Saying ‘I do’ under the Tuscan sun
Philippine weddings are usually a hometown affair, and if there are destination weddings, they are mostly in the top island resorts of the country—Boracay, Palawan, Baguio, and Cebu. Culturally, we go big or go home when it comes to such milestones.
We’re big on weddings and our weddings are big. However, many parts of our lives have distinctly changed since 2020, and we now categorize our lifestyles as pre- and postpandemic. As such, the wedding industry has seen a shift toward outdoor and destination weddings.
A lot of couples are now opting to host their nuptials somewhere far and alluring. Bali has been a top choice due to its proximity, but Italy’s old world charm has been attracting many Asian couples from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia.
When I was editing the wedding section of a magazine this past summer, we received five wedding feature requests that month—all held in Italy, with Tuscany in the lead. What makes Italy so enchanting? In a recent trip to Europe I had with Teddy Manuel, a globally renowned wedding designer and a dear friend, we got the chance to revisit Italy and personally experience Tuscany’s charm.
We stayed at Como Castello Del Nero and discovered why everyone wants an Italian wedding, pronto. My first brush with Tuscany was reading Frances Maye’s bestseller, “Under the Tuscan Sun.” It was my introduction to la dolce vita and dolce far niente (meaning, pleasant relaxation in carefree idleness, according to Merriam-Webster) as well as its contradictions, but all engulfed in that warm and beautiful glow of Tuscany’s light as seen from an American viewpoint. Somehow, the light in Tuscany just made everything better.
Old-world atmosphere
Tuscany’s rich cultural and artistic heritage is beautifully portrayed and preserved through its churches, palaces, art galleries, museums, villages, and piazzas. Although most of these sites are in Pisa, Florence, and Siena, charming villages abound in the region’s soulful rolling hills, lush vineyards, olive groves, rows of vivid wildflowers, marvelous cypress trees.
The old world atmosphere offers a respite and awakens our traditional ideals. The postcard-perfect scenery takes us back to the romance of the past and makes us pause from the frenzy and bright lights of Asia. While we all love a rustic look, we still need our creature comforts especially when accommodating guests, and event estates like Como Castello Del Nero deliver in spades. The vast 740-acre estate has a restored chapel and 10 spaces that can host anywhere from 14 to 120 guests among its suites, olive groves, and vineyards.
It’s no surprise why, either. According to wedding planner Teena Barretto, who has planned several destination weddings of Filipinos all over Europe this year, “Italy is a sweet spot for Filipinos who want to get married overseas. The setting is so beautiful, the food is wonderful, and the pricing is not as expensive as you’d think.”
Tuscany is an ideal destination for a lot of couples. Wedding venues are a 30-minute drive from the airport and offer a wealth of activities for travelers to do. Not to mention how the region is used to being a vessel for romance and it’s far away enough from Asia to offer something fresh and different from our typical environments.
The modern interiors of Como are refreshing. Its 50 rooms can accommodate 117 guests. There are three world-class restaurants led by chef Giovanni Luca Di Pirro, who has been awarded one Michelin star for 10 consecutive years for one of his restaurants there. Sourcing only the best local and seasonal ingredients, the chefs at Como have tailored menus for wedding parties. The estate will handle room and board and one gets to enjoy an extended vacation with loved ones. Aside from relaxed activities nature offers, there is horseback riding, wine tasting, and hot air balloon rides.
Proper foundation
Hosting a wedding that is 16 hours away will rightly have people worried, but according to Amanda Tirol, another global planner who did the weddings of Jess Wilson in Austria and Martine Cajucom in Bali, it all starts early with a proper foundation and a solid plan. Once you have a chosen date and season and a set budget, it is not as complicated as it seems.
Luckily, with the growing momentum of destination weddings for Filipino couples, plenty of Filipino suppliers now have a wealth of experience in organizing weddings abroad, especially in Italy, due to its popularity.
While one can always hire suppliers locally, there’s a shared cultural understanding that makes working with Filipino suppliers easier. They understand our quirks, needs, and how Filipino families operate. The minutiae of legal requirements, logistics, and local resources in the industry have also been researched. The overall cost compared to having a wedding in a five-star hotel in the Philippines is not a substantial departure. It is key to be thorough with one’s choice of suppliers. Weddings are a one-shot deal. Anything that fails on the day will not get a do-over, so it is really worthwhile to invest in the people one believes in.
Hosting a destination wedding will definitely take you far from home, but the allure of travel makes it an easy draw and tempting getaway. Aside from the thrill of getting swept up in the romance of a wedding, celebrating it in a different country with the cypress trees and the bride and groom and their families makes it a more experientially intimate affair.
Factors to consider
Here are the key factors to consider, according to the Philippines’ top wedding industry personalities:
Teena Barretto, global event planner based in Manila and Los Angeles; Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Ace Awards 2019 in Dubai; DWP Powerlist for 2021, 2022, 2023:
Italy has specific paperwork for foreign couples, which may involve documents like birth certificates, passports, and Nulla osta (a certificate of no impediment). These all require Italian translation and apostille certification.
Religious ceremonies: Catholic ceremonies require additional steps, like Pre-Cana classes, as well as documentation approved by your local parish and the Italian diocese.
Popular regions: Italy offers a variety of stunning locations, from the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany to Lake Como, and Venice.
Italian wedding venues range widely in price. Historic villas, castles, and luxury hotels can be pricey, especially in high-demand locations.
Consider if the venue provides accommodations or if one needs nearby options for guests, as well as accessibility, especially if in a more remote or countryside location. Book hotel blocks or provide recommendations near your venue. Also, consider transportation between the accommodation and wedding site, especially if in a rural area.
Gideon Hermosa, international floral and events designer who has made the cut in DWP 100 Powerlist for 2022, 2023, 2024:
When planning a wedding in Italy, timing is everything, especially with the weather/season. There are resorts, villas, venues that close for winter. The day of the week also makes a huge difference.
Peak season: Summer (June to August) is popular, but venues and vendors are booked early and prices are higher. Spring and early autumn offer good weather and lower costs. Italy can be very hot in summer, especially in the southern regions, so have a backup plan for heat or rain if planning an outdoor wedding.
Weekends are more expensive. The price differential between weekends and weekdays is substantial. It is always a good idea to consult someone who knows the area well to help you pick the perfect date which also helps with budgeting and comfort. The key is to maximize your euros.
Maximize your trip. Italy’s location in Europe makes it easy to extend your stay or travel to neighboring countries. Take this time to explore other regions and countries to truly have an amazing destination wedding experience.
Amanda Tirol, destination wedding planner who has done weddings in Indonesia, Italy, France, Vietnam, Australia:
There’s something enchanting about Italian villas and Roman cathedrals that draw Filipino couples in, as if they’re stepping into their very own cinematic romance. Picture a lush vineyard in Tuscany or the timeless elegance of a Venetian canal as the backdrop to your vows. Italy’s landscape practically begs for a grand celebration, and Filipinos are answering the call with flair.
No matter where you choose to get married, make sure your wedding reflects who you are as a couple. Incorporate personal touches, meaningful traditions, and elements that represent your journey together. From cultural influences to favorite details, let your celebration tell your unique story in a way that feels truly authentic to you.
Embrace Italian customs, like including an aperitivo (cocktail hour) and long dinners. Understanding local customs can enhance the experience for guests.
