I've dreamed of having a fairytale wedding amidst the picturesque beauty of Italy for ten years. Mind you, I met my husband four years ago. I'm here to tell you it was much more manageable than people would think. It also cost less than what most would expect. Hear me out: it cost less because we, largely I, did a ton of tasks on our own. They say you can have things cheap, fast, and good but you can only choose two. Well I had ten years of planning on Pintrest boards, saved Instagram profiles and pictures, and a truck load of audacity that probably saved us 20k on the overall cost. I'm here to tell you that if you have the will and the time, it's attainable to have your dream wedding in Tuscany like I did. So how did we do it? Figuring out the location felt like the right first step so we could adequately budget. Let's get into it.
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting and romantic endeavor that allows you to combine your love for travel with the celebration of your special day. With countless breathtaking destinations to choose from, selecting the perfect location can seem like a daunting task. Fear not! In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of choosing the ideal destination for your dream wedding. From considering your personal preferences and logistical factors to exploring the cultural and natural beauty of potential locations, hopefully this will help you make an informed decision.
1. Reflect on Your Vision:
Begin by envisioning the kind of wedding you desire. Do you dream of saying "I do" on a sandy beach with a backdrop of azure waters, or in a fairytale castle nestled amidst lush greenery? Consider the atmosphere, ambiance, and overall style that align with your vision. Think about whether you prefer a relaxed, intimate gathering or a grand celebration. Understanding your preferences will narrow down your options and set the tone for your destination wedding journey. Getting married in Italy was a given but we weren't 100% sure which city would be best. We had a lot to consider.
2. Assess the Logistics:
Practical considerations are crucial when selecting a destination. Evaluate the travel logistics for you and your guests, including the accessibility of the location, visa requirements, and transportation options. Consider the distance and cost of airfare, as well as the availability of direct flights. Additionally, research the local marriage requirements and ensure they align with your plans. Understanding the logistical aspects will help you determine the feasibility and ease of planning your wedding in a specific destination. There were dozens of beautiful villas that would have allowed us to get married on the grounds AND house our guests. Unfortunately, even though they were contextually on the inexpensive side, most of our guests were coming from the U.S. and would already need to take an 8 hour flight from Atlanta, and closer to 12 from LA. We didn't want them to have to get on a two hour train ride after that just to find a remote villa in the hills. We realized the venue needed to be closer to an international airport which left us with Milan, Rome and Florence to consider.
3. Budget Considerations:
Establishing a budget is essential for any wedding, and a destination wedding is no exception. Research the cost of venues, accommodations, vendors, and local services in your desired locations. Keep in mind that some destinations may be more budget-friendly than others, and currency exchange rates can also affect your expenses. Be realistic about what you can afford and consider the value that each location offers in terms of experiences, amenities, and services. We wanted this trip to be financially accessible so more of our friends could come. Choosing a venue in a major city made travel less expensive. Pro tip: flying into Rome instead of Florence is cheaper and the train to Florence from Rome was less than 100 Euro. We let our guests know this upfront. With that knowledge many people decided to see both cities. They flew into Rome and stayed a night or two and then made their way to Italy. We planned our time in Florence with that in mind as well. We got to visit several attractions (I'll link fun AirBnB tours we took in another post) and got to maximize our visit to the country. I'll take a deeper dive into budgeting in a later post as well, worry not.
4. Climate and Season:
Consider the climate and seasonal variations of potential wedding destinations. Determine whether you prefer a warm tropical paradise, a crisp winter wonderland, or a mild and pleasant climate. The weather can significantly impact the overall experience for you and your guests, as well as the availability of outdoor activities and venues. Think about your preferred season and research destinations that align with your desired climate. September. I'll save you a few hours of research. Early September is the best time to go to Tuscany. Not too hot and not too cold. Sight seeing is pleasant and it's after school starts so attractions aren't as crowded.
5. Explore Cultural and Natural Beauty:
One of the joys of a destination wedding is immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring the natural beauty of the location. Research destinations that captivate your imagination and offer unique experiences. Consider the historical landmarks, stunning landscapes, and cultural attractions that make each place special. Imagine how these elements can enhance your wedding celebrations and create unforgettable moments for you and your loved ones. I recently went to a wedding in Cancun in the Hotel Zone. Wedding was stunning and the resort was fancy but we did not get to see Cancun or Mexico in any real way. We knew that going in so we planned accordingly but keep this in mind, if you want to go somewhere your guests can explore.
At one point over breakfast in Florence, I saw a friend taking pictures of her husband playing with their daughter when she exclaimed "how is this possible?!" I head over to see what is wrong and she shows me the photo. "Everything looks photoshopped! It's so beautiful!" She wasn't wrong. The picture looked like it was from a commercial and every photo that was taken, regardless of camera quality was stunning. There are worse things!
6. Seek Expert Advice:
Consulting with a wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings can be invaluable. They have firsthand knowledge of various locations, understand the intricacies of planning a wedding abroad, and can provide valuable insights and recommendations. A wedding planner can help navigate the complexities, offer guidance on vendor selection, and ensure a smooth planning process from start to finish. THIS WAS A GAME CHANGER. So much of the stress, on the day and in preparation for the 3 day stay and wedding itself, was drastically lessened by having a wedding planner. As I mentioned before we aren't balling out of control yet, so it was a Godsend to have found our venue, Villa Agape, and to learn that it CAME WITH a wedding planner. Our wedding planner Roberta gave us options for vendors and worked with us on prices and quality control. Couldn't have doe it without her truly.
Choosing the perfect destination for your dream wedding involves a thoughtful blend of personal preferences, logistical considerations, and cultural exploration. By reflecting on your vision, assessing the practical aspects, considering your budget, and exploring the beauty of various locations, you'll be equipped to make an informed decision. Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so embrace the journey and trust that the destination you choose will set the stage for an extraordinary celebration of love. Getting married doesn't have to be stressful. Check out Villa Agape here.
