How to have the BEST Puglian wedding

This region is showing Italy why it is made for wedding - and we are so here for it! A destination wedding in Puglia is truly the stuff of dreams - rolling olive groves, whitewashed towns, and masserias which have been modernised, fully staffed to deliver serious energy. Whilst the aesthetic is off the charts, the behind-the-scenes can come with a few challenges.

No gatekeeping, we are here for the good stuff, the red flags, and everything in between to help you plan the best Puglian wedding.

The commission culture (A huge red flag)

Let’s start with the thing no one talks about enough: venue commissions. In Puglia, it’s shockingly common for venues to charge vendors (yes, your florist, photographer, planner, etc.) a commission just to work there. This means some venues will only allow certain vendors in - if those vendors agree to hand over a cut of their fee.

You’re right to be thinking, “Wait, what?!” Because yes—it’s weird. Yes—it’s wrong. And yes—it limits your choice, it can drive up prices, and in some cases, means your dream team ends up barely getting paid. Some planners do it too - charging hidden commissions and not being upfront about it.

Our take? Venues (and planners) should just charge the couple what they need and allow the vendors to do what they do best. But until that changes, ask your wedding team about commissions upfront. Get the truth and get it in writing.

Fall in love with Puglia as it is

Puglia is unlike anywhere else in Italy. It’s slower, sun-soaked, and deeply local. Don’t try to change it—embrace it. You’re not just planning a wedding; you’re becoming part of the fabric of a place with serious character.

We’re all wedding tourists, let’s be honest. We want every detail tailored and Pinterest-perfect. But the most magical weddings in Puglia are the ones that lean into the region - its people, its landscape, its pace. Let it inspire you. Use the local beauty, flavours, and textures as your wedding palette.

Encourage your guests to stay longer, explore, and support local - this is the heart of a destination celebration.

Don’t get your food choice wrong

“It’s Italy, the food will be amazing!”

Sure... but also—you can get it wrong.

You typically have two options in Puglia:

Venue catering – If the venue requires you to use their in-house kitchen, please try it before you book. Not all venue kitchens are created equal and for mass catering purpose.

External catering – Want our tip? You can’t go wrong with Rotondo or Il Fagiano. Both are incredible and know how to do weddings right!

Food is one of the four pillars of an unforgettable guest experience (the others: smooth travel, thoughtful accommodation, and personal touches). Feed people well, and they’ll never stop talking about your wedding.

Get guest logistics right

Puglia is magical, but it’s not always easy to get around. Trains are limited, taxis are expensive, and buses aren’t reliable. If you want your guests to have a good time, help them plan smart and early.

Create a wedding website with detailed travel and accommodation info. Recommend car rentals or shuttles. Don’t assume they’ll figure it out - many won’t, or will leave it late.

Book early & understand the process

Some things you need to know now (thank us later):

Transport is expensive and limited. Budget high for taxis and transfers. This isn’t a “sort it last-minute” region.

Hair & makeup artists often come in from other cities. There aren’t many locally, so book early and be prepared to pay for travel and accommodation.

Vendors are in high demand and work HARD. We’re talking 16-hour days in peak season. Be kind, be patient, and know that slower comms don’t mean disinterest - they’re just flat out.

We said it already, but it’s important. Some planners add ‘undisclosed’ markups to vendor pricing, making it look like those costs are just “what it is.” That’s not fair, and it’s not transparent.

It’s fine if a planner includes commission in the vendor rate (as long as it’s disclosed). But it’s not okay to say they don’t take commission and then slip it in anyway. Get it in the contract - and hold them to it.