Wedding day extras you didn’t even know you needed
Photo: Benjamin Stuart
…..and some you definitely don’t!
It’s easy to get carried away thinking you need all the extras to make your wedding day perfect for yourselves and for your guests. Couples often find during the final months of planning they are tempted by panic-buying wedding gimmicks, but trust us we see what guests love and what honestly will be a waste of time and money! You are treating your guests to Bella Italia - your wedding is more than enough!
Need…
Guest Surprises
A musical performance during dinner, a violinist accompanying the DJ for your dancing, old-school cigar table, granita for guests after your church ceremony - the list goes on, but consider carefully what will make your guest experience even better.
Videographer
Such a common post wedding regret is not having one! If budget is in question and you can pull back on a few of the ‘unnecessary extras’ to make this happen then it’s worth the budget juggle! There are many recommended video + photo duos who work seamlessly together.
Videographer: Dylan Dirks
Wedding Website
Clear guest comms will be your saviour when it comes to avoiding repeat questions.
-Event timings, type of event i.e. welcome event - aperitivo served, dress code, transport available
-Local area details (restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, places to visit)
-Wedding day timeline
-Venue facilities (steamer, air con, breakfast times)
It’s a good idea to give each guest on arrival a hardcopy of the wedding itinerary or have it available somewhere.
Photo: Emma Wilder
Parasols & Fans
Contentious on a sustainability front, but if guests are sat waiting under the afternoon sun for the ceremony to start - or even in a hot church, fans and parasols are absolute lifesavers. Plus we love them in photos! Want to pass them on to another bride post wedding? Join our community now.
Photo: Lana Del Mar
Water
Obvious, but so often forgotten - have water made available for guests before and potentially during the ceremony. They won’t bring their own and on a hot day refreshment is definitely needed.
Photo: Faye Wilde
You Need Professional Help!
All your questions personally answered 24/7 by expert wedding planner, Lucy White, exclusively for our Club members in their private community. Access a planner in your pocket and get the support you deserve.
Don’t need…
Lawn Games
2 hours of aperitivo might have you panicking that your guests need an activity to do, but honestly chatting, eating the incredible aperitivo food - enjoying the view and vibes is enough. Lawn games really don’t get used! A couple of short speeches are always nice at this point in the day.
Photo: Jack Stocker
Edible / Drinkable Favours
Sugared almonds and warm mini bottles of limoncello have a momentary ‘cute’ factor but quickly get trumped by the food, the scene, the socialising happening at your meal. Guests get called to the dancefloor and so many are left on the table to be cleared away by catering staff. If you’re desperate to gift, then leave in guests’ rooms with a note on their arrival.
Photo: Studio Chloe David
Dancefloor Flipflops
From a sustainable point of view as well as fashion - just no!
If your venue has particularly hazardous flooring, then include a small note about shoe recommendation on your wedding website. It’s up to the guests to then decide comfort vs fashion.
Photo credit: Bernadeta Kupiec
Extras you are loving!
Espresso martinis
Personalised pizza boxes for pool party
Tiramisu tower
Handwritten notes to guests
Mini market at Welcome Event (think pasta, olives, olive oil, limoncello) - all set up for guests to help themselves ‘shopper style’
Photo: Luisa Apanui
Your Italian wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable. With thoughtful planning and a realistic approach, you’ll create a celebration that’s magical. Lucy breaks down what you need to consider - from the big to the fun smaller extras - in The Club.
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PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | BUSINESS | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION | WANDERLUST
