First things first, congratulations!
The question’s been asked, the prosecco’s been popped—and you’ve delivered the happy news of your nuptials to your nearest and dearest.
Eric Veroliemeulen, general manager of contemporary yet cultural Villa Medicea di Lilliano, Wine Estate, shares his secrets on how to organize the best destination wedding ever.
1 / Set your budget.
Knowing how much you can spend saves disappointment later on. Start a spreadsheet and work out your allowance for every last detail, then add contingency. Think about catering, flowers, entertainment, light design, wedding planner costs, the cake, the location, outfits, giveaways, children’s activities, photos and videos (even a drone!), hair and make-up. At Villa Medicea di Lilliano we decided to publish the prices for venue hire on our website to help the future Mr and Mrs at the budgeting stage.
2 / Secure your location a year in advance.
You want the Tuscan dream? Well, so does everyone else. There are countless villas and castles offered as wedding locations. The very best, with dynamic, young professional staff, get booked up way in advance. So, do your research and book early. Think about things like the range of settings: a garden with shade for the ceremony, a terrace with breath-taking views for a drinks reception, indoor space if it happens to rain! The best weddings are like a crescendo, building up the flow from quiet to crazy as the day goes on.
3 / Think about hiring a wedding planner.
Many people underestimate a wedding planner, but a good one is worth every cent. A consummate planner will take away your stress, allowing you to truly enjoy the day. A wedding planner is also a designer: listening and understanding to you as a couple and expressing your personality at every stage in the proceedings.
4 / Choose a professional well-known catering service.
Believe me, it’s worth the expense for the quality. An experienced caterer will bring everything from food (of course!) to furniture, plates, cutlery, glassware and a mobile kitchen. Packages start from 120 euro for a nice menu. Professional caterers will also deliver on what you initially agreed and will even advise on standout wedding features, such as the cake, Champagne and wine. Plus, they know how to cater to cultural customs and dietary requirements. At Villa Medicea di Lilliano we’ve hosted Indian, Catholic, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim weddings, all successful thanks to our top-notch caterers.
5 / Light and entertainment can make or break your evening.
The music and the lighting should match the emotions of the moment, from a string quartet or gospel singers during the ceremony to a jazz band during drinks and a DJ to finish the evening, which is when you and your guests can finally let your hair down. The best suppliers provide light, entertainment and technical assistance—they know the venue’s spaces like nobody else.
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A few more TIPS
Create a hashtag for your wedding—and write it on the place cards / Opt for a very Tuscan giveaway, like a bottle of the estate’s own olive oil / Consider having the ceremony later at 5pm due to the heat / Make it last longer: destination weddings mean you and your guests can laze by the pool, relax at a rehearsal dinner the night before and a brunch the day after / Organize entertainment for the kids, i.e. let them be part of the day but get them out of the way / Travel with your dress in hand luggage—or have your suit made here in Italy
Book your wedding at Villa Medicea di Lilliano, Wine Estate today!
