How to Have a Small Wedding in Italy

Imagine spending multiple nights with up to 50 of your favorite people at an incredible, picturesque property. You'll have your ceremony in an 800-year-old castle courtyard and afterwards enjoy a five-course meal on a stunning terrace overlooking the Tuscan hills. It's all about creating those special, once-in-a-lifetime memories in one of the most beautiful places in the world with your closest family and friends. You in? Read on to learn how to make it happen.

How to Plan a Small Wedding in Italy

Decide on a Location

Italy offers a myriad of stunning locations perfect for a micro wedding. From the romantic canals of Venice to the rolling hills of Tuscany, the historic streets of Rome, and the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, each region has its unique charm. Consider the ambiance you want for your destination wedding and the type of scenery you prefer. Once you have a location in mind, research venues that can accommodate a smaller, more intimate gathering.

Choose a Date

Weather & Seasons

Like many places, summer is the high season in Italy; both for tourism and for temperatures. Additionally, many Europeans take holiday in August which means local businesses may be closed or on reduced hours. Spring and Fall both bring cooler temperatures, less crowds and potentially lower prices. Fall months can bring some precipitation, and shorter business hours go into effect in October which could impact excursions or more touristy activities. Winter can be beautiful in the south, with the northern region bringing rain and snow, and much colder temperatures.

Other Considerations

Anytime you’re booking a destination wedding you’ll want to be aware of local holidays and events as they can drive up the prices of transportation or lodging, and in some cases make the location less ideal due to an influx of locals. Be sure to check local event calendars and inquire with someone who is familiar with the area to ensure you’re not eyeing a date that coincides with a big event.

Set a Budget

Setting a budget is crucial for any wedding. For a wedding with 50 guests or less, you'll be focusing on quality over quantity, which can allow for more personalized touches and higher-end experiences. Consider costs for the venue, travel, accommodation, catering, photography, and any additional activities you might want to include, such as wine tasting or guided tours.

Plan Your Guest List

One of the advantages of a micro wedding is the ability to keep your guest list small and intimate. Decide who you want to invite and consider the travel and accommodation arrangements for your guests. Sending save-the-dates well in advance can help your guests plan their trip to Italy. If you need help creating your guest list, check out our recent blog, How To Narrow Down Your Guest List.

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Choose Your Vendor Team

A  wedding planning team who is experienced in micro weddings in Italy, like You’re Invited Italy, can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of planning a wedding abroad. They can help you with legal paperwork, vendor selection, and venue arrangements. Their knowledge and connections can make the planning process smoother and a lot less stressful.

Italy Micro Wedding Packages

Finding a wedding pro that offers an all-inclusive package for your small destination wedding in Italy makes the planning process so much more smooth. You’re Invited Italy provides the perfect option to take the stress out of the equation and include everything you need to bring your fairytale wedding to life.

What's Included in You’re Invited Italy’s Micro Wedding Package:

• Coordination and Planning: We handle all the details, so you can focus on the joy of your big day.
• Accommodations at the Castle: Enjoy a 2 or 3-night stay at the castle for you and your guests.
• Welcome Dinner + Tour: Kick off your wedding festivities with a welcome dinner, a castle and cellars tour, and a fabulous wine tasting on the day you arrive.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Wake up to a delicious breakfast or brunch in the castle's restaurant.
• Use of the Private Castle Courtyard for Wedding Ceremony: Exchange vows in the magical setting of the castle’s private courtyard.
• Aperitivo and Wedding Dinner: Savor a four or five-course wedding dinner, complete with a wedding cake.
• Dance Room: Dance the night away in your own private dance room.
• Open Bar: Enjoy an open bar until 2am on your wedding day.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Professional Officiant for Ceremony
• Photographer
• Makeup/Hair for the Bride
• Live Music (Duo) for Ceremony and Cocktail Hour
• Florals

Check out more details here.

Plan Your Travel and Accommodation for Your Destination Wedding

Coordinate travel and accommodation for you and your guests. Look into group rates for flights and hotels, and consider transportation options within Italy. Arriving a few days early can give you time to adjust to the time difference and handle any last-minute preparations. Pro tip: Partnering with a travel specialist can be a great way to streamline your travel planning, no matter your destination wedding location.

We always suggest that couples and their guests arrive in Italy at least a few days before the wedding. This gives everyone time to adjust to the time zone changes and get a feel for the area. Trust us, you'll want to be well-rested and comfortable in your surroundings leading up to your big day to make sure everything goes smoothly!

For guests coming to your micro wedding in Italy, getting around is super easy. The country has an amazing rail network that makes hopping between cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice a piece of cake. High-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo can take you from Rome to Florence in just 1.5 hours, so there's plenty of time to enjoy the sights.

With our all-inclusive micro wedding packages, getting everyone to the castle is a breeze. We offer a shuttle service that picks up guests from the city center of Florence and brings them straight to the venue—it’s just a quick 40-minute drive! Plus, Florence is super easy to get to, making it the perfect starting point for your special day.

For those who prefer more freedom, renting a car is a solid option. Italy’s charming streets and scenic routes make for a delightful road trip. With such convenient transportation options, your guests will have no trouble making the most of their time in Italy while joining in the wedding festivities.