What to wear to a destination wedding in Italy

Men have it easy when it comes to what to wear to a wedding!

It is January and I have just received the first wedding invitation of 2011 to a friend’s wedding. I was delighted to see they stipulated the dress code (white tie) and it made me think, what will I wear! You would think when it comes to the question of  what to wear to a wedding I would not have to even think about it, but unlike my staple wardrobe of dresses and outfits for work, when I am climbing up ladders and carrying massive vases of flowers, not to mention the running through the streets of Siena in 40 degrees heat, this time I am a guest and I need to find a full length evening gown!

I think because I think it is so important that guests also look fab, I put a lot of pressure on myself. There is a need for extra effort to be put in so that my friend knows it was an honour to have been invited to her very special day and as a mark of respect I will dress up and look glam for the occasion!

It has made me think about the guests who will be receiving their invitations in the post in the near future for a destination wedding in Italy. How to make it easier for them to decide what to wear? What should they take in to consideration? Below is some ideas that will hopefully help your guests get ready for your destination wedding in Italy!

Nothing is more garish at a country wedding than edgy couture. Stick to pastel tea-length or eyelet dresses and peep-toe flats so you don’t get you Louboutin heels stuck in the cobbles in the sleepy Tuscan village!

Designer: Carolina Herrera

The long, print maxi dress was made for hot destination weddings and prints are back for 2011. Since you've spent your savings on a ticket, skip the shoe splurge and slip into metallic gladiator sandals. The 5'4" groomsman will thank you.

Designer: JS Collections Print Chiffon Gown 

This season is full of colour and in the chic cities of Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice, make a statement with a splash of colour!

Designer: Versace

Jemma Kidd and Arthur Wellesley at Prince Nikolaos wedding

Remind your guests if you are having a Catholic Church wedding in Italy, to bring something to cover their shoulders. On a practical note a shawl will also keep the sun off delicate pale skin and as the sun goes down keep the evening chill away!

Wedding in Positano
Walking back down the hill from the town hall of Positano located at the top of the town... resulting in rushing in to shoe shops on the way down to buy flip flops!



Wearing closed shoes in the summer time in Italy is a definite no no! It is just too hot!  With the amount of walking I do on the day of a wedding  a pair of flip flops or elegant sandals to slip on is a must. Let your guests know if the streets are cobbled or if there is any walking involved on the day of your wedding so they are forewarned and can decided on the correct foot wear.

Favourite stilettos or torture device...

Ever leave a bar or a club after a night of dancing and festivities in your favourite stilettos only to find your feet feel as if they've been smashed bruised and as if you have been walking on fire?
Rollasole have created a ballet slipper that roles up for keep in your purse. As soon as you feel the twinge of pain you can slip these babies on and dance the night away.

Flipflops have been for years the perfect nix-the-heels dancing shoe for a summer wedding. But these perfect closed toe, comfy, and oh-so-cute ballerina pumps which roll up to almost nothing seem to be perfect for a destination wedding when space in your luggage is everything! . A perfect little thank you gift for your female guests!

Rollasoles are pretty little ballet shoes that come in a variety of colours to match your outfit. They come in this little black box and have a handy  bag inside for you to slip your stilettos in to. You can buy them online, with prices starting from £6 at www.rollasole.com.

THE DESTINATION GUEST

Information packs for your wedding in Italy

Your wedding guests are the most important people in your life. They will be there to witness one of the most memorable moments of your lives and celebrate with you afterward. For couples celebrating their marriage in Italy and have invite guests from all over the globe will have “Destination Guests”. It is not a common term, but that is precisely what they are. Why not make the experience even more exceptional for those that travel the distance to be part of your special day?

Welcome cocktail party in the heart of Florence

There are many unique touches that let your guests know how much they mean to you. Prior to your wedding, it might be a good idea to create a wedding website that they can go to for specific information about what to expect:

1. Give as much detail as you can to minimize the amount of research they need to do to plan their trip.
2. List a few guest hotels in different price ranges so they can choose which one will be the best fit. Remember you will be paying for their transport back to this hotel on the day so keep it close to your venue.
3.  List local airports, shuttle services and rental cars.
4. Add a downloadable map on the site so they can visually see where they need to go prior to their arrival.
5. Invite them to other events (wine tasting, pizza party or a vespa tour!) let them know if there is any expence involved so they can decide if they want to take part.

Tell your guests about your website on an enclosure card that is sent with your invitation. They will be sure to visit it when they know most of the work has been done for them.

Welcome bag full of goodies!

Welcome bags are a pleasant greeting for weary travelers.

Make sure your guests tell you where they are staying so you can drop the bags off at the front desk to be delivered prior to their arrival (along with tip money) and they will be delighted to know that you thought of them. If you plan on a welcome event, you can give them out there instead. Fun things to include would be area guides that show places they can go and things they can do, a wedding celebration itinerary, bottled water, local foods, sun block, flip flops, fresh fruit, chapstick or any other item that reflects your destination or theme.

Another thoughtful idea is to have an on-site babysitting service available for guests that traveled with their family. That way, the adults can enjoy your wedding and the children will have fun too!

http://www.chattybrides.com/index.cfm?postID=1587

Flip flops

What a great way for you to treat your guests to a little TLC at your reception. More and more brides are supplying a basket or two of flip flops for their guests to kick off their heels and head to the dance floor.

A basket of pashminas to snuggle up in as the sun goes down.

Recently we have been placing these on the backs of guests chairs, but I love the help yourself basket!

 Be certain to make personal contact with each guest that traveled to your wedding at the reception or even welcome them as a group prior to the toasts. Mention your gratitude for their travels in their Thank You note as well. Your Destination Guests will always remember the care and attention you gave them long after your wedding.