“I am so glad I did this one thing when planning my Italian wedding” - our real brides share tips
We asked some of our fabulous brides-to-be from our private Facebook group their one must-do-thing when planning their Italian weddings. It can be overwhelming and at times a lonely task planning a wedding (although totally worth it, in case you were questioning it!), but support comes in many forms and through this couples community you will be guaranteed to find it.
Photo: Sophie Mort Photography
Securing your venue is truly one of the most important jobs to get ticked off. It impacts your budget, guest numbers, whether you need to ask guests to contribute towards accommodation, which in turn links to the Save the Date and invitations. In short, get this nailed and flow out from there.
If you are opting for a civil or Catholic church ceremony you will need to follow firm deadlines when sorting your marriage licences. Many find this overwhelming but it really doesn't need to be. With our breakdown (written by expert planners) you can run through the specifics and find you're holding your documentation minus the stress.
The decision to fly out a supplier or find more locally is entirely your own and is dependent on a number of factors - budget, style preference, availability. There is no right answer, as every wedding is different. But whoever you choose we suggest considering the following:
1. Make sure you like them, vibe with them - they are going to be part of one of the most important days of your lives! This initial relationship comes from a meeting, a call, a video call or getting a sense who they are from their Insta.
2. Research them well, read testimonials, contact others who have used them.
3. Make sure you are happy with their terms and read the small print before signing a contract or paying a deposit.
Stationery: Ink & Paper
There are many advantages of using a wedding team who are used to working together. The planner knows the venue well and both parties know how best to deliver a wedding in the setting. You can also achieve this by working with a versatile planner who has experience at a wide range of venues. If you have fallen in love with a venue, do ask your shortlist of suppliers if they have worked there before. It might help sway your decision.
Ask yourselves what you want from your wedding and if this in-house team can deliver it. Do they offer enough variety to make your wedding look and feel different from the many weddings they've held there previously. Are you happy with this? Read the small print of contracts so you don't miss clauses like 'you can only choose from a set supplier list given by the venue or planner'. Understand wedding commission and how it works and make sure you are totally happy with your team. Avoid any potential stress and drama further down the road by ensuring you are totally clued up with all facts.
Only once you have weighed up all details, have complete transparency on the contract and worked out what you want from your wedding can you make your final decisions.
When choosing to work with local suppliers, you not only will likely save on transport but you will also secure a team who knows the area, who can source local flowers, who understand the seasonal changes on the landscape and know how to work best with the colours and tones. Photographers who either live in Italy or who are well-experienced in shooting out there will understand how quickly a sunset can change from the warm gold to a missed opportunity.
Interview your supplier team on how they use local produce, their experience working in the region or even at the venue. If they have not worked there before, check that they will accompany your planner or you on a visit at least the day before to get the lay of the land.
Photo: Paulina Weddings | Venue: Villa La Selva
If paperwork isn't your thing or perhaps you have friends and family at home who won't make your Italian wedding, there is the option to have a legal wedding in your home country, and celebrate in Italy with a symbolic service.
Symbolic ceremonies are super personal, plus you have more flexibility with your setting as they can be held anywhere! Our directory of incredible celebrants know how to bring those heart moments and they pride themselves on getting to know their couples well before the day, creating this wonderfully easy atmosphere.
An alternative is to ask a special person in your lives to officiate the service and again, this can be anyone you both choose. Readings, poems, songs can all be weaved in and it can last for as long as you wish... remember guests will be salavating for a cold spritz before too long, so be sure it doesn't drag!
Over 2,000 lovely couples are currently in our Facebook community chatting away about their Italian weddings: sharing tips, querying plans, questioning budgets, sharing the love about their suppliers and venues, even having a moan about non-committal guests (we hear you on this!)! It is all happening in there, with its one and only goal: TO HELP.
“I can’t tell you how excited I was to find this group - thank you for creating it! We are in the very early stages of planning a summer 2024 wedding & feeling a little behind.” Mattie
“Myself and my now husband have used this Facebook group and La Lista so many times for advice, inspo and information and I couldn’t be more grateful. We had hands down the best three days of our entire lives!“ Natalie
Having a FOMO moment, don’t worry - CLICK HERE to access our private couples Facebook group, join the conversation and meet your wedding cheerleaders. La Lista experts and planners are in the group too answering questions and guiding conversations.
