Italy is a country of delicious food, breathtaking nature, and music that has been familiar to us since childhood. It is no wonder that more and more couples are eager to celebrate the most important event of their lives right here. Whether at a Tuscan villa or on a Sicilian beach, with guests or just the two of you – there are truly no limits when it comes to a wedding in Italy.
Of course, as in any country, there are national peculiarities here. If you are planning a wedding ceremony in Italy, it is also important to consider the nuances and details that can affect both the preparations and the overall impression of the celebration.
Article Contents:
Time for a Wedding: When Is the Best Time to Organize a Celebration in Italy?
This question might seem simple – it is well understood that a wedding is best celebrated in late spring or summer. This is the most popular time in Italy as well. Naturally, prices during these months will be higher, and the competition for your preferred photographer or villa is greater. But this is Italy – the land of sun and happiness. In Rome, for example, even in winter the daytime temperature does not drop below +10°C. We recommend considering months such as September–October or April. In early autumn, you can still go for a swim, and in April–May, everything in Italy blooms, which will be a delightful bonus for your wedding photoshoot.
It is definitely not advisable to choose August – 80% of Italians are on vacation. Vacation prices soar, and the wedding will cost 1.5 times more. Moreover, it may be difficult to book a venue for the ceremony during that time.
Weekdays or weekends? Beautiful venues are willing to host weddings on weekends only if there is a large number of guests. For an intimate ceremony or a small wedding (up to 40 guests), we definitely recommend choosing a weekday. There are more available dates, and the likelihood that your chosen restaurant is not already booked for another event is higher. Moreover, the cost of the ceremony on weekdays is 25% lower.
Choosing the Venue: How to Decide on the Perfect Location for the Ceremony
The best way to start planning a wedding is to choose the city or region in Italy where you would like to celebrate. Whether it is Lake Como or a villa in Tuscany – there are countless options. Think about what kind of wedding you truly desire. Perhaps it will be an intimate ceremony at sunset in Sicily? Or a small wedding with guests at a Roman villa overlooking Lake Albano and the mountains?
Whatever you decide, be sure to book the venue well in advance. Many foreigners choose Italy for their wedding. For example, Americans book villas and castles two years in advance. Italians themselves begin preparations at least a year ahead. Also note that a wedding in northern Italy will be more expensive than in the south or the center of the peninsula.
If you plan an official ceremony with a marriage registration, it can be held at the city hall. Often, the halls are located in historic palaces with original frescoes. You can organize an off-site registration, but only at venues that have a special permit. Usually, such villas are intended for a large number of guests and do not accommodate intimate ceremonies.
Wedding Ceremony in Italy: Organizing the Banquet
It is no secret that people come to Italy not only for its beautiful landscapes. This is the country of beloved pasta, fine wine, and cheeses. Naturally, expectations for the Italian wedding menu are high. Usually, everything begins with an aperitif – light alcohol and appetizers to entertain the guests while the newlyweds are being photographed. The main course depends on whether you choose meat or seafood.
For the first course, several types of pasta or risotto are offered. Soups are rare in Italy and are more typical of the northern regions during cold weather. For the second course, meat or fish dishes are served, and the banquet concludes with a cake and a dessert table. It is customary to drink wine during the celebration, and strong alcohol is served at the end of the meal – this could be limoncello or other types of liqueurs. If you plan to have strong alcohol during dinner, it is best to inform the restaurant in advance.
In Italy, events are not celebrated from morning until night. You need to decide on the timing of the banquet. You can rent a restaurant or villa only for lunch or dinner. There is also an option to choose an “all-inclusive” menu. Costs start at 80 euros per person and include almost everything: buffet, appetizers, first course, main course, dessert, wine, water, coffee, and Prosecco. Alternatively, you can order just the wedding cake.
Additional Details: What Else Should You Consider When Preparing a Wedding Ceremony in Italy
More and more couples want not only a beautiful ceremony, but also an official registration and a marriage certificate in Italian. Preparing the necessary documents can take several months. An official marriage can also be performed in a church. A Catholic church wedding is equivalent to an official marriage registration in Italy and is recognized in the CIS countries. It is important that one of the newlyweds, either the bride or the groom, is Catholic. An Orthodox church wedding is also an option. For example, at the St. Catherine’s Church in Rome.
Italy has a delightful tradition of giving small gifts to guests. These are called bomboniere. Usually, they are something symbolic to commemorate the wedding – for example, a gift espresso cup or a magnet with pasta. A note with the names of the newlyweds and the wedding date, along with 5 almond candies, is always included.
Also, keep in mind that the venue rental fee is usually quoted without VAT, which adds an extra 10%–22% to the cost. If you hire a DJ or musical group, you will need to pay a copyright fee in advance – 200 euros.
A wedding ceremony in Italy is an unforgettable and vibrant event for any couple choosing this country for their celebration. But it is also important to consider the many details that need to be planned in advance. Moreover, most Italians do not speak English very well. The best option is to entrust the preparations to professionals. The team at WowItaly Weddings lives and works in Italy. We organize not only weddings, but also marriage proposals, parties, and excursions. We would be delighted to make your day the happiest and most memorable!
Wedding Ceremony in Italy. Why Choose the WowItaly Weddings Team?
WowItaly Weddings — it’s when you just want to say Wow! from the sincerity of your feelings, from the real beauty of nature, history, art, and the authentic atmosphere of Italy.
- We Simplify the Process. You don’t need to arrive weeks in advance to prepare all your documents. You can fly in just 2 days before the wedding and leave all document matters to the professionals.
- We Will Prepare All Your Documents Remotely in just one month. All we need from you are scanned copies of your documents via email. That’s it! Nothing more. Forget about bureaucratic hassles – enjoy your love!
- We Work Transparently. Our package deals include absolutely all the services necessary for organizing a beautiful and cozy wedding in Italy. We openly state that our packages do not include airfare, hotel accommodation, or restaurant dinners. Why? Because we don’t know where you’re flying from, which hotels you prefer, or what type of restaurant you desire. Why pay extra for services you won’t need?
- We Meet Our Deadlines. We deliver the certificate of marriage registration in Italy on the third working day after the wedding, and all photographs within two months. All our obligations are regulated by contract. We don’t just promise – we take responsibility for our words.
- We Love Our Work for the incredible happiness and atmosphere of love it creates. For the opportunity to see joyful eyes and to make your wedding dreams in Italy come true. In a place where family and marriage remain the highest values, where European civilization began, and where true love and sincere emotions are genuinely understood.
Submit your inquiry in any convenient way and receive a free phone consultation on organizing your wedding in Italy or our insider cheat sheet for brides.
The article features photos from the wedding day of Darya and Roman at Lake Como.
