundreds of years, together with lush gardens and incredible restaurants.

Best Time Of 12 months For An Italy Destination Wedding

The weather in Italy can vary drastically depending on the region. Nonetheless, most weddings in Italy happen from April to October. That is when the temperature is the mildest, with loads of sunshine. In case you are more inland, it will probably get warm in the course of the summer, so it’s best to take a look at your particular destination.

For this reason popularity with tourists, these months also occur to be peak season, which implies less availability for venues, vendors, and lodging, and better pricing. If you ought to save slightly money, consider the shoulder seasons, right before and after the summer. Just be mindful that you could be met with chillier temperatures and rain.

Image by Rowanberry Lavender. See more of this real wedding here

FAQs

What Does An Italy Destination Wedding Cost?

Because traveling to Italy is costlier than other destinations, Italian destination weddings are typically cheaper because they have an inclination to be smaller–though this will not be at all times the case. The general cost is anywhere from €20,000 – €35,000. Nonetheless, take this number with a grain of salt. It truly will depend on what number of guests you intend to have, where the marriage takes place, etc.

It’s also smart to do not forget that the euro is price lower than the USD, which implies things will cost slightly more. To provide help to stay on budget, take a look at our free budget planning tool, where you’ll be able to track your entire spending in the course of the planning process.

What Costs Should You Cover For Your Guests?

As with another destination wedding, the prices you cover to your guests are entirely as much as you and your spouse. Typically your guests are in control of paying for their very own airfare, lodging, food, etc. For this reason, your guest list may find yourself trimming itself naturally. Don’t be offended if people can’t make it for financial reasons.

The one thing that we do recommend is organising a hotel block to your guests. This offers them a reduced rate at a hotel near the venue in order that they can save slightly money and be near all of the fun.

When Should You Send Out Save The Dates & Invites?

In case you’re hosting a destination wedding, it’s crucial to send out save the dates as soon as possible. Ideally, this is able to fall about eight to 12 months before the massive day. After that, you’d wish to send out invitations about six months before the marriage. This ensures that they’ve loads of time to plan accordingly.

When Should You Begin Booking Your Vendors?

The sooner you book your vendors, the higher. In case you’ve had your eye on a selected vendor for a while now, reach out to them ASAP to make sure they’re available to your date. And don’t be afraid to bring a vendor from home in the event that they’re willing to travel. Just do not forget that you should have to pay for his or her travel expenses.

Should You Hire A Wedding Planner?

We’re firm believers that wedding planners are vital to assist keep wedding stress at bay–especially when planning a destination wedding. They’re acquainted with the situation, its vendors, the legal requirements to tie the knot in Italy, and know suggestions and tricks that may prevent money in the long term. Unsure find the proper wedding planner for you? Take a look at our directory of wedding planners from Italy.

Image by Blancorazon Wedding. See more of this real elopement here

Legal Requirements For An Italy Destination Wedding

There are a variety of legal requirements that one should bear in mind when planning an Italy destination wedding. That’s why many individuals decide to tie the knot of their home country before they jet off and have a symbolic ceremony. Nonetheless, in case you need to legally marry within the country, you would like some documentation:

A legitimate passports
Birth certificates
Divorce papers or death certificates, if relevant
An affidavit sworn before a consular office in your private home country
An Atto Notorio signed by two witnesses (can’t be relations)
A declaration of intent to marry

In case you’re planning on having a non secular ceremony in a church, you furthermore may need further documentation. You should also incorporate a civil ceremony if it’s a non-Catholic religious wedding before you’ll be able to rejoice in a house of worship.

Sound like so much to maintain up with? We all know. That’s why many individuals decide to get married at home before they achieve this in Italy. Our advice is to research your destination’s legal requirements early within the planning process to make sure you may have every thing you would like. That is another excuse planners are so helpful.

Image by Wedding and Waves. See more of this real wedding here

Ways To Incorporate Italian Culture Into Your Wedding

No Gold

In case you’re planning on saying “I do” in Italy, they suggest not wearing gold (beyond your ring) in your wedding day. The Italians consider that it brings bad luck to the couple.

Throwing Rice

You’ll have heard of guests throwing rice on the couple as they make their way down the aisle after pledging their love to 1 one other, but did you realize that originated from the traditional Romans? It was thought to bring fertility, wealth, and good luck to the newlyweds. It’s a practice that’s still around to at the present time.

Confetti and Bomboniere

Italian confetti will not be what you likely think it’s. Fairly than small shreds of paper that you simply throw when celebrating, Italian confetti is candied almonds handed out as a marriage favor at the top of the night. When placed on the table in a small bag or box, it’s often known as a bomboniere. Tradition says that confetti ought to be given away in odd numbers–three, five, or seven pieces per guest.

La Tarantella

La Tarantella is a preferred Italian folk dance involving guests holding hands in a circle and moving clockwise until the music accelerates and they modify directions. What was once thought to cure symptoms of a spider bite is now performed to wish the couple good luck of their future together.

Millefoglie Italian Wedding Cake

While Italy doesn’t have a standard wedding cake, there may be a dessert they like to eat when celebrating, often known as the millefoglie (aka “1000 layers”) cake. This cake is product of layers of puff pastry crammed with cream and topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar.

We all know that nailing a budget down to your Italy destination wedding can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve broken it down for you and created a free budget spreadsheet so that you may keep track of your expenses and have the marriage of your dreams.