Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding in Italy

Any wedding is difficult to plan. Move the big day to a different country, and there’s even more to consider. We have gathered insights from travelers to share their top tips for a successful destination wedding. This month, we focus on Charlotte Stavrou’s unforgettable experience at her Italian wedding in Puglia.

Date: 31 March 2023

Charlotte and Emilio Stavrou’s wedding in Puglia, southern Italy, exemplifies a picture-perfect destination wedding. Imagine long tables in a rustic courtyard, surrounded by trulli and decorated with local flowers and fairy lights. While planning may seem overwhelming, the rewards are worth the effort.

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Italy

Low-Key Doesn’t Mean Easy

While rustic settings may appear effortless, conveying a relaxed vibe requires meticulous planning. “The weddings that look off-the-cuff and low-key are the ones that take the most planning,” says Charlotte. To achieve a beautifully undone look, utilize moodboards and visual inspiration. It’s crucial to clearly communicate your vision to suppliers, as an overly relaxed attitude can lead to complications later.

Be Open to Surprises

Unexpected moments can enrich your wedding experience. Initially, Charlotte dreamed of having MiC LOWRY sing her down the aisle; however, due to budget constraints, a recorded version seemed necessary. To her surprise, as she walked down the aisle, she discovered MiC LOWRY performing live, thanks to her family’s efforts. Such surprises can create treasured memories that last a lifetime.

Stay on Track

Even the clearest vision can sway during planning. Regularly check in with your partner to ensure you remain aligned with your original ideas. For instance, Charlotte almost shifted the wedding vibe after visiting an extravagant venue but ultimately maintained the low-key atmosphere that was true to them.

Go Greener

Destination weddings often mean a larger carbon footprint due to travel. To mitigate this, Charlotte made eco-friendly choices, such as encouraging guests to wear outfits they already owned or rented. Additionally, she rented her wedding dress, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, especially since an average wedding can generate significant waste and CO2 emissions.

Advocate for Yourself

Choosing suppliers that understand your unique needs is essential. Charlotte prioritized hiring a hair and makeup artist familiar with her curly hair. Based on previous experiences, she felt comfortable and confident with her stylist, ensuring she looked beautiful on her wedding day. Confirming that suppliers can cater to various hair types and skin tones should be a top priority.

Venue

BarSentum

Singers

MiC LOWRY and Beau Nox

DJs

Emilio, Subculture, Fitzroy, Sheeb DJ, and sound system provided by East London Audio

Wedding Dresses

Rotate Birger Christensen (London) and Grace Loves Lace RTW Opal dress (Italy)

Suits

Re-worn Mr Start suit (London) and a bespoke suit from Casely Hayford (Italy)

Photographer

Jacquetta Clark (London) and Yulia Longo (Italy)

Hair and Makeup

Natasha Davies

Stationary

Papier

Rings

Wild Fawn and Kimai