Italy, an enchanting place where romance whispers over the hills, sunsets meet captivating vineyards, and love stories are written in la dolce vita. It’s a country where every corner feels like a scene from a timeless love story, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding. And if you've ever dreamed of saying "I do" under the Tuscan sun, along the cliffs of Amalfi, or amidst the grandeur of Lake Como's villas, then you've come to the right place. Planning an Italian wedding is about more than just logistics—it’s about creating an experience that captures the essence of Italy's unspoilt beauty, passion, and elegance. And while the thought of planning from afar may seem daunting, fear not—we've gathered insights from Italy's top wedding experts to help you navigate every step of your journey with ease.
Dos Mas En La Mesa, LaLindi, Abigail Lewis Photo
First and Foremost, Find
the Right Wedding Planner
In Italy, playing by the local rules is a must. And who better to navigate them than experienced local planners? The experts at Happy Moments Collector reveal why enlisting a local planner is crucial for orchestrating your dream Italian wedding: “Google won't tell you which florist will actually deliver those perfect peonies or which villa has the best view and a rain backup plan. That’s where a local wedding planner becomes your secret weapon. We know the hidden gems, the vendors who’ll go the extra mile, and how to stretch your budget without sacrificing style. Plus, we’ll handle all the logistics, so you can focus on sipping Aperol Spritz instead of stressing over timelines.”
Wedding planner Carlotta Pomponi from Destination Weddings Italy echoes this valuable advice, highlighting that booking local vendors on your own can end up costing you more in the long run: “Your planner will have strong relationships with top-tier vendors, including florists, caterers, musicians, and photographers. These connections allow them to negotiate the best rates and ensure high-quality service, which is especially important when planning from another country. Trying to book vendors on your own—without understanding local pricing, contracts, and expectations—can often lead to unexpected costs and unnecessary stress.”
Destination Weddings Italy, Elena Baranchuk, Happy Moments Collector, Andrew Bayda
Allow Enough Time to Plan
It can be a challenge to book a venue and vendor in Italy, so it's crucial to approach it fully prepared—with an experienced planner by your side and as far in advance as possible. Talented planners from Happy Moments Collector understand the importance of timely planning: “Popular venues like Lake Como villas or Tuscan estates get booked faster than you can say gelato. So, if you’ve got your heart set on that cliffside ceremony or vineyard reception, start early and lock in your dream team of vendors before someone else does.”
A Verona-based wedding planner from PALAZZOEVENTI wisely points out that a professional planner will always have the perfect venue alternative ready: “It’s important to remember that popular villas are often booked a year or more in advance, especially on holidays, so planning ahead is essential. If your chosen villa is already booked, reach out to professionals—with our help, you’ll find the perfect alternative and offer your guests an unforgettable event."
Pick a Venue That Has an
Equally Beautiful Weather Option
“When planning a wedding in Italy, it’s essential to select a venue that offers a beautiful and well-thought-out plan B. The weather here can be unpredictable, and having an appealing indoor option ensures that your wedding remains stunning and memorable regardless of rain,” planners from Georgia Louise Weddings know how crucial it is to have a venue backup plan.
The team at PALAZZOEVENTI also emphasizes the importance of planning for unexpected weather, especially in regions like Lake Como, where conditions can change rapidly, “This is especially true for regions like Lake Como, where weather changes can be rapid and unexpected. It is often impossible to predict the exact weather conditions a day before the event. That’s why it is crucial to discuss backup options with your organizers in advance.”
Georgia Louise Weddings, La Moment Photography
Opt for Authentic
Local Wedding Favors
"Rather than bringing thank-you gifts from abroad, consider using locally sourced Italian products. Some thoughtful options include limoncello from the Amalfi Coast, high-quality olive oil from Tuscany, hand-painted ceramics from Sicily, or artisanal chocolates and truffle-infused delicacies. These make meaningful, regionally inspired gifts that your guests will truly appreciate," suggests wedding photographer Liz Dvorkina, whose vast experience capturing weddings in Italy beautifully underscores the choice of locally produced favors. We couldn’t agree more—these authentic touches will truly enhance the overall experience for your guests, making your celebration even more memorable.
Weave Authentic Italian
Charm into Your Wedding Day
“Many couples fall into the trap of choosing Italy as a backdrop, rather than letting it shape the soul of their celebration. The magic of an Italian wedding isn’t just in the villa or the vineyard, it’s in the rhythm of life here. From the scent of lemons in Amalfi to the golden twilight in Tuscany, every region offers natural elements that should influence not just the location but the flow of your event,” as beautifully suggested by the expert planners from Italian Weddings & Events, the beauty, charm, and magic of Italy should be seamlessly woven into your wedding's atmosphere and mood—not just added as decoration.
