Why is Italy the ultimate destination for luxury weddings?

In the enchanting embrace of Italy, where every corner whispers tales of romance and history, a captivating trend has taken root among India’s elite—they transform ordinary weddings into unforgettable Italian celebrations, thereby turning the spotlight on the country as a premier wedding destination.

Destination weddings in Italy gained widespread attention first with the intimate nuptials of Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli in Tuscany, followed by Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s at Lake Como. The details of both were closely guarded, but each was known for its picturesque setting, lavish celebrations, and a blend of traditional and contemporary elements.

Lake Como was an unsurprising choice, given that historic properties like the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni are nestled along the shores. These opulent retreats offer breathtaking views of the lake and the majestic Alps, painting the picture-perfect backdrop for a fairytale celebration.

Tuscan Towns
Italy had already established itself as a sought-after destination for big fat Indian weddings long before these celebrity nuptials. In 2010, Tanvi Jindal and Krishna Shete chose Florence, Tuscany, as the backdrop for their festivities. The celebration was marked by grandeur and opulence, featuring the charming Tuscan landscape and historic venues. The couple embraced the romantic and cultural allure of Italy, creating a memorable experience for themselves and their guests.

The beauty of Tuscany lies in the romantic venues scattered across the region. The quaint, exclusive spa town of Montecatini Terme, for instance, is home to the Villa Alfresco, with its statued walkways cloistered with wisteria trees and perfumed by the scent of lush yellow lemons. The villa is located on a steep hillside among a gallery of cyprus trees and ancient woodlands, making it all about privacy and exclusivity.

Venetian Wonders
In 2011, Vinita Agarwal (UK-based billionaire Pramod Agarwal’s daughter) and Muqit Teja tied the knot in Venice, where half of Bollywood was flown out to perform along with pop star Shakira, and Italian theatre director Franco Dragone (of Cirque du Soleil fame) curated the entire show.

In Venice, one of the most iconic venues remains the Cipriani, with its connection to the most famous Italian lover of all time—Cassanova—and its romantic setting overlooking the Piazza San Marco. Upping the romance quotient further are the various potential venues around the property, each watched over by sentinel angels and saints from their lofty positions above the porticos of the surrounding churches.

FREE IN FLORENCE
According to India’s most celebrated Italian restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, “Italy’s popularity as a wedding destination among Indians stems from their strong connection and familiarity with Italian culture.” This is naturally a major factor in our comfort with the country, but the added bonus of privacy and exclusivity, the key appeal to the cognoscenti, goes a long way, too.

Privacy was the driving force for Rani Mukerji and Aditya Chopra, who wed in Florence in 2014. Here, the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze is the epitome of luxury, hidden away behind an unassuming façade in a 15th-century palazzo, behind a walled garden that consumes an entire block in this space-starved city. Once you enter the property, you are truly hidden from the rest of the world. So it’s no surprise that venues like this offer the privacy and luxury that celebrities crave.

Something for all
For couples seeking a more secluded atmosphere, Italy’s diverse regions offer exclusive venues, like Puglia. With its rustic charm, this town provided a private yet charming backdrop for Ritika Agarwal and Rohan Mehta’s celebration, showcasing Italy’s versatility.

Italy truly seems to have it all, for those looking for luxurious venues that scream old money to the more rustic villas offering more seclusion and intimacy. The wedding venues that truly epitomised luxe were Rani, Anushka and Isha Ambani’s, each of which contributed significantly to Italy’s image as a destination synonymous with sophistication and extravagance. These weddings were not just ceremonies; they were cultural experiences. The infusion of history and artistic richness added a unique flavour to these grand celebrations.

Italy’s standing as a global travel destination has undoubtedly played a role in adding to its new tag. Making the Italian choice adds an element of aspiration and novelty to one’s nuptials, creating an unforgettable experience not just for the couple but also for the guests who get to witness the magic of an Italian celebration.

This article originally appeared in Brides Today print, Volume 6 Number 1 issue. 

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