Planning Your Italian Wedding
As kids, most of us probably watched Lady and the Tramp over and over again. Can anyone name a more romantic scene than two lovers accidentally eating the same piece of spaghetti? Okay, they might be dogs, but that animated peck on the noses is just one example of how Italian can conjure an atmosphere of romance.
So, it’s not surprising that so many people travel to the country itself to get married every single year. Italy has it all. Beautiful weather, stunning landscapes, a romantic atmosphere. What more could you wish for? So, if you’re planning on visiting Italy, here are a few things that you want to bear in mind during the planning process.
Location
Italy may be relatively small in comparison to places like the USA, but it is still a large country within the EU, with countless cities, towns and villages. Different parts of the country have different things to offer, so the first thing that you are going to have to decide on is an exact location.
Venice
Venice is the most popular city in the country for romance, attracting hundreds of thousands of lovers every single year. It is often even nicknamed the honeymoon city. So what draws the infatuated here? Well, to put it simply, the place just has so much to offer. From romantic gondola rides in the sunset to restaurants delivering delicious Italian cuisine and some of the best wines available. For a special moment, take a leisurely walk to the Accademia Bridge. This has beautiful views of the city. Try to avoid hosting your wedding here during high season, as waterways and streets will be packed with tourists. This hectic atmosphere isn’t generally the best for your big day. Opt for a quieter time of year, where you and your loved ones can truly appreciate the moment.
Rome
Love is said to be in Rome’s DNA. Everything about it strikes visitors with awe. From quaint cobbled streets to grand monuments and expansive piazzas. Whether you want intimacy or grand gestures of love, this city will play the perfect host to your special day. If you want to go all out, you can book out the city’s three star Michelin restaurant, La Pergola, at the Waldorf Hilton Astoria. For more casual moments, steal a kiss overlooking St Peter’s Basilica from one of the bridges over the Tiber River.
Milan
Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, so if you are searching for style and glamor, this location would suit you perfectly. Walk the aisle like it’s a runway, then retire to cozy corners and intimate trattorias for a beautiful day with those closest to you. If you are interested in religion or architecture, make sure to stop by the city’s cathedral: Duomo di Milano. The stunning Gothic design and spires will leave you in awe. If possible, take a trip up to its terraces for stunning views of the city.
Communication
It is generally good to hire a translator at the beginning of the process. This will help to cut down any language barriers between you and the people who are creating your wedding on the other end of the phone or email. A translator will reduce the risks of miscommunication, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and exactly as you wish it to.
Photography
Regardless of where you settle on being wed, you are going to want special shots that make the most of your surroundings, without taking the focus away from you and your partner. You can only trust guests to capture so many shots. You need a professional to get the best images of the day. So make sure to book a professional well in advance. Opt for highly recommended, local photographers, as they will be familiar with the local area and have a good idea of where to be at what time for the most beautiful memories to be captured. Check out Vittore Buzzi photographer for examples of the brilliant wedding photography available to you.
Food
You will need to cater to your guests, so why not keep it local and culturally apt by opting for an Italian menu for the day. Choosing traditional food and dishes that originate from the area you are getting married in will ensure that it is of the highest quality and perfect on the day. It will also create a sense of continuity to the event. Remember to discuss dietary requirements with caterers, as some may not automatically offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten free options.
The Dress
Your dress will be one of the most talked about parts of the day, so you want it to be perfect. Try to be as practical as possible. If you’re getting married on a gondola in Venice, you might not want a huge, puffball dress, as it may rub against the sides of the boat or accidentally dip into the water. It will also make it difficult to fit many people into space. You have two general options available to you: take your dress with you from home or have one awaiting you in your destination. If you’ve opted for Milan, this could be perfect. You could pick up your dress upon arrival and get married in high fashion wear.
The Cake
Don’t forget the cake! It will be the centerpiece of your day. It is generally best to have it baked by someone in the destination of the wedding. This way it will be fresh and intact when it comes to your big day. Make sure to send your cake maker images of designs that interest you and work together to create the perfect baked good for the event. You can ask for them to create a practice cake or mock cake. This will cost you, but it will mean that you can see what the end result will look like before turning up to slice it. Why take unnecessary risks when you’ve put so much hard work and effort into creating the day of your dreams?