"What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started planning."- our real brides share advice
This month our fabulous ‘been there, done that’ couples have shared what they wish they had known before embarking on Italian wedding planning. Got to love a bit of hindsight, right! Let’s learn from their matrimonial mishaps and wedding wins so you can go forth and nail your wedding planning!
“This group has been so incredibly useful during my planning process and the community La Lista has built is life changing for so many brides who dream of an Italian wedding! Bride, Morgan
We love our private Facebook group just as much as our couples do. Get yourself in there and meet your wedding cheerleaders today.
Videographer: EOT
We put so much value on getting your Budget right from the start. Trust us, this is one of the most important things you will do - probably not the most glamorous, but it will enable you to have all the luxuries and additional styling touches or guest experiences you want - without you overspending or having to cut out wedding dreams at the last minute.
Exchange rates and how you end up paying for your vendors are all vital players in your budget. Many bank transfers or money payment sites have fees involved, which of course need to come from your total pot of money. And of course a shift in exchange rate, which hasn't been included in a vendor contract, can make all costs shoot up (or down....hopefully the latter!)
Always add a buffer into your budget, this money is not going to be allocated to anything until the very end of planning and can be used for these eventualities.
Planner: Ilaria Weddings
Every photographer has their own timeline they work to, whether they are UK based, US or Italian. It is crucial before you sign on the dotted line and book them for your wedding you read all their terms and conditions. One of which will be the time between capturing your day and sending your photos. This tends to be split between a 'first look' or a sample selection of the photos and then how many weeks until you receive the full gallery. Should this not be included, be sure to ask and have it in writing.
Remember, as much as seeing your photos is everything to you, your photographer would have captured many weddings that season and will be busily working on edits to make your photos really sing - be patient and respectful of their talent! This isn't Snappy Snap!
There are many layers of a destination wedding and the complexities apply whether you are planning a small or large occasion. Before starting down the planning road question why an Italian wedding is for you. Is it the location, the food, the meaning, the fact that you can invite fewer guests?
We would always recommend you work with a planner - someone who excels at what they do, with great testimonials and you feel comfortable with. Having a strong team of suppliers behind you really will make the experience enjoyable, not forgetting sorting out your budget from the start. Knowing exactly how much you have to spend on each element will stop you from overspending and regretting decisions.
Good planners are the swans of the wedding world - calm and collected, whilst paddling powerfully under the water, pulling every aspect of your wedding together.
Destination weddings are a BIG commitment and you will be involved throughout, so get ready for some hardcore wedding admin! When choosing your supplier team do so carefully and go with your gut. These people will listen to and nurture your wedding vision, so trust and transparency both ways is crucial.
Whilst you are paying for the service, you can get suport in other ways. Our community of planning couples is a valuable place to vent any wedding worries and ask others for their advice. You are not alone on this rollercoaster, so jump in and introduce yourself.
Photo: Samantha Rivieccio
Planning your own Italian wedding without a planner is absolutely possible and many to go down this route. When considering if this is for you, think of each part of planning - the supplier selection, venue choice, management of the supplier team on the day, the lead-up to the wedding, how many days you are able to arrive before the big day - and work out who will be responsible for the individual tasks. Only approach planning on your own if you feel comfortable that everything is covered.
Don't want or have the budget for a planner, but need support in making the big decisions? The Club is our planning membership and with it you will receive access to tutorials taking you through every aspect of planning, tools to help you along the way. Managed by Lucy White, La Lista founder and expert planner of Wiskow & White, you will have fortnightly calls with Lucy and access to an exclusive Facebook community where you can ask questions 24/7.
Thousands of couples are waiting in our Facebook Group to support and advise you - plus the team are in there answering your questions as well. Be part of it today.
