What to Expect When Planning a Destination Wedding in Italy
- Federica Tamborini
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
DREAMING OF ITALY: THE APPEAL OF A TIMELESS WEDDING
Getting married in Italy is a dream that slowly takes shape for many couples.Ancient villages overlooking rolling hills, long outdoor dinners under the summer sky, shared tables, good wine, a slower rhythm and a sense of effortless beauty.
A destination wedding in Italy is never just about the wedding day itself. It is a full experience, shared with the people you love most, a journey that stays in everyone’s memory long after it ends.This is why so many couples living abroad – or with Italian roots – choose Italy as the place to celebrate their wedding.
But as with all meaningful dreams, behind the vision there is also a practical reality worth understanding.
PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING IN ITALY: WHAT IT REALLY MEANS
Planning a wedding in Italy from abroad is absolutely possible.Many couples start this journey on their own, driven by excitement, a desire for control and the feeling that everything can be managed remotely.
What is often underestimated is that Italy has its own way of working, especially when it comes to weddings. It is not just about language, but about culture, timing, logistics and expectations that are not always clearly stated.
Every region has its own unwritten rules, every vendor their own working style, every venue its own procedures. Understanding this context takes time, presence and experience.
THE LESS VISIBLE (BUT MOST COMMON) CHALLENGES OF PLANNING ON YOUR OWN
Without discouraging couples who wish to plan independently, it is important to be aware of some common challenges.
Communication with Italian vendors: many Italian wedding professionals are excellent at what they do, but they are not always accustomed to structured, fast-paced communication or working in a foreign language. Emails may go unanswered, key information is often shared verbally, and important details sometimes surface only at the very last minute.
Cultural and operational differences: in Italy, the phrase “we’ll take care of it” can carry a very different meaning compared to other countries. Deadlines, confirmations, contracts and expectations need to be carefully managed and interpreted within the correct cultural context.
Logistics and coordination: transportation, setup timings, venue access, permits, and weather contingency plans are all elements that tend to reveal their complexity gradually. When not anticipated properly, they can easily become a source of stress.
Many couples only fully realise these complexities once the planning journey is already underway.
THE VALUE OF A LOCAL WEDDING PLANNER
Having a wedding planner who works locally makes an enormous difference.Not only because they speak the language, but because they truly understand people, dynamics and the real mechanisms behind how things work.
A local wedding planner:
knows what to expect from vendors
knows how to communicate with them effectively
knows when to insist and when to wait
knows how to prevent issues before they arise
Most importantly, they work in synergy with the entire wedding team, creating a sense of balance that allows the couple to experience the planning process with calm and confidence.
METHOD, EXPERIENCE AND A BROADER VISION
Not all wedding planners work in the same way.Those who approach this profession with method and professionalism leave nothing to chance: every decision is part of a wider vision, and every vendor is selected for consistency, reliability and shared values.
Method is not rigidity — it is structure. It is what allows creativity without losing control, the ability to face the unexpected without stress, and the capacity to make a wedding function as a harmonious system.
A truly bespoke wedding in Italy is born precisely here: from the balance between emotion and organisation.
CAN YOU PLAN IT ON YOUR OWN? YES — BUT IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
Planning a destination wedding in Italy without a wedding planner is possible.However, it is essential to do so with awareness, knowing that surprises, delays and hidden complexities may arise along the way.
Relying on a professional who does this work as a career — not as a hobby — means choosing peace of mind, clarity and the guidance of someone who accompanies you step by step.
AN ITALIAN WEDDING THAT TRULY REPRESENTS YOU
Whether you dream of an intimate celebration, a wedding weekend or a nature-inspired experience, Italy offers endless possibilities.The key lies in knowing how to read them, interpret them and harmonise them.
If you are beginning to imagine your destination wedding in Italy, you may also want to explore:
For official information regarding legal requirements and documentation, it is also helpful to consult the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or The Ctzn Group, the agency I collaborate with for bureaucratic procedures.
And if you would like to speak with a wedding planner who works daily with international couples and truly understands the Italian context, I will be happy to guide you through this journey.
If you need to talk to me, if you want to know more about how I work and what I can do for you, what are you waiting for?
EnJoy!
Federica
Your Planner in Romagna, Marche & Umbria
