Help! Italy wedding venue

[DWBride615]

I've noticed there aren't a lot of posts concerning Italian weddings, so I'd thought I would post my questions, etc. here for starters.

 

We have almost everything outlined as far as what we want in our wedding, like theme/colors, even smaller details as ideas for centerpieces, invitationa, etc. (many thanks to all your posts, btw). However, there is one or two major aspects that I have a hard time on deciding: ceremony and reception venues. My original decision was for it to be held at the Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano, however I would like a back up in case that doesn't follow through(as I've heard it costs 50,000 for a day rental. OUCH).

 

I'm looking for a wedding in Rome or at least very nearby as the guests (plus bride and groom will be staying in Rome. We're not looking for a cathedral or a religious wedding. It doesn't have to be a castle or anything, just somewhere modern (even a luxury hotel) for a luxurious wedding. We would like the ceremony to be indoors preferably. The reception venue is where help is also needed. We would preferably like the reception to be within or near the same the building the ceremony is held. We would prefer a semi outdoor reception(perhaps a terrace but not necessary) with a great view. One major thing we have is that near the end of the reception there will be a fireworks display, so a great view (and approval from venue owners) is a big part of this.

Oh, and I know guest volume plays a big part also and although we don't have the exact estimate yet, I'd say somewhere below 100, but 80-100 just to be safe. If it's the perfect place that we can't give up, then I'm sure we can cut the guest list down to 30-60, as a lot are just extended family, etc. (not a guarantee show to a DW, but invited out of respect).

 

The reason we haven't gotten a wedding planner yet is because we've heard that some venues offer those as part of wedding packages, so we're waiting on hiring one until after we decide on the venue, just in case one might come with the venue choice.

 

So, any ideas? Any and all suggestions would be helpful and greatly appreciated!

 

Thanks in advance,

Chelsea and Eric

[DWBride615]

Nevermind, FI and I are planning a short trip to the city for a venue and wedding planner search.

 

However, any and all suggestions would still be very much appreciated. Thanks! =]

[nathanielthompsonphoto]

How exciting to be getting married in Italy! I've shot weddings in Italy a couple of times. The first was in Positano on the Amalfi Coast and the 2nd was in Rome at the Hassler Hotel where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and their guests stayed for their wedding at the Odescalchi Castle - I'm not sure if the Hassler has a space large enough for a 100 guest wedding, but it might be worth looking into as it is in a great view of Rome at the top of the spanish steps. I could also pass on the coordinator's info if you're interested. Here is a link to the Rome wedding:

 

Nathaniel Thompson's Photography Blog: wedding in rome, italy - melissa and jorge

 

And to the Positano photos:

 

Nathaniel Thompson's Photography Blog: regina and cory's wedding -the amalfi coast, italy

 

 

[lsjhik]

Italy sounds amazing!

[Canadiansandy]

Woooow...those photos are amazing! Wish I was getting married in Italy Chelsea - good luck with your search! Be sure to update us here on the forum after your visit!

[ItalyLove]

Hi Chelsea

 

Can you give us an update on what you have learned? I am just starting the planning process for Italy for 2013 and this is a little scary!! I have spoken with wedding planners and i tihnk i will take that route, but i am not finding a lot of reviews on the companies i have been evaluating which is making me nervous.... any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

[jlewis304]

Hi Italian brides to be! 

Today is our five year wedding anniversary and we were just talking about our unforgettable experience in Italy and I wanted to share it with others in the States who may be looking for a hassle-free wedding and beautiful locale in Italy. 

 

We had our worries about planning a wedding long distance but we wanted something affordable and memorable close to Venice. I contacted some wedding planning services but the price tags were $10,000+. Thankfully, we found Villa Luppis through military family stationed nearby at Aviano Air Force Base. 

 

From the start, the Villa Luppis staff communicated color, food, cake, seating, and music options via email and mail. They speak fluent English. We had nearly 50 guests fly from the States and stay at the Villa.  Everyone was floored by the fairytale setting- Napoleon Bonaparte's summer home- and beautiful grounds and fountains.  It's picture perfect. We felt like royalty and so did our guests.  We had a 7 course meal (yes 7!) and it was the highest quality cuisine- think Top Chef- from stuffed conch shells to truffle pasta.  Servers served the wine and food- which in the US is unheard of unless you pay top dollar.  Our wedding was a fraction of the price it would have been in the States.  Food and wine doesn't carry the price tag in Italy as it does in the States and we were out of the door under $5,000.  I can't say enough good things and I just wish I could get the word out to others in the States looking for a hassle-free, unforgettable wedding.

 

You can search for their website and contact them- it is definitely an option worth considering.

Best wishes!

[camelina65]

@ItalyLove--a planner is THE way to go.  The Italians have very complicated requirements for getting married legally in their country, which the planners will know all about.  I'm getting married in Florence in a 35 days (EEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!) and planning has been an absolute breeze!  We're doing an AHR at home too and the wedding in Italy is a joy to plan in comparison.  Anyway, I'm using Original Tuscan Wedding (http://www.originaltuscanwedding.com/index.php?pag=latestweddings) and they're amazing--two women, one British and one American with great taste.  If you have any questions, just ask!