Just Engaged and Dreaming of a Wedding in Tuscany? Here’s Where to Start.
You’re engaged.
The ring is still sparkling.
Your phone is probably full of screenshots of vineyards, villas, olive trees, candlelit dinners, and long Italian tables under the stars.
And somewhere between the excitement and the Pinterest boards, you find yourself thinking:
“We want a wedding in Tuscany for sure… but where do we even start?”
Take a breath. You’re not behind. You’re exactly where every destination wedding couple starts—and you don’t need to have all the answers yet.
As a destination wedding planner and celebrant living in Tuscany and Umbria, and after over a decade of guiding couples from the USA, Canada, UK, and the Philippines, let me walk you through the right first steps—calmly, clearly, and without overwhelm.
Step 1: Pause the Pinterest Spiral (Just for a Moment)
This might sound surprising, but it’s the most important advice I give newly engaged couples.
Before diving into inspiration boards, venues, and Instagram reels, pause and reconnect with why you want a wedding in Tuscany.
Ask yourselves:
Why Italy?
What do we want this experience to feel like?
Is this about a big celebration or an intimate gathering?
Do we imagine a weekend with our guests, or one special day?
Tuscany isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a way of living. Slow mornings, shared meals, meaningful conversations, and time spent together. If that resonates with you, you’re already on the right path.
Step 2: Choose Your Planner First (Yes, Before the Venue)
If there’s one thing I wish every destination wedding couple knew, it’s this:
Your wedding planner should be your very first decision.
Especially in Italy.
A local Tuscany wedding planner:
Understands Italian venues beyond what’s online
Speaks the language and knows the culture
Guides you through legal requirements and timelines
Protects you from hidden costs and unrealistic expectations
Helps you choose the right venue—not just a pretty one
Once you have a planner, everything else becomes clearer, faster, and far less stressful.
Step 3: Get Clear on Guest Count & Budget (Rough is Enough)
You don’t need a final guest list or an exact budget yet—but you do need a realistic range.
Ask yourselves:
Are we inviting 20, 50, or 100 guests?
Do we want to host everyone for a full weekend?
Are guests contributing to accommodation?
What matters more to us: venue, food, or experience?
In Tuscany, budget and guest count directly affect:
Venue options
Catering style
Rental needs
Legal vs symbolic ceremony choices
Clarity here saves months of back-and-forth later.
Step 4: Decide What Kind of Ceremony You Want
Italy offers different ceremony options, and the choice impacts planning from the very beginning.
You’ll need to decide:
Symbolic ceremony (most flexible, emotional, venue-based)
Legal civil ceremony (officially recognized, requires paperwork)
Both combined (very common with the right logistics)
This is where working with a planner who is also a celebrant makes a huge difference—you’re not just choosing logistics, you’re shaping the heart of your wedding day.
Step 5: Pick the Right Season (Not Just the Prettiest One)
Every season in Tuscany is beautiful, but not every season fits every couple.
Consider:
How much heat your guests can handle
Whether you want long summer evenings or cooler days
Budget flexibility (high vs shoulder season)
The experience you want your guests to remember
A local planner will guide you toward the months that align with your vision—not just what looks best online.
Step 6: Think in Terms of Experience, Not Just a Wedding Day
The most memorable Tuscany weddings aren’t just about the ceremony.
They’re about:
Welcome dinners
Wine tastings
Long shared tables
Slow mornings with espresso
Guests feeling part of something intimate and meaningful
When couples plan Tuscany weddings with experience in mind, everything else falls into place naturally.
Step 7: Trust the Process (and the People You Choose)
Planning a wedding from another country can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
With the right guidance, your Tuscany wedding becomes:
Calm instead of chaotic
Intentional instead of rushed
Meaningful instead of performative
You don’t need to know everything today. You just need to take the right first step.
From a Tuscany Wedding Planner Who’s Walked This Path with Hundreds of Couples
If you’ve just gotten engaged and Tuscany is calling you, know this:
You’re not late.
You’re not behind.
And you’re absolutely allowed to dream big.
The best weddings start with clarity, trust, and thoughtful guidance.
If you’re ready to begin planning your Tuscany wedding with calm, expertise, and heart, I’d love to walk this journey with you.