Expert tips for building an Italian bride’s wardrobe
Photographer: ET Photography
You’re the bride - now it’s time to dress the part for your entire wedding celebrations! Every girl’s dream, right? 3 days of dress-up! But there’s small print when it comes to dressing for an Italian wedding and we are here to tell you how to stay effortlessly glam whilst avoiding Italy’s little ‘hitches’.
REHEARSAL DINNER
You want to feel totally relaxed and completely yourself at your Rehearsal dinner, as it will be the first time your family and close friends are together in Italy. If you wanted to wear white or ivory at another event besides your wedding day, this is the one to go for.
Raphaella Santana is a Barcelona-based atelier, whose designs have the perfect flow and fabric for a love affair admist Italy’s olive groves and vineyards. Get this dress to La Dolce Vita immediately!
THE WELCOME
Whether you choose to host a White Party and stand out in colour or have no dress code; we love to see a bride pop in colour and celebrate in a differently structured dress at their Welcome event. Keep the white for tomorrow and embrace the colours of your Italian region or hint at your wedding palette.
The Shoes
With historic beauty comes uneven flooring! Especially in the atmospheric courtyards of many of Italy’s venues where you will fall in love with the original design, but do consider how the flooring might affect your footwear choice! In coastal venues, many are built into the cliffs - meaning lots of stairs. Even inside the ornate churches, the flooring is in its original form, so uneven slabs and potential stiletto-trapping holes!
WEDDING MORNING
How your big day will start - getting ready with your bridal squad and hair & makeup artists. A lounge set or robe will make you feel the part, as well as make you look good in all of the ‘getting ready’ shots. Don’t regret having some of these taken - they make for amazing BTS to share with your husband, who will be at the time clueless to it all!
Dress Transport
A bride’s biggest fear: losing the dress! Either include it in your carry-on (depending on how neatly it will pack down) or book an extra seat next to you for this precious cargo.
WEDDING DAY
Your life’s biggest dress decision! Consider the time you will be in this dress and how the day will change during this time - heat, potential creasing whilst sitting during your ceremony and at your dinner. As well as whether it is ceremony appropriate (some churches request shoulders to be covered). Not forgetting temperature - perspiring in the day to a cooler evening.
The Heat
If you are planning a wedding in peak summer this is one to really consider before falling too in love with outfits! The bonus of a summer wedding is that you will want a refreshing evening outfit change. Remember at night temperatures can still hit 35c (95F)! Don’t put your dress on too early - but in good time for great photos and to notice if anything feels uncomfortable or in need of a quick fix!
DANCING-
We love a second outfit and before dancing starts is a great time for a change. Think whether you would want to have your first dance in your wedding dress and then change into a more fun style for the party to follow or if your second dress is first dance appropriate! Whatever you do, just don’t leave your guests - and new husband hanging whilst you’re making this change.
We are ever-slightly obsessed with Nadine Merabi and her bridal collection - from structured two-pieces to flirty mini dresses you’ll be hard pushed to say yes to just one!
Dress-care
Don’t assume your venue will have a steamer, this is a must-check! Some venues do charge for this facility or only have one available, so planning might be required on how to ensure the bridal party and the groom’s have access ahead of the wedding.
AFTER PARTY
Yes, there will no longer be sun, but pop on a pair of shades at your after party and thank us later for some seriously cool photos! Plus, wear them in the day, for what they were designed to do - no one wants a squinting bride!
We love Jimmy Fairly for good priced, beautifully shaped glasses.
POOL PARTY
You’ll be riding your post-wedding high at your pool party and all the necessary mingling has been done, but have a cute cover-up on hand for final goodbyes.
What’s on your bridal fashion moodboard? Drop a comment in our couples only Community or DM us on socials – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
