Real advice from real brides

planning adviceReal Wedding
Written By Sophie Harding

There’s nothing better than learning from someone who’s been there before you. We asked brides who celebrated their weddings in Italy to share the things they discovered along the way, the little gems of wisdom and lessons learned that only come from living it. Consider this your inside scoop, straight from those who’ve experienced the romance of la dolce vita.

 

Lucy in Umbria

“Focus on your guests’ experience first and foremost. With easy logistics, it feels not just like a wedding, but the best holiday too! Think transport, welcome meals, and itineraries—and include a buffer for things like this in your budget.”

Venue: Casa Bruciata | Photographer: Amali Studios Kassandra Anna Photo | Band: Prodigal Duo | Florist: Luisa Gervasi | Stationery: Lucy Sawn Studio | Bridal Fashion: Stephanie Kyles Bridal

Sophia in Venice

“The wedding industry has become so big and overwhelming. I found it best not to compare myself to others and to focus on what was important to me. Do what you want, not what others tell you, and the day will turn out better than you ever imagined.”

Planner: Angel Lion Weddings & Events | Photographer: Petar Jurica + Andrea Calvano | Catering: La Dogaressa Catering | Flowers: La Dogaressa Flowers | HMUA: Jonida Ginaj | Wedding Venue: Pisani Moretta | String Quartet: Nuova Accademia di Musica | Band: Roameo Band | Wedding Cake: Marchini Time 

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Ema in Umbria

“Everyone tells you the day will go by so quickly—and we hate to reinforce it, but it really will. Focus on the moments you truly want to experience. Two things we’re especially glad we did: taking 20 minutes after the ceremony just for us, with no interruptions—not even photographers. Share that moment with your partner to breathe and process what just happened, because trust us, it’s incredibly emotional.”

Venue: Castello di Petrata | Planner: The Different Twins | Florist: Happy Flowers Tuscany | Stationary: Laura Mazzetti | Photographer: Rosa Paola Lucibelli | Videographer: Lumen | DJ: Andrea Paci | Rental: Noloparty | HMUA: Svetlana Kvasnevskaya

Fernanda in Lake Como

“Do your research and find vendors who truly understand your vibe! Especially if you’re planning a destination wedding, things can get lost in translation. When you click with people who just get you, they’ll know what you mean, how to make it happen, and guide you toward the best outcomes. And 100%—get wedding planners!”

Venue: Villa Aura del Lago | Photography & Videography: Alberto e Alessandra VideFotografia | Planner: Agnese Sogna Sempre | Flowers: Vertuani Fiori Planner: Agnese Sogna Sempre | Flowers: Vertuani Fiori | HMUA: Serena Sampietro | Catering: Class Eventi

Martina in Positano

“Make sure you have a Plan B. Although we didn’t have a Plan B for the weather – so we were incredibly lucky with the sunshine (a few days later it was thunderstorming!)”

Robyn in Tuscany

“Don’t feel pressured to choose what’s popular if it doesn’t feel like you—opinions from people online who weren’t at your wedding don’t matter. There’s a trend right now of striving for a ‘timeless’ wedding, but really, weddings are time capsules—and that’s what makes them beautiful. Choose what you and your partner genuinely love.”

Sophie Harding
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