10 Tips for a stunning Destination Wedding in Tuscany

Are you ready to have the perfect destination wedding in Tuscany? From rolling hills, vineyards and stunning coastline views, it is no surprise why this corner of our country has become such a popular destination for romantic weddings. But organizing your special day can be overwhelming! Don’t worry, in this post we’ve got some great tips on how to make sure everything runs smoothly and that your big day will be one of pure bliss.

So buckle up – we’re going on a journey through the best tips on planning an unforgettable destination wedding in Tuscany!

We’ll cover everything from location scouting to finding the right vendors so that your magical Tuscan dream becomes reality. You won’t want to miss out; after all, who doesn’t want their own fairytale ending?

Let’s get started with our top 10 list of must-haves for your perfect wedding in beautiful Tuscany, we hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

couple kissing in an olive grove at their destination wedding in Tuscany

1. Exploring Tuscany

We’re so happy that you’re thinking about coming to Italy for your wedding! If you’re lucky enough to have a destination wedding on your mind, then this beautiful Italian region should definitely be at the top of your list.

Tuscany is home to some of Italy’s most iconic sights and attractions – from its picturesque rolling hills to bustling cities like Florence, Siena and Pisa. But there’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to this stunning region. From historic villages nestled away in rural areas, romantic vineyards with endless panoramic views and pristine beaches to explore along the coast – whatever kind of atmosphere or backdrop you desire for your special day, Tuscany has something for everyone. So, don’t be shy and explore! Be it while on a trip to Tuscany or just online, be curious and locate the corner of this beautiful region that you would love as the perfect setting for your destination wedding in Tuscany.

2. Considering Your Budget

So, you’ve decided to make Tuscany the destination for your wedding – fantastic! Now comes the tricky part: budgeting. But don’t worry – with some careful planning and research, it is possible to have the perfect Tuscan wedding with great value for your hard earned!

Here’s the most important tip we can give you on this topic: just picture your dream wedding day in your mind, and decide what are the absolute most important things for you (is it the venue? Decors? Food? Music?) and build your budget around them, choosing the options that sound right to you even if they’re not the cheapest – you’ll thank yourself later! You’ll then be able to save on other aspects of the day that are not as key to you…maybe you don’t care about crazy expensive shoes, or renting a luxury car because that’s what people do at weddings!

Lastly, allow us to give you a little personal tip as wedding photographers: if you’re looking forward to your incredible, romantic, beautiful and once in a lifetime wedding day in Tuscany, then photography could be a truly key part of your day! Needless to say, if you feel a great connection with a photographer and their work, just hire them! It’s an investment that will pay back its value over and over again in the coming decades, when your amazing photos bring you back to the magic of your wedding day in Tuscany. If you’re wondering what your investment into a professional Italian wedding photographer for your big day might look like, check out our dedicated page.

Now that we’ve gotten budget out of the way, let’s move onto selecting a venue and date…

newlyweds photographed at sunset

3. Selecting A Venue And Date

Now that you’ve got your budget set, it’s time to start planning the details. One of the most important things when organizing a wedding is selecting an appropriate venue and date – after all, this will be the foundation for your entire event! With so many beautiful locations in Tuscany to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to pick just one. But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to narrow down your choices and find something perfect for you.

First off, figure out what type of atmosphere or ambience matches your style. Do you want a classic Tuscan villa with rolling hills as far as the eye can see? Or perhaps something more modern like a chic hotel near Florence? The options truly are endless – take some time to explore each option before making any decisions. Once you’ve found the right location, make sure you book early enough (at least 6-9 months ahead) to secure the desired day and avoid disappointment. Now that you have a place and date secured, let’s move on to the next steps…

4. Choosing A Wedding Planner?

Once you have a vision in place, it’s time to bring it all together, and there is indeed a professional figure that might help you with that! If you hire a wedding planner, they’ll be your go-to person throughout the entire planning process and will help you choosing local vendors and other details for your special day.

This is great! A good wedding planner will certainly help you to organize a great destination wedding in Tuscany without too much trouble on your part, as they will guide you trough all the steps. However, keep in mind that doing it all without a wedding planner is absolutely possible: you’ll just have to roll up your sleeves a bit more when scouting for and contacting different vendors…on the plus side, this will give you more control on your final choices, and you’ll be able to go after your absolute favorite vendors that you’ve found yourself!

If you’re looking for a planner, here are some key qualities to keep in mind:

Experience and Knowledge: Look for planners who know the ins and outs of what goes into a successful event – from finding florists and caterers to arranging accommodation for guests. It’s important that their expertise covers Italy-specific knowledge, such as Italian laws and regulations.

Communication Skills: A great planner should always be accessible, courteous, attentive and open to feedback. They should facilitate your communication with other vendors, not complicate it!

