Getting Married in Italy: The Complete guide for Future Newlyweds 

Italy is one of the most popular places in the world to get married because of its beautiful scenery, rich culture, world-famous food, and customs that go back hundreds of years. Il Bel Paese has dream wedding places and a huge range of styles for every type of wedding, from the romantic hills of Tuscany to the grand villas of Sicily, from the historic piazzas of Rome to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.
People from outside of Italy who want to get married will find this guide useful. It will help them plan their wedding and find everything they need to make it perfect.

Why get married in Italy?

Italy has a long history of fairy tale weddings, and it deserves its image as a romantic place to visit. From beaches in Sardinia to historic houses in Tuscany and castles in the Dolomites, each area has its own special things to offer. When you add in the delicious food, great drinks, and friendly people, it’s easy to see why more and more couples are choosing to get married in Italy.

Types of wedding venues in Italy

Another fun and tricky part of planning a wedding in Italy is picking out the place. There are almost infinite choices, based on your tastes, the time of year, and where you live.

• Historic villas and castles. If you’re dreaming of an elegant and regal celebration, historic villas and castles are the perfect choice. Think breathtaking Tuscan villas or Piedmontese castles, with ample space to welcome guests.

• Farmhouses and country estates. For a more intimate, rustic ceremony, a countryside agriturismo might be ideal. These locations offer a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and often serve local farm-to-table food.

• Beaches. If you’re drawn to the sea, Italy offers plenty of stunning beachside wedding spots, perfect for a sunset ceremony. The Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and Sicily are among the most popular (Sting’s daughter recently tied the knot in Sicily!).

• Art cities. Florence, Rome, Venice and Milan are not only rich in history and culture, but also home to exclusive venues for a truly unique celebration.

Each area has its own style. For example, villas in Tuscany are great for weddings in the spring or fall, while beaches in Sicily are great for events in the summer.

A wedding planner who specialises in international weddings can help you choose the right venue and coordinate all the services to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Catering and Italian cuisine

Italy really stands out when it comes to catering. Couples from other countries are often amazed by the range and quality of Italian food, which includes regional specialities and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The wedding meal should include the best of the local food as well as dishes that people from all over the world will enjoy. Important things to think about are:

• Regional dishes. Each region has its own delicacies, such as carbonara pasta for Roman weddings, ribollita in Tuscany or Sicilian sweets like cassata and cannoli.

• Customised menus. A key element of catering in international weddings is the ability to personalise the menu. A good wedding planner will help strike the right balance between authentic Italian cuisine and options suited to your guests’ tastes, while maintaining an authentic touch.

Wedding attire in Italy

Italy is known for its high-end sewing and designers who are admired around the world. When it comes to wedding fashion, Italy follows global trends, but their style is known for being elegant and very “Made in Italy.”

Traditions and trends

Most of the time, Italian women wear white or ivory dresses, but more and more, dresses of other colours or with trendy details are being worn. Italian grooms also care a lot about style and often choose custom clothes and nice ties.

Something that many couples from around the world look to for ideas.

Designers

People from all over the world come to Italian designers like Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Giorgio Armani to make one-of-a-kind clothes. A lot of people even choose to buy clothes or have clothes made in Italy.

Regional traditions to include in your wedding

In Italy, each area has its own wedding customs that can make your event more special and true to the country. As an example:

• Throwing rice: In Italy, throwing rice (or rose petals) is a common custom that stands for fertility and wealth.
• Traditional folk dances Folk dances from the past, like the Tarantella, are performed all over the world and will make your reception more lively and fun.
• The “confettata” For the “confettata,” you give your guests a variety of sugared nuts (confetti), which are a sign of good luck, to eat during the party.
  Keeping track of your wedding budget

Managing your wedding budget

Planning a wedding in Italy is an unforgettable experience, but it’s important to keep an eye on the budget. Costs can vary widely depending on the venue, catering, services and time of year. Here are a few tips:

• Plan ahead. Booking early can help you secure better rates, especially during high season.

• Consider less central locations. Venues in major cities or famous tourist spots tend to be more expensive. Exploring lesser-known areas could help save money without sacrificing charm.
• Be selective with services. Some services, like live music or top-tier photographers, can be pricey. Focus on choosing suppliers that align with your budget and priorities.

When to get married in Italy

The time of year you go will have a big effect on the whole experience. The great weather lasts from May to September, but prices go up and places get busy during this time. Early spring or fall are great times to go because the weather is mild and there are more openings. This will make the atmosphere more personal.