The photography team, Vlasta Weddings, with their extensive experience in capturing Italian weddings, offers invaluable advice on incorporating Italian traditions into every aspect of your celebration—from cuisine to photography, “Incorporating local customs into your Italian destination wedding adds a unique touch and enhances the guest experience. We particularly enjoy multi-day events where couples embrace local traditions, music, and cuisine during their welcome celebrations and throughout the wedding. Collaborating on photography mood boards with our couples is another favorite aspect of our work; it allows us to explore ways to weave these elements into our photo sessions. These thoughtful details not only personalize the event but also create beautiful storytelling opportunities through photography.”
Italian Weddings & Events, Roma & Riko Studio, Liz Dvorkina
Plan Around Italy’s Climate
for a Seamless Celebration
Wedding planners from PALAZZOEVENTI truly know everything about timing the perfect Italian wedding, along with alternative locations for a cooler summer celebration. They generously share their expert insights with THEWED readers, “Italy attracts not only with its culture and history but also with its sunny climate. However, the summer months—July and August—can be particularly hot, which should be taken into account when planning a wedding. For those inviting elderly guests or small children, it is important to consider venues with shade or cooler areas. If you want to avoid the scorching heat, opt for milder seasons like spring or autumn. Also, keep in mind that the north of Italy (such as Lombardy or Veneto) tends to be much cooler, making it a great alternative for summer weddings.”
“Italy’s peak wedding season runs from June to September, bringing high prices, crowded locations, and intense summer heat. Consider planning your wedding in April, May, September, or October when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are smaller. Always avoid weddings in August. For Italians, this is a sacred month when many businesses close, and locals take their vacations. Vendors may be unavailable, and certain areas can feel deserted or, conversely, overrun with tourists,” talented wedding photographer Liz Dvorkina agrees with the importance of considering Italy’s seasonality, also wisely advising against choosing August as your wedding month.
La Moment Photography, Weddings in Tuscany
Navigate the Logistics for a Seamless Experience
Carlotta Pomponi from Destination Weddings Italy offers valuable insights into an often overlooked aspect of Italian weddings— the logistical challenges of hosting a remote wedding. She highlights the importance of choosing the right accommodation to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for both you and your guests: “Many of Italy’s most luxurious venues, especially villas and lakeside estates, are located in remote areas. While this adds to the exclusivity and charm, it also means that getting guests to and from the venue can be a significant cost. To minimize logistical challenges and expenses, it's best to secure accommodations as close to the venue as possible for both you and your guests.”
Planners from Italian Weddings & Events stress that transportation is one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of planning a wedding in Italy, particularly in remote locations. They explain, “Distances that seem short on a map may involve narrow, one-lane roads, limited parking, or strict access rules for large vehicles. The key is meticulous pre-planning with local expertise: arranging shuttle services instead of relying on individual guest transport, factoring in extra time for transfers, and understanding local regulations (like noise restrictions in heritage sites). Partner with planners and vendors who know the region intimately, they can anticipate issues before they arise, ensuring your day flows seamlessly without sacrificing the authentic Italian experience." With so many logistical factors to account for, especially in more secluded locations, it’s always a smarter choice to trust professionals who can handle the intricate details and ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
International wedding planners from LaLindi offer essential advice on logistics, stressing the importance of considering every small detail before making a final decision, “Before falling in love with a venue, ensure it can accommodate your main requests and needs. While a venue may look spectacular, it needs to be functional for your event. Consider logistical factors like catering requirements, accessibility, and guest comfort before making a final decision to avoid unexpected challenges down the line.”
LaLindi, Días De Vino Y Rosas, Vlasta Weddings
Establish a Clear Budget Early On
Transparency ensures that every detail is tailored to your vision while keeping costs in check, making for a stress-free planning process. Chiara from the Florence-based wedding and event planning company, Weddings in Tuscany, highlights the importance of setting a realistic budget for your Italian wedding and sharing it openly with your planner, “It is essential to be realistic on the budget. Being straight-forward to your wedding planner will help to meet all of the requirements of the couple.”
Embrace Local Cuisine
Magdalena, of the international wedding planning and styling studio All Things Beautiful, poetically encourages couples to explore the rich world of Italian cuisine, urging them to push its boundaries and create a truly unforgettable culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression on every guest: “I don't just mean pizza & pasta! When planning an Italian wedding give yourselves and your guests an opportunity to try dishes local to the region you’re getting married in. Opting for traditional delicacies of the region will not only win you favor with your caterer, proud and eager to go beyond the basics, but it will also introduce your guests to flavors and dishes they might not have tried before. Italian recipes for an unforgettable wedding? Serve your guests something their favorite 'Italian restaurant' back home could never.”