Creativity & Flexibility: Your wedding deserves something unique! See if potential planners would be willing to help craft a one-of-a-kind celebration tailored just for you – after all, this is your special day!

With these tips in mind, you’ll surely find someone capable of creating an amazing experience while keeping stress levels down. Now let’s move onto working with local vendors…

Bride and Groom in the Italian countryside

5. Working With Local Vendors

When it comes to planning a destination wedding in Tuscany, working with local vendors is just the best choice you can make! After all, they’ll be familiar with the area and can provide insight into how best to make your special day perfect – from finding beautiful venues for you to tie the knot in, to providing delicious food and stunning decorations. However, connecting with these professionals isn’t always easy – so here are some tips that will help ensure success.

First of all, research thoroughly! Take time to explore what each vendor has to offer by looking at their portfolio or website. Ask questions about any services they provide and read reviews. But also, go with your guts a little bit! If you find a vendor that gives you great vibes and sounds like a person you’d love to work with and whose work you love, than more than likely they’re your perfect choice, don’t let them go and book them!

Also, don’t forget that you can always try and ask the vendors you’ve already found and booked about the vendors you’re still looking for: all vendors tend to have great connections with other professionals, so they can give you very valuable advice.

By taking the time to plan ahead and consider every detail carefully, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need for an unforgettable event. Now let’s move onto crafting the perfect menu…

6. Crafting The Perfect Menu

Now that you’ve selected the perfect vendors, it’s time to start thinking about the food. After all, nothing sets the mood quite like a delicious meal! That said, there are several things you should consider when crafting your menu – such as what kind of cuisine will best fit with your theme and which dishes can be prepared ahead of time. Without any doubt, your wedding venue and/or caterer will be on top of things and will give you great options to choose from for your wedding menu.

When it comes to Tuscan-inspired menus, please think beyond pasta and pizza! There is an entire world of flavors to explore in this region – from creamy risotto to grilled vegetables and cured meats that pair perfectly with local wines. To make sure everyone leaves satisfied, try offering smaller portions so guests can sample multiple items or have traditional Italian appetizers before dinner.

And don’t forget dessert! From classic tiramisu to fruit tarts made with seasonal ingredients, create a sweet finale for your wedding day that won’t soon be forgotten. With these tips in mind, let’s move onto decorating with Tuscan flair…

table setting at a Tuscany destination wedding

7. Decorating With Tuscan Flair

So, you’ve crafted the perfect menu – now it’s time to decorate! Drawing on Tuscan culture, think of ways to bring a bit of Italy into your wedding. One way is by incorporating traditional elements like olive branches and fresh herbs in the centerpieces or bouquets for an added touch of elegance. Another option is to go with classic décor such as terracotta planters, wrought iron fixtures, and rustic furniture pieces that add a hint of old-world charm while still keeping things modern. Such décors are often found around wedding venues, so just keep an eye on the furniture and accessories of your venue of choice, to see if they’ll match the style you’re dreaming of for your wedding! Or, you can check out this post from our blog for some more inspiration.

Finally, don’t forget about lighting! Rather than relying solely on natural light, create ambiance using string lights or candles: a Tuscan courtyard lit up with warm lights will become the most cozy, welcoming setting for an open air dinner in true Italian style, and it will offer awesome photo opportunities: personally and as photographers, we’re of course madly in love with great lighting! Our personal favorites are string lights with rather big bulbs, absolutely recommended for those dreamy Italian town fair vibes! With the above in mind, let’s move onto our next tip!

evening lights at a Tuscan destination wedding

8. Creating An Entertainment Plan

So it’s time to put the finishing touches on your wedding – and that starts with creating an unforgettable entertainment plan! To make your special day truly stand out, you’ll want to think outside of the box and give guests a unique experience. With that in mind, here are some ideas for how to bring some Tuscan flair into your celebration:

1) Hire local musicians who specialize in traditional Italian music. Nothing adds atmosphere quite like live music!
2) Serve classic Italian appetizers such as bruschetta – pro tip here: it’s pronounced broo-skeh-ttah 😉 – or cheese boards with olives and prosciutto. These will be sure to please any palate.
3) Set up a gelato cart for dessert. Guests can choose from a variety of flavors for a sweet end to the night.

These are just a few simple ways to add a touch of Italy without being too over-the-top — now, all that’s left is finding the ideal outfit…

9. Finding The Ideal Outfit

Now it’s time to find the perfect outfit for your big day! It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear – after all, what best occasion to feel really cool and amazing? Here are some great ideas to consider when picking out an ensemble:

• Go for a custom-made gown with traditional Italian details such as lace or embroidery.
• Accessorize with unique pieces like an ornate belt buckle or stylish hat.
• Include something special from family members such as jewelry passed down through generations.
• Embrace color! Don’t be afraid to add a pop of boldness by wearing bright colors like fuchsia, coral, or teal blue.

