Photo (above): Wedding planning & styling: Art'Anna Weddings & Events - Photo credits: Daniel & Valentina Photography
Getting married in Tuscany
Tuscany is located in central Italy and borders the vibrant blue Tyrrhenian Sea with its beautifully rugged coastline. The region offers much more than its renowned wines... Think of Le Crete Senesi with its steep rock formations, the countryside with its horse farms, and several large, historic cities. Florence is the heartbeat of the region and has served as a muse for many artists. Consider the dreamy paintings of Botticelli, the poetic writings of Dante Alighieri, and the magnificent sculptures of Da Vinci. Without a doubt, you will find the dream location for your fairytale wedding!
How to get there?
You can reach the North Italian cities of Turin and Milan in no time with the TGV from Paris. From Belgium, you can fly to Peretola, Florence's international airport, in about two hours. On the same line, Pisa hosts Tuscany's second airport, offering good train connections throughout the region. Bear in mind that southern Tuscany is more accessible via Rome's airport. Or consider the cosy option of driving your own car? The region is approximately 1500 km from Belgium.
Where to celebrate and stay?
Opt for a charming Castello (for example, Castello di Meleto, Castello di Spaltenna), an atmospheric Borgo (for instance, Borgo San Felice, Borgo Scopeto), or a Villa, Agriturismo or Tenuta (such as Ferranesi, Tenuta di Sticciano, Tenuta Croce di Bibbiano). Wherever you choose to wed, each region offers its unique charm. Stay close to a city and marry in a palazzo with magnificent high ceilings. Or choose the countryside and wed peacefully atop a hill, with endless views...
What to eat?
Mention Italy, and one automatically thinks of delicious homemade pizzas and pastas. A cosy barbecue with live cooking is also very popular there. Tuscany is the region to enjoy unique local meat products. Think mixed grill, Bistecca Fiorentina, and mixed platters of charcuterie. Indulge in a lavish antipasto buffet of mozzarella and pesto, cooked vegetables, olives, and all kinds of bruschette. Each region has its own specialties, like deliciously baked fish or locally picked truffles.
Italians enjoy extensive dining. An ideal wedding dinner includes multiple starters, main courses, a dessert, and sometimes even an additional dessert buffet. Dining with family and friends reflects the epitome of Italian hospitality. Couples can even sample several dishes months before the wedding celebration. They also discuss table settings and the traditional extensive lunch for the day after the wedding. And last but not least, Tuscany is also renowned for its excellent wines like Chianti and Montepulciano. A celebration in itself!
Practical Tips & Tricks
Where do you want to get married?
Tuscany is about the same size as Belgium, offering a region with a wide variety of landscapes, views, and local customs. Decide in advance what type of wedding you envision. Do you want to celebrate near a historic city, the magnificent coast, or would you prefer the rustic countryside? Keep in mind that this choice will also influence your wedding photos. Do you prefer photos with views of the typical vineyards or a stunning sunset in the mountains? Decide in advance how your dream wedding will look.
What activities can you do there?
Activities depend on the region, season, and accompanying guests. You can choose a delightful wine tasting among the vineyards, a real cooking class near the agriturismo, a beautiful tour with authentic Vespas inland, or a rustic boat trip along the coast.
What about the administration?
Bear in mind that the average Italian speaks little or no English. A wedding planner and local translator-interpreter are not a luxury in this case and can assist with drafting contracts, finding suppliers, and—crucially—understanding the local culture. Additionally, it is legally determined that wedding celebrations have a closing time. This closing time can vary from midnight to 4am, for example. Therefore, it is important to be well-informed in advance to avoid unexpected surprises.
A different perception of time
Travellers to Italy sometimes feel that the perception of time is different. This is partly due to the warm weather, the southern atmosphere, and the landscape itself. For instance, it might take longer than expected to drive from A to B via winding roads.
Read more about this topic via these links...
- Destination weddings: Provence
- Discover this new top location for your wedding or honeymoon
- The most romantic city trips in Europe
This article was partly made possible by Art'Anna Weddings & Events.
