IF YOU GET AN INVITATION TO AN ITALIAN WEDDING, don’t waffle about how you’re going to pay for airfare or take time off work. Go for a once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable event. Prepare yourself for an extravaganza of delicious food and dancing until the wee hours.
It’ll be a rare invitation. These days Italians say it’s not practical to get married, so most are shacking up together for years, and the statistics for Italian marriages are at a historic low. Along with that, there’s the trend of “mammoni” or mamma’s boys, that is, men living at home and having their mothers cook for them and do their laundry until they’re well into their thirties.
Still, if you’re in Italy, especially in June (thanks to Juno, Goddess of Marriage), you’ll run into Italian weddings in churches. I spent a week in Palermo one June where almost every church I peeked into had a marriage ceremony going on, with wonderful music and stunning get-ups from the bride on down. You’ll never see a real Italian wedding on a Tuesday or Friday, as that’s considered not a good day to begin any venture. Which is why when I visited Ravello’s Villa Cimbrone on a Friday, the wedding party posing for pictures were Americans from Massachusetts.
Speaking of which, you may be considering getting married in Italy. It’s naturally a great place for a wedding, completely romantic, with locations from castles to vineyards to cliffs overlooking the sea that can satisfy every bride-to-be’s fantasy.
A major advantage to getting married in Italy is that you can cut your guest list down to a core group of dearest family and friends, who’ll be thrilled to be in on the adventure. Plus, what better place is there for a jumping off point for a honeymoon?
As far as the nitty-gritty, it’s better to have a symbolic wedding in Italy rather than an official one, as the paperwork to make things official is complex and time consuming. To help get things set up, here are some companies that specialize in Italian weddings:
Since 1994, this award-winning company has been giving travelers “live like a local” experiences by arranging customized villa vacations up and down the boot. Their Tuscany villa offerings, perfect for weddings, range from charming centuries-old country homes to luxurious hilltop estates, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. A popular option is Villa Laura, the property that was featured in the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, that’s located within walking distance from Cortona. All details for the big event are meticulously handled, and they can also make arrangements for day trips to further enjoy the area, such as an excursion to a thermal spa.
Along with beautiful villas in Tuscany, the Doorways wedding collection also includes Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, Umbria, and the Veneto.
Intimate country weddings in Tuscan and Umbrian agriturismos, are Italy 4 Real’s specialty. The company’s philosophy is for clients to fully experience the environment they’re in, so they bring in local expert chefs and musicians and it’s all very traditional. Brides and grooms are whisked off to nearby picturesque hill towns such as San Gimignano or Assisi for photo shoots.
The company also offers custom-designed honeymoons, believing “it’s the most important trip a couple will take.” They meet with the bride and groom and really get to know their traveling styles, working within any budget to ensure it’s a vacation that perfectly suits their desires.
Based in the spectacular Amalfi Coast, this boutique food and travel agency creates customized weddings, in collaboration with local talents—from expert Neapolitan tailors for grooms’ suits to the very best winemakers and chefs in the area.
RECOMMENDED READING
Italy, a Love Story edited by Camille Cusumano
In Love in Italy by Monica Larner