1. GUEST EXPERIENCE
Hosting a destination wedding elevates the guest experience to a whole new level! You’re inviting your closest friends and family to join you for what is essentially a mini-vacation, and it’s your duty to ensure they have everything they need for a memorable trip.
You’ll need to manage food arrangements, transportation logistics, communication, and accommodations. And believe us, your wedding guests will want to know the details: what time they’ll eat, where they’ll stay, the schedule of events, weather updates, and dress codes. Create a solid communication plan early on to alleviate some of the pressure!
2. MULTIPLE EVENTS
A wedding spanning 2 to 4 days offers a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your closest friends! However, with multiple days of festivities, catering, and transportation, your budget can take a hit. Catering costs can add up quickly, and even a pre-wedding pizza party can be expensive. Don’t forget to consider the everyday meals such as breakfasts at their accommodations, welcome baskets, or simply stocking the fridge with snacks and drinks. Unlike a typical home wedding, you may not usually worry about your guests' breakfast or travel needs.
We believe that having the chance to wear multiple outfits is a delightful opportunity! But keep in mind that for a three-day event, including a pool party, you and your guests will need 3-4 different looks. Finally, transportation is a crucial element to consider for a destination wedding. Arranging transport for your guests to and from the airport, as well as shuttles between their accommodations and the venue, may fall on your shoulders.
3. WEATHER
An Italian wedding often conjures images of clear blue skies and sunshine, and while we hope for that, it's important to remember that unexpected weather changes can occur. Don’t assume, nor allow your guests to assume, that good weather is guaranteed.
In contrast to many UK or home weddings where venues are better prepared for inclement weather, Italian weddings often rely on the allure of sunny days and enchanting evenings. Be cautious about overlooking discussions regarding a backup plan, and ensure you’re comfortable with the indoor options available at your venue. This way, if you need to use them, it won’t come as a surprise!
4. TIMING
Due to the summer heat, ceremonies in Italy typically start in the late afternoon (around 4-5 PM). After the ceremony, guests enjoy an aperitif followed by dinner as dusk falls, creating a romantic ambiance highlighted by candlelight. You’ll also have the chance for stunning sunset photos with your partner due to the later start time.
It’s true that an Italian wedding meal is a lengthy experience! But with delicious food and an enjoyable atmosphere, your guests won’t mind the extended dining time. Rest assured, guests will still be ready to dance, as the meal is designed to keep them satisfied without feeling overly full, provided you choose a well-planned menu.
Be ready to dance the night away, well past 1 AM!
5. ENGAGING A WEDDING PLANNER
For weddings in Italy, hiring a wedding planner is less of a luxury and more of a necessity!
You’ll need guidance from the very beginning, helping you refine your vision and navigate this intricate logistical and creative endeavor. Don’t underestimate the effort a planner invests behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly during both the planning phase and the big day. On average, a planner may send over 1,000 emails while coordinating your wedding—saving you time, energy, and the hassle of endless typing!
The role of a destination wedding planner is extensive, with the primary goal of crafting a memorable experience for you and your guests. An at-home planner typically doesn’t handle guest travel logistics, manage external caterers at your venue, or seamlessly coordinate every supplier involved.
With a destination wedding, you’ll need to allocate a larger portion of your budget towards your guests' experience. This includes food for the various events you'll host, as well as the logistics of accommodating and feeding your guests.
While a home wedding typically lasts just one day, an overseas celebration stretches over multiple days, requiring a careful division of your budget.
Although most of your spending will go towards the wedding day itself, remember to account for all other elements to avoid overspending too early in the planning process!
Still dreaming of a wedding in beautiful Italy? We certainly hope so—it's one of the best places for unforgettable celebrations! Start your planning journey on the right foot and contact The Secret Wedding Box to guide you through every step of the process!
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