Don't make these mistakes when planning your Italian wedding
When it comes to wedding planning, there are so many mistakes we see couples make which could have easily be avoided if they had only got their sh*t together at the start. From rookie budget errors leading to overspend, to overwhelm as to which Italian wedding venue to choose; we have very straight-forward advice on how to side-step these potential problems keeping you on a happy planning path!
1. Starting without a proper budget
Budgets are boring! But starting without one is very risky and you will inevitably spend more as you’ll max out your budget on the big elements, like your venue and caterer only to have nothing left for your pre and post events, styling, hair and makeup etc.
Discuss together and work out what is reasonable for you
Download our Budget Tracker (it’s free!) to guide you through each aspect
Don’t over-commit or stretch yourselves at the beginning
Use your forecast when speaking with suppliers to see whether you can actually afford them
Photo: Marta Ilardo
2. Too many venues
There are thousands of potential wedding venues out there and thanks to social media and google you can quickly find yourselves becoming overwhelmed with options. Do not list out all the ones you find, but cherry pick those which fit your budget and criteria. Trust that those on our directory and appear on the ‘Top venue’ lists are there for good reason.
Our Venue Guide helps you set criteria and highlights which questions you must ask
Shortlist max 5 to visit in Italy; be ruthless before you travel. Seeing any more than this is not going to help and you will struggle to make a decision
Spend proper time at each shortlisted venue really feeling each space and the spaces in-between. Photos and videos are essential here, so snap away!
Venue: Locanda, Tuscany
3. Avoid asking questions
Perhaps it’s an anglo-thing to hold back on asking detailed questions, but you need to know this stuff! It is not impolite to ask tons of questions, better now than months down the line after you’ve signed a contract and then not liked the answer.
Embrace your questions and really delve into every supplier you are booking. Do not settle for short replies or ones which are not transparent.
If you are deliberating on suppliers or venues and you have final queries then pick up the phone to them. Don’t shy away from this communication.
FYI - ideally avoid calling these businesses in the middle of wedding season!
Caterer: Lodovichi
4. Marry too early in the day
Italian weddings are late starting for a reason, anything before 4pm in peak summer is going to be too damn hot! Sweaty, uncomfortable guests does not really set the tone for your ‘La Dolce Vita’ wedding!
Tempted to start early? Here’s why you shouldn’t:
Don’t melt your guests!
Dinner becomes earlier and at a funny ‘non’ dinner time. Plus no-one wants to eat when they’re hot!
You miss out on the sunset and twinkling lights over your table
Dancing will start in the daylight!
Remember you will have your pre/post events to enjoy more of your guests company at
Download our Wedding Timeline and plan out what to do when, including how long each ‘part’ should last
Photo: Gradisca Portento
5. Just have the wedding day
Yes, costs are going up and your budget might not stretch to lavish pre and post events, but your guests have travelled to be with you and a welcome event is a must!
Even if this is a drink in a local bar; break the ice, welcome guests and make the memories.
Photo: Georgina Harrison
Don’t try and please everyone
With destination weddings there is more pressure to please guests as they are travelling further to attend. But you won’t be able to satisfy everyone’s whim.
Good, clear guest communication from the start
Set boundaries as to what you will be arranging and paying for and what they will need to sort
Either organise or advise on accommodation and transport and be clear on these details
Photo: Daina Hazel
We want you to have the best planning experience, building up to an unforgettable wedding day! Trust us, having the right processes in place will massively reduce your stress and over-spend risk. Our planning membership The Club levels up all of this advice, guiding you through a more structured planning path, with direct access to expert wedding planner Lucy White. Whether you’re starting out, halfway through or stuck and feeling overwhelmed The Club is for you!
