Which region should you choose for your Italian wedding?
So, you know you want to get married in Italy (great choice by the way!) but now to decide which region for your celebration. A big decision, which will ultimately affect everything from guest transport, logistics, price, weather and even food! Whether a rolling Tuscan landscape or a dramatic coastline has been filling your wedding dreams…we have got you covered with what you need to consider when weighing-up each region.
Aesthetics
When you picture your wedding, what is your backdrop? Likely one of the key reasons you have chosen a destination wedding is the scenery. Is it the rolling fields of Tuscany, the glitzy coastline of Amalfi? Perhaps you are into the architecture of Puglia or the lesser known countryside of Umbria? You’re in luck, because Italy truly does have it all…but each region does come with its own considerations.
Photo: Benni & Carol | Venue: San Galgano Abbey
Logistics
Some regions have transport limitations. The infrastructure is old and roads have not been modernised for high tourist traffic. Driving along these roads is definitely an experience! But do consider your suppliers and your costs - with challenging logistics comes increases in price.
And it’s not just the 4-wheeled travel you will need to consider! Do you have older guests who might be restricted in their explorations if walking near cliff-edges and up MANY MANY steps is a big part of the region’s landscape.
Photo: Studio Chloe David | Venue: Antico Convento I Cappuccini
Guest Travel
Can your guests conveniently get to your wedding location? Kind of a big deal, this one! Consider both the region and then onto your actual venue. Are there direct and regular flights?
Do some research based on where your guests are coming from…whilst booking their own flights is down to them, you will be sure to be dragged into unnecessary conversations about flight times etc if their options are limited! Think about the onward journey from the airport. Places like the Lakes are fairly easy to fly into, but getting round them does pose potential issues.
Photo: Jessica Mangai | Venue: Masseria Le Torri
Weather
For once we are not talking about rain; let’s consider the heat! The further south you go, the hotter the temperatures are going to hit for your wedding day. And whilst a gorgeous warm, sunny day is dreamy…no one wants guests melting thanks to the scorching sun!
In 2022, Puglia and Sicily both experienced wild-fires and Tuscany saw huge storms as a result of our changing climate. So, i
f you want to go south, having a wedding on the arch of the season, so Spring or late summer into September still secures you those hazy sunny days but with a dip in temperature.
Photo: Elina Upmane Photography | Venue: Tonnara di Scopello
Pricing
There is perhaps a slight myth surrounding prices of weddings in the different regions. What we do see is the style of wedding does differ across regions and thus does affect the overall price.
In Puglia, Umbria and Tuscany you will commonly have more of the 3 night stay weddings; where the core guests tend to stay in the same villa and pre and post events are held all from here. Prices in these regions are evenly matched and the type of suppliers available tends to be very similar.
Looking at Amalfi, Rome, Como and Venice the structure is likely to be more day rentals, which will affect the price and in turn will alter guest experience and cost too. There is no right or wrong answer with any of this, but just what works for you and your wedding vision.
Photo: Ochi Weddings | Venue: Castello di Sebastiano
Food and culture
As seen in any country, differences in the culture and manner does change across region.
The more south you go, the more you will see an increase in a very relaxed, laid-back attitude. Now, if you are a super organised, ‘everything now’ type person, consider the potential clash between your ways of working and the suppliers and venues you will be speaking with.
Okay, let’s chat food - every region has different traditions and cuisine, which can add wonderful personalisation to your day. Food is definitely a talking point and we do not need to explain how insane the food is in Italy! But don’t leave the country until you have tried all the traditional dishes from your chosen region.
Photo: Julia Kaptelova | Venue: Villa Oliviero, Amalfi
So, which are our favs? We adore the classic regions like Tuscany and Amalfi, which see the most weddings. They are absolutely fully set up to host incredible celebrations and you are guaranteed to have those insta-worthy backdrops. Increasing in wedding numbers are Puglia and Umbria - both beautifully unique in their own right. Sicily really does have our heart on beauty and the old style tradition, but consider transport logistics and the higher price.
Le Marche is a lesser-known region, just as breath-taking but slightly cheaper than its neighbour, Tuscany. Amazing wine and an incredible coastline. However, supplier options are less broad, as fewer weddings are held there.
Piedmont is an excellent choice is wine is your thing; with grand villas for venues and slightly cooler temperatures.
Feeling more confused than when you started? Sorry about that!! But Italy is truly unrivalled on beauty and options for so many different styles of weddings. If having multiple weddings is not an option….then join us in our couples only Facebook group and quiz the others about their chosen region.
