Every time we speak to our wedding clients there is always this desire to have everything outside, the ceremony, the reception everything which is a great idea and of course an Italian wedding in the open air is lovely.... but with everything in life there are also many negatives to think about. of course my role is to not put a dampner on things but to help couples so that you are aware and can think about things. So here are my top 20 tips if you are intent on having a Summer wedding.1. In June, July and August and perhaps the very first week in September, avoid like the plague a morning, late morning or lunchtime wedding. I recommend an early evening ceremony, starting at about 1700 hours or later if you can wait that long. I know you wish to take advantage of the day and I suppose 1600 will not hurt but the later the better. Be aware that Summer time in Italy is busy. People are out and about, on the beaches, on the roads, enjoying the sun. Do not think that just because you are there, there will be no crowds. When planning your wedding do not forget the heat and the crowds.
2. Months like October, may and April, a lunchtime wedding is perfect. Ideal in places like the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia, Basilicata or Calabria.
3. Add a little character to the summer ... why not organise fans for the ladies or fancy umbrellas? Why not have small water spritzers on the chairs during the ceremony, sunglasses could be a theme...... you will need them! Or what about a Summer Goodie bag?
4. If the wedding is being held in a private venue, villa, hotel or terrace, why not have cooling refreshments to offer your guests....Rossini or Mimosa or why not offer them Lemon Granita served as they arrive or Sorbets or what about Ice Creams, those mouth watering thirst quenching ones, that would make your wedding truly different.
5. Your mantra for your Italian summer wedding is ....I must drink water...I must drink water. This is really important. Do not forget to hydrate yourself and drink lots of water.
6. Keep a good stock of tissues or damp moisturiser style tissues. Easy to fit into your bridal bag or you vould just take advantage of your bridesmaids. Grooms also have access to pockets, think about this when choosing your suit. You may also want to have a few tissues to wipe off those beads of perspiration.
7. Bring some gum with you to keep your mouth moist so that you do not clam up when it comes to saying I DO.
8. Try to keep the ceremony and reception destinations together or as close to each other as possible. Try not to have your guests sitting on coaches or in cars for hours. Make sure that your guests do not have to rely on public transport to get to your wedding and ensure that you can at least walk from the ceremony to the reception if at all possible, it just makes everything so much easier.
9. Some locations are only accessible on foot so comfortable shoes or a change of shoes is a must. This not only applies to your guests but should also apply to the bride. Many a bride have ended up bare foot and Yes... I was one of those brides!
10. With some church weddings, there is a dress code. Shoulders, arms and knees must be covered and this applies to the bride and also to guests. Some priests are extremely strict about this.
11. May brides especially Italian brides choose to have their hair down, loose and flowing....You may want to reconsider. Why? Once everyone has hugged and grabbed you, you will find your hair flopping and looking messy. Try a bun and unless you want to be slightly ironic forget ringlets and do not force your bridesmaids into having them either!
12. Make sure that when you are having your hair done that you get the hair appointment as late as possible. So if your wedding is at 1700 hours, there is no point having it done at 1100 in the morning. Also make sure that any deep conditioning treatments take place at least 3 to 4 months before your wedding and that you have a hair trial in Italy before the big day. Same rules apply to Makeup.
13. Do NOT have a drastic hair colour change or hair cut just before your wedding. It looked good in the magazines but it may not be the look for you and you really do not want to chance it.
14. Hats? Tiaras? Veils? Flowers for your hair? You have many choices but it should all be subject to the dress you will be wearing. For those of you who have that lovely dress which exposes a little too much, a veil would be great as you can get things covered.
15. Keep those eyes white and sparkly as they can end up looking really sore and blood shot, not great for your wedding photos. Here are some general hints… Drink Water: when a person is dehydrated this reflects in their eyes first. It leads to puffiness. So drink lots of water to keep your eyes healthy. Make sure that your diet includes Vitamin A, C and E - Green veggies, tomatoes, spinach, carrot and cucumber are real good for your eyes. Wash your face: Make it a habit to wash your face with running water by closing your eyes; it gives a refreshing feeling to your eyes. Exercise your eyes: Exercise for your eyes is important; blinking your eyes is one important exercise. Rest. Take a short nap. OR JUST USE SOME REALLY GOOD EYE DROPS!!!! Only for the day and you can keep a small bottle in your bag.
16. Practise walking in the shoes you are planning to wear on your wedding day. Especially if you are getting married in a little European village, otherwise you may find you’ll resort to being bare foot on your wedding day. Wear your shoes while you do housework, you can wrap them in cling film to avoid damage. Besides, you do realise very few people will actually see your shoes (yeah sorry about that) but they will notice how you are walking and whether you are still dancing at the end of the night. Though you would be quite entitled to kick off your shoes by the end of the night.
17. Consider having handy, a pair of comfortable shoes, This way, if you want to walk around a city, up a steep hill or dance the night away at the reception, you have the option to do so in comfort and without risking falling over!
18. Do not fake tan. If you are pale and you fake tan, your skin tone will be uneven, you will get blotchy, wrinkly and it will not look good. It may seem a good idea to have a nice tan on your wedding day, but using fake tan leaves your skin looking streaky and orange, even when applied by a professional. Not to mention the risk you run of having your fake tan rub-off and stain your beautiful white wedding gown… If you can’t resist use sun beds a week before and make it just a blush. Italian girls really tend to over tan themselves and end up looking a little leathery in pictures. But I repeat, stay away from fake tan. The paler you are, the more yellow you will become. Your hands will look like you smoke funny stuff in pipes and your feet will always look dirty. However if you are already quite dark and want to add a little gold, Dior shimmering self tan on dark skins.
19. Do not get sun burnt before your wedding (especially bikini straps if you are wearing a strapless dress). You will be uncomfortable and not look good.
20. .... Now just have a good time and Enjoy.
