Choose a date for your Italian-style wedding in 7 steps
Guide to an Italian wedding
1. Think of a date
Choosing the date of marriage is one of the most important decisions you will have to make as a couple, it will have an impact on all aspects of your big day. You can already have ideas about various components of your wedding, but many of those things cannot be finalized until you decide on the date you marry. “How can I choose a date that’s perfect? Where can I begin? ”
For each couple, the process is truly unique and is part of what makes your wedding so special. I hope that by sharing some ideas from other wedding planners, or other couples, along with my real experience, I can help you find the perfect time to say “I do.”
2. Consider the weather…Especially if your wedding will take place in London
In Italy, the most popular months to get married are from May to October, which is not surprising. The weather is absolutely magnificent at the beginning of summer and autumn. I’ve rarely planned weddings where we have encountered strange weather, but the best way to deal with it is to add a portion to your wedding budget for things like summer fans and umbrellas in the fall. Think proactively about your guests and their well-being.
3. Keep in mind all the factors of an off-season date
Marrying in January or March could help lower the cost of your location, but you have to be prepared to make sacrifices in other areas. For example, let’s say if peonies are your favorite flowers and you cannot imagine having a bouquet with other flowers, the cost during the off-season will certainly be much higher. It can be complicated (if not impossible) for your florist to find what you want at a price that suits your budget (generally off-season flowers are incredibly expensive).
4. The location of the wedding
Imagine the day that your wedding has finally arrived, how do you imagine it? On the shore of the Roman sea, with the sun setting sun over the sea? The roof of a 5 star hotel such as the Raphael Hotel behind Piazza Navona? In the vineyards at the Castelli Romani full of of grapes ready for harvest? By restricting your potential wedding date to a season (or two), you can easily narrow down many of your options.
5. Think twice about getting married during a holiday
Weddings on Christmas, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve can be extremely difficult to manage, but you should also consider other types of events that are not recommended to plan a wedding during. Things like religious festivals, the weekends with city events, the dates of large sporting events should be avoided.
But perhaps the biggest factor to keep in mind is your guests that love and support you so much. You should consider the costs of their travels carefully, especially because hotels are much more expensive on holidays.
6. At this point…
… you have already reduced your potential dates to a month or two and now things are starting to get easier! In the months that you have narrowed down, are there dates that are significant for you as a couple? Or are there any dates you want to avoid?
7. Give yourself time, don’t rush
I have planned many weddings, some in a few months, others in a few days and for some couples even a year. It’s not like you see on TV. However, you have to be aware of the cost you will face to have your wedding performed fast.
When a bride calls and asks if we can plan her big day in a short period of time, I always tell her that it’s possible, but she might have to sacrifice some things. For example, a custom bridal gown can take a full year to be made. Also, the church, locations or invitations must be booked early in order to be sure nothing will be out of place.
Finalize a date
If you have followed all the steps, then your options will be narrowed down and you can then make your own decisions.
One last important point: make sure that the people you love can be present on the date you choose.
An extremely important part are your wedding is the photographer and the video operator. Look for the best professionals who have a reasonable cost but that will give you wonderful keepsakes to cherish forever.
Buon Matrimonio
Anna Maria Nardi
