When planning your wedding, you undoubtedly have many thoughts and considerations swirling around in your head. Will the ceremony and reception be held outdoors in a picturesque Italian location? Will there be a sit-down dinner or a cocktail reception? Will it be a small, intimate ceremony or a blowout celebration? Where will the honeymoon be? These are some of the many questions you will have to answer when planning your big day, and the decisions you make can have a profound effect on the success of your special day.
However, if you think of planning your own wedding, it is also a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your special day. It can be incredibly rewarding to accomplish planning the details of your perfect day yourself, selecting everything that makes your day uniquely you. From light-up letters to bunting flags, from tasteful centerpieces on reception tables to string lights adorning ceremony arches, wedding plates and silverware, there’s something for all tastes and settings
Of course, one of the most important aspects of any wedding is the venue, and you may already be thinking about where to have your wedding ceremony and reception. These day more and more loved up couples are choosing destination weddings over traditional weddings, for a number of reasons and Italy is one of the most popular placed for foreign couples to get married.
If you are considering tying the knot in Italy, there are several benefits, and a few disadvantages to bear in mind. Some of the pros of destination wedding in Italy, include the following:
- A unique and memorable experience
Planning a wedding in Italy will result in your wedding day being one of the most special and memorable days of your life. Most traditional weddings tend to follow a standard plan, by choosing a location that is different from the norm, you can create a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests that will leave them with lasting memories that they will never forget. And when you choose a beautiful destination like Italy, you will find that you have a wealth of options to choose from when it comes to choosing the location for the ceremony and reception.
- Easy access to wedding vendors
Italy is home to some of the best wedding vendors in the world, which means that it is the perfect place to hold a destination wedding. Wedding planners here have many years of experience, making them capable of planning every aspect of your wedding to perfection. They can also help you select the perfect venue for your event, find an experienced photographer and wedding videographers to capture your memories, arrange for live entertainment during the reception, and more.
- Holiday for you and your guests
Many people who choose to host a wedding abroad in Italy instead of a traditional wedding, will book an all-inclusive resort. They will be able to facilitate all aspects of your wedding day from holding the ceremony, to hosting the reception and providing accommodation for you and your guests to stay in. This is a great way to gather your loved ones together. It means once your guests arrive at the destination, they will get to enjoy a holiday and the occasion will feel even more celebratory.
Although there are many benefits to holding a destination in Italy, there are some cons too. Here are a few that you should consider before taking the plunge.
- Weather
Depending on where you live, the weather in Italy could be very different than it is at home. During the summer months, the temperature is usually warm but there is often a lot of rain as well. In the winter months, the weather is generally much colder but tends to be drier than during the summer. Be sure to do some research before planning your destination wedding to make sure that the weather is acceptable in your area during your desired wedding date. If you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, check that your venue has the facilities to cater for the party is the weather takes a turn for the worst.
- Language barrier
If you are travelling to Italy from abroad, there is a good chance that you or many of your guests may not be fluent in Italian. This could cause a lot of problems for you during your pre-wedding planning and on the day itself. Consider hiring a translator or a wedding planner to assist you in communicating with the venue and vendors so that you have the best possible experience during your time in Italy.
- Travel costs
Italy is a popular tourist destination, which means there are a lot of tourists visiting the country every year. This means that you will have to pay higher prices for things like hotels, flights, and meals than you would if you were getting married somewhere less popular. This can add a financial strain, so be sure to take this into consideration when you are planning your destination wedding. Book flights and accommodation well in advance to find affordable options and consider off-peak seasons for your wedding when popular tourist spots are less busy.
