Top 10 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Italy
- Federica Tamborini
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
INTRODUCTION
Planning a destination wedding in Italy is an exciting and emotional choice — but it comes with complexities that are easy to underestimate.
Italy is stunning, but every region has its own rules, rhythms, and ways of working. If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Emilia Romagna, Le Marche, Umbria, or Abruzzo, understanding the local context is essential for a smooth experience.
This guide is for international couples, especially US couples, who want honest, realistic advice and want to plan a wedding in Italy that is personalized and stress-free.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN ITALY
A destination wedding in Italy is not built around pre-set packages or standardized solutions.
Each event is a tailor-made project shaped by:
the couple’s vision
the chosen region
the venue’s structure
local vendors and regulations
Unlike the US and UK market, where all-inclusive packages are common, in Italy most venues provide:
venue rental
food & beverage for the wedding day
sometimes a pizza party or welcome dinner
a brunch the day after
Everything else — flowers, lighting, photography, videography, beauty services, styling and design — is selected separately to reflect your priorities and style.
This approach offers more freedom, but requires expert coordination.
1. CHOOSING ITALY IS AN EMOTIONAL DECISION, BUT IT MUST BE MANAGED RATIONALLY
Italy is not just “beautiful”: it is complex. Each region has different timelines, regulations and ways of working.
Regions such as Emilia Romagna, Le Marche, Umbria and Abruzzo offer:
authentic and less crowded venues
a more relaxed and human pace compared to major tourist destinations
an excellent quality-to-experience ratio
For this reason, working with a professional who truly operates in the area and understands local vendors, seasonality and regional dynamics is essential when planning a destination wedding in Italy.
2. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN “ALL-INCLUSIVE” DESTINATION WEDDING IN ITALY
Unlike other countries, Italy does not work with standardized wedding packages.
In most cases, venues may include:
venue rental
food & beverage for the wedding day
sometimes a pizza party or welcome dinner
sometimes a post-wedding brunch
Everything else — flowers, lighting, photography, video, beauty services, music, rentals and styling — is always customised and quoted separately, based on the couple’s vision and priorities.
A destination wedding in Italy is built piece by piece, not purchased as a fixed product.
3. THE ROLE OF AN ITALIAN WEDDING PLANNER IS DIFFERENT FROM AMERICA
In Italy, the wedding planner role is not standardized. Two planners with the same title can offer very different services.
An Italian wedding planner shouldn’t just “organize suppliers,” but:
structure the project
coordinate people, schedules, and budget
translate your desires into realistic choices
maintain coherence from start to the wedding day
For more on this topic, check my guide: How to Choose a Wedding Planner for Your Destination Wedding in Italy
4. LOCATION AND TERRITORY MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK
Choosing where to get married in Italy is a strategic decision, not just an aesthetic one. Planning a destination wedding in Italy involves logistics, cultural aspects, and workflows very different from a wedding in your home country.
Regions like Marche, Umbria, Emilia Romagna, and Abruzzo are perfect for couples looking for:
authenticity
understated elegance
real natural and historical settings
less mass tourism
A local planner can help you evaluate the real pros and cons of each area, avoiding decisions based only on online images.
5. THE BUDGET MUST BE PLANNED ACCORDING TO ITALIAN LOGIC (NOT AMERICAN OR BRITISH)
A common mistake is applying an American budgeting approach to Italy.
In Italy:
costs are spread across multiple suppliers
many items are not pre-packaged
quality often depends on artisanal experience
To understand the true cost of a wedding planner in Italy, see my guide: Cost of a Wedding Planner in Italy
6. DISTANCE PLANNING REQUIRES METHOD, NOT IMPROVISATION
Planning from abroad means managing:
time zone differences
language barriers
cultural differences
a specific methodology
Without a structured process and the right tools, confusion is likely. A guided approach ensures everything is aligned and avoids last-minute decisions.
7. PAPERWORK IS NOT THE WEDDING PLANNER’S RESPONSIBILITY
Many American couples are unclear about legal documents for marrying in Italy.
It’s important to know that:
bureaucracy is a specialized area
there are agencies (like The Ctzn Group which I collaborate with) that handle it
the wedding planner coordinates the project, but does not replace legal figures
8. CHOOSING VENDORS SHOULD BE BASED ON SKILL, NOT FAME
In Italy, many of the best suppliers:
are not “famous” online
work mainly through word of mouth
provide highly personalized services
An experienced planner knows who truly delivers, not just who has spectacular photos.
9. THE WEDDING DAY IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG
A wedding that flows naturally on the day itself is the result of:
months of planning
shared decisions
a clear project
On the wedding day, the planner:
coordinates all suppliers
manages timing and unforeseen issues
keeps the project vision intact
protects the couple’s experience
10. CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING PLANNER CHANGES THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE
Hiring a planner in Italy means choosing how you will live the journey, not just the final outcome.
For US and UK couples dreaming of a destination wedding in Le Marche, Emilia Romagna, Umbria, or Abruzzo, a local professional with method and vision makes the experience serene, well-structured, and unforgettable.
CONCLUSION: A DESTINATION WEDDING IN ITALY IS A FULL PROJECT, NOT JUST AN EVENT
A destination wedding in Italy is not just an event; it’s a complex project built on choices, relationships, and vision.
With the right method, local presence, and careful planning, organising a wedding from abroad can become a clear, smooth, and stress-free journey.
If you dream of an authentic wedding in Le Marche, Emilia Romagna, Abruzzo, or Umbria, built around your story — not a pre-made package — the first step is a personalized consultation.
Explore destination weddings in Romagna
Discover how to plan a wedding in Le Marche
View my real weddings designed in Italy
And if you’d like to connect, learn more about how I work and how I can support you — what are you waiting for?
EnJoy!
Federica
Your Planner in Romagna, Marche e Umbria
