Italy is a country of delicious food, breathtaking nature, and music that has been familiar to us since childhood. It’s 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 important to take into account the nuances and details that can affect both the preparations and your overall experience 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’s well known that weddings are best celebrated in late spring or summer. This is the most popular time even in Italy. Naturally, prices during these months are higher, and competition for your preferred photographer or villa is fiercer. 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. Early autumn still offers the possibility of swimming, 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 rise, and the wedding will cost 1.5 times more. Additionally, booking a venue for the ceremony may become difficult 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 booked for another event is higher. Moreover, the cost of the ceremony on weekdays will be 25% lower.
Choosing the Venue: How to Decide on the Perfect Location for the Ceremony
The best way to start planning a wedding is by selecting the city or region in Italy where you would like to celebrate. Whether it’s 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 sunset ceremony in Sicily? Or a small wedding with guests at a Roman villa overlooking Lake Albano and the mountains?
Whatever you decide, make 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 one in the south or central regions of the peninsula.
If you are planning 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 also organize an off-site registration, but only at venues with a special permit. Usually, such villas are intended for large numbers of guests and do not agree to intimate ceremonies.
Wedding Ceremony in Italy: Organizing the Banquet
It is no secret that people come to Italy not only for its stunning landscapes. This is the country of beloved pasta, fine wine, and cheeses. Naturally, expectations for Italian wedding menus are high. Usually, everything begins with an aperitif – light alcohol and appetizers to entertain 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 characteristic of the northern regions during the cold season. For the second course, meat or fish dishes are served, and the banquet concludes with a cake and a dessert table. During the celebration, it is customary to drink wine, with strong alcohol 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, it is not customary to celebrate events from morning till night. You must decide on the time of the banquet. You can only rent a restaurant or villa for either 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 just a beautiful ceremony, but 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 considered equivalent to an official marriage registration in Italy and is legalized in the CIS countries. It is important that one of the newlyweds, either the bride or groom, is Catholic. A 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, note that the rental fee for the venue is usually quoted without VAT, which adds an extra 10%–22% to the cost. If you hire a DJ or a 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 a couple choosing this country for their celebration. But it is also important to consider the many details that must be planned in advance. Moreover, most Italians do not speak English 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 truly 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.