No matter what you choose, make sure it reflects both who you are as individuals and how excited you are about this momentous occasion together! After finding the perfect wedding attire, it’s time to capture those memories in photos and videos…

Brind and groom walking out of their wedding ceremony at their destination wedding in Tuscany

10. Capturing Memories In Photos And Videos

Having your destination wedding in Tuscany is like painting the most romantic picture – it would be a shame if nobody was there to capture all of the love and beauty! Here are some tips to consider about documenting your special day:

• Look sharp, but genuine! Make sure everyone looks their best with details like steaming clothes beforehand or having hair beautifully styled. But also, allow yourself and everybody else to be true to your nature, and don’t stress too much over the tiniest details that cannot possibly be under your control.
Trust your photographers! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered and we will put to work our many years of experience over countless weddings to create for you amazing, moving memories of your wedding day without you even noticing. That’s our job on the day, yours is just to live it to the fullest and have fun!
• Encourage your guests to take lots of photos and videos themselves and to capture candid moments! Maybe you could have a few Polaroid cameras available for guests to play with, or share with them a unique tag that they can use when posting pictures online!

By following these steps, you will certainly end up with plenty of precious memories of your unforgettable Tuscan experience! If you’re curious about what weddings in Tuscany look like, here and here you’ll find some of our favorite Tuscan destination weddings we recently photographed , have a look! And of course, we’ll be very happy to hear from you whenever you want to get in touch with us for chatting about your own Tuscan wedding plans!

Now, we’ve already gotten to the last of our 10 tips but there would be so much more to say, so…here’s 3 more that you might find useful!

Bridal party cheering on the bride and groom at a beautiful Tuscany destination wedding

BONUS TIPS

Managing Guests’ Accommodations

When it comes to wedding planning, managing guests’ accommodations may feel like a huge headache. After all, you want everyone to have a comfortable place to stay during the festivities! Fortunately, there are many online tools that can help make this task easier – from booking group rates at hotels in the area to finding great Airbnb options.

Additionally, don’t forget about providing directions and maps for your out-of-towners so they know exactly how to get where they need to go. It’s also worth considering setting up shuttle services or carpooling opportunities if needed – another way you could provide an extra touch of hospitality for your loved ones.

With proper planning and organization, coordinating guest accommodation doesn’t have to be a challenge! Now that you’ve got that covered, let’s move on!

Making Time For Relaxation

Planning a wedding is no easy feat, so it’s important to make time for relaxation. Taking a few moments away from the hustle and bustle of preparations can really help reduce stress levels – something that’s essential if you want your special day to be perfect!

Take an afternoon off with your partner or bridal party and explore the Tuscan countryside together. Stop at some local wineries, take in the beautiful views, have lunch at one of the charming restaurants…it will definitely be worth it!

And now our very last tip…please ready it, we feel it’s a very important thing to know in order to enjoy the best possible wedding day in Tuscany!

Be Ready For Unforeseen Issues

No matter how much planning you do, there’s always the chance of one or two hiccups. But, here’s our two cents: if you go with the flow and take things lightly, nothing can mar your perfect wedding day in Tuscany! Let’s face it, it’s not going to be perfect as in “everything to the tiniest detail went 100% as planned”, it’s going to be perfect because you, your love and your dearest family and loved ones are having the time of your lives in Tuscany! Take some time to think about what kind of problems may arise and try to plan accordingly – but do also try and face any issues with a smile! After all, whatever it is, it can’t be such a big deal, can it? 🙂

Remember, you can always trust your vendors: we normally have well in mind our contingency plans, whether it’s a backup photographer just in one of us falls sick or an alternative way of using the venue if the weather takes a turn for the worse. That way, come rain or shine, you can relax and enjoy your special day knowing that – while some tiny issues might certainly arise – it’s still going to be unique, and precious and effing amazing!

Italian countryside with a wedding venue

Conclusion

The journey of planning for a wedding in Tuscany is akin to a great adventure. The twists and turns that come along the way, though challenging at times, are what make it so unique and special. Like any grand voyage, there will be moments when you feel lost or overwhelmed but with these ten tips as your guidebook, you can plan an unforgettable ceremony surrounded by spectacular landscapes and delightful local cuisine.

Your wedding day should be remembered not merely as a perfect occasion with all its details coming together effortlessly, but also as a time to celebrate the love between two people who chose each other no matter how near or far they may have been from one another. Even after years have gone by, this special day will still bring back fond memories of joy and happiness shared among family and friends brought together in a beautiful Italian paradise.

If you’re not 100% sold on Tuscany yet, why not considering another very unique and different Italian destination such as Piedmont, we’ve written something about it in this post! Or get inspired by this wonderful wedding we photographed close to Verona – not Tuscany, but another corner of absolutely beautiful Italian countryside! Otherwise, just say hello and check our availability for your date!