An insider’s guide to Rome with wedding planner Sara Tussett
Sara Tusset knows a thing or two about Italy’s capital city. As a wedding planner and one of La Lista’s recommended suppliers, Sara fills us in on why Rome makes for such an unforgettable wedding location but also a must-visit for couples wanting to experience all that Italy is.
How long have you been living in Rome, and what brought you there?
I was born in Rome, so she chose me.
Rome is a great city, with a thousand faces, a thousand colors. It is a city where it is impossible to be alone. The area I recommend to couples celebrating their ‘love’ is the Centro, that ancient and majestic center, such as Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna, Fontana di Trevi and all the narrow alleys that connect them. It is truly magical for elopements.
There is also a peripheral, more modern, eclectic and changing Rome. A more "industrial" and quality-conscious Rome - let's say a current and younger Rome. It must be said, the Rome of the Dolce Vita has, alas, has become less of a dream and more devoted to making money.
Three of the best restaurants right now?
Given its vastness, Rome presents many culinary choices. Here, too, there is a split between the center and areas lesser-known to foreigners. What I advise my clients is to be guided by locals to avoid surprises.
I am a fan of good food, ranging from easy, slow food restaurants to the Michelin starred restaurants. A restaurant I love is "Per Me" in Vicolo del Malpasso in the center of town, the chef is Giulio Terrinoni. It is a haute cuisine restaurant with a modern style but a warm and romantic atmosphere. Followed by a walk through Rome; May and September are the best months in my opinion for this.
A distance from the center (you can get there easily by cab), is "Santo Palato" in Piazza Tarquinia 4, the chef and owner is Sarah Cicolini. With a philosophy that "cooking for others is the greatest act of love you can do." The style is of the old osterias and the food is reminiscent of the dishes from our Roman grandmothers.
If you want to experience a luxurious Rome, the Imago restaurant is inside one of the most beautiful hotels in the capital. You will enjoy a reinterpretation of regional Italian cuisine by Executive Chef Andrea Antonini and after, you can explore the area surrounding the Trinità dei Monti (The Spanish Steps).
The ideal evening itinerary?
One of the characteristics of Rome is its endless little streets. Let yourself be guided by its hidden, intimate places. Even today, I like to get lost! Yes, in Rome you have to get lost to discover nooks and crannies. Every doorway in Rome hides real historical and architectural gems. An evening not to be missed is to get lost in the streets of the Trastevere district. Located on the western bank of the Tiber River, it is characterized by narrow colorful alleys, Roman trattorias, markets, small stores and artisans' workshops, where one can still breathe in the most authentic and genuine Rome. From Santa Maria in Trastevere to Piazza Trilussa, passing through Vicolo del Cinque, Via della Scala, Vicolo del Moro or Vicolo del Bologna, you can still breathe the scent of typical products of the Rome of yesteryear and at nightfall young people gather to chat or have a beer with friends in one of the many pubs and nightclubs. One of my Elopement weddings had Trastevere as its very location!
Long, lazy alfresco lunch spots?
In Rome, people dine outdoors even in December. Almost all restaurants in the center have their own dedicated space outside. This makes you realize how important being with friends whilst sitting enjoying Rome is for a Roman. One of my favorite places is Buvette on Via Vittoria. Retro in style with a compelling brunch menu for a typical hot Roman day!
The best place to go for breakfast?
I am an avid breakfast fan, so much so that my wedding was the first breakfast wedding in Italy, an actual breakfast in one of Rome's historic residences. A convivial imperial table for my 30 guests. All catered in Art Nouveau style. Rome is also novelty and elegance!
The best breakfasts in Rome are found in hotels. My advice is to tour the center and be guided by the beauty of its historic hotels.
Your favourite wedding venues in Rome?
Rome’s most famous locations are Villa Miani and Villa Aurelia; with Roman weddings commonly having large numbers of guests. Options for micro or intimate weddings are fewer, so that is why having a wedding planner who knows the area is important.
I love street weddings, those weddings that have Rome itself as the location. Secret places to say ‘Yes’, with a celebrant - Rome is so beautiful that sometimes you don't need an official location.
The best hotel for honeymooners?
There is no ‘best Hotel’, as there are so many Hotels to stay for your honeymoon. It depends on what you are looking for, your budget and what kind of Rome you want to experience. I always recommend hotels in the center as Rome is beautiful to walk around so a hotel at the heart allows just that!
Essentials to pack for a break to Rome?
Pack light! A suitcase on wheels is the best luggage, as Rome can be chaotic with various transport connections, unless you take a cab, which visitors can find daunting at times.
What to pack? Good question. Let's say it depends on the season you are visiting. In May, a hat, comfortable shoes, a pair of sunglasses, a map of Rome, light clothes and a jacket should not be missing from your suitcase. The beauty of Rome is being able to find whatever you have forgotten; so fear not, pack light and go!!!
Venue: Casina Valadier
Do not leave Rome without?
Rome you never leave! As Audrey Hepburn said, "These days I've visited a lot of cities... but my favorite was definitely Rome!"
Rome is growing every year. Perhaps I would not leave Rome without having seen Trinità dei Monti, without having eaten at a Michelin starred restaurant, without having experienced the rich Roman evening in Trastevere, without having read a book in Villa Borghese, without having stayed in a Roman loft.
For more of an action-packed day, what would be on your hit-list?
The day should start with getting up early and visiting one of the capital's parks to do yoga with strangers. Then, visit the Roman district markets and eat authentic Roman dishes, such as, coda alla vaccinara, meatballs with sauce (you will find this at the Testaccio market). Continue on with an exhibition - Rome has many good choices from galleries to museums. Enjoy the wind in your hair as you tour the Eternal City on a popular Vespa. And for some romance, a couple can not fail to visit "il Giardino degli Aranci" which is located the Gran Priorato dei cavalieri di Malta, on the square of the same name on the Aventine, where from the keyhole of the door you can see, the Dome of San Pietro. Rome is like that, a place to discover, where in every corner you can breathe in history.
I would end the day with dinner on the rooftops of Rome, cocktails and music!
Has this inspired you to have a wedding in Rome? Check out our recommended venues in this magnificent city.
