Planning A Sicilian Wedding: A Dream Come True

Planning a wedding in Sicily is a beautiful, unforgettable and probably a bit stressful journey. Fortunately, Sicily is one of the most beautiful lands in the world, with great culinary traditions and some of the best wines. It also has a wonderful climate practically all year round and extremely competitive rates, both in Italy and across Europe. If you're planning a wedding in Sicily, it's a good idea to plan everything a year in advance and take a few days to do on-site inspections. You can also take advantage of the breathtaking locations: ancient villas, Norman castles, Baroque palaces, beaches, and islands with fiery sunsets.

Planning activities for guests

Planning a wedding in Sicily can be a stressful experience, but the beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food will make it all worthwhile.

When it comes to planning activities for your guests, it's important to consider the time of year. The peak wedding season in Sicily is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, so outdoor activities are a must. However, this is also the busiest time for tourism, so you may want to consider a shoulder-season wedding to avoid the crowds.

• A visit to the local markets, followed by a cooking class with freshly purchased products. This is a great way to discover the massive Sicilian culinary tradition.
• Horseback riding in the vineyards or quad rides on the slopes of the volcano for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.
• A special tasting in a castle overlooking the sea, combining stunning views with delicious local food and wine.
• A day on a sailing boat to discover the smaller islands, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing.
• A themed pre-party to get everyone in the Sicilian mood and culture, such as a traditional Sicilian dinner or a Sicilian wine-tasting event.

Remember to plan everything in advance and take a few days to do on-site inspections. It's also a good idea to avoid the months of July and August, as it can be very hot and crowded. With a bit of planning, your wedding in Sicily will be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Choosing a location

When it comes to choosing a location for your wedding in Sicily, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to plan ahead and do on-site inspections, as nothing beats seeing places in person. Sicily offers a range of breathtaking locations to choose from, including ancient villas, Norman castles, Baroque palaces, world-renowned beaches, and islands with fiery sunsets. You can also take advantage of the wonderful climate, which is pleasant almost all year round. However, it's best to avoid the months of July and August, as they tend to be very hot and crowded.

When considering specific locations, you might want to think about the activities you and your guests can enjoy. Sicily offers a variety of experiences, such as visiting local markets, cooking classes, horseback riding in vineyards, quad rides on volcano slopes, special tastings in castles by the sea, sailing to discover smaller islands, and themed pre-parties to immerse yourselves in the Sicilian culture.

If you're looking for a unique and memorable setting, Sicily's diverse landscape and rich history provide a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you prefer a beach wedding with a stunning backdrop, an intimate ceremony in a historic castle, or a celebration amidst the beauty of ancient villas or Baroque palaces, Sicily has something for everyone.

Additionally, don't forget to consider the logistics and accessibility of your chosen location. Think about the travel arrangements for you and your guests, as well as any accommodation options nearby. By taking the time to explore and plan, you can ensure that your wedding location in Sicily captures the essence of your special day and creates lasting memories.

Organising food and drink

When it comes to organising food and drink for your Sicilian wedding, there are lots of options to choose from. It's a good idea to plan everything a year in advance, and to take a few days to do on-site inspections. You could organise a visit to the local markets with a personal chef, followed by a cooking class with freshly purchased products. This will help you discover the massive Sicilian culinary tradition.

On the day of the wedding, guests are usually invited to the wedding dinner venue at 8 pm. While they wait for the couple to arrive, they will be welcomed with soft drinks and finger food appetisers, such as olives, crisps, nuts, cheese, salami, fried vegetables, and a selection of canapés. Once the newlyweds arrive, they open the buffet of appetizers and typical street food corners.

A classic Sicilian cold salad is a great option for a wedding dinner. It's made with aubergines, fried peppers, black olives, tomato sauce, onion, pine nuts, capers, and raisins. Another popular choice is arancini, which is a rice ball with saffron and a filling that can be either meat-based or vegetarian. If you want to add a touch of innovation to your menu, you can include a sushi and finger food corner. Sicilian fish like fresh tuna, swordfish, and red shrimp can be used to make sushi.

After a short break, you'll be invited to assist in the cutting of the wedding cake, and offered a selection of typical Sicilian desserts. These include cannoli with ricotta, baba’ al rum, lemon biscuits, and different types of mousses. There will also be a traditional confettata, which is a table full of glass vases filled with different types of almonds in chocolate and other sweets.

Remember to avoid the months of July and August for your wedding, as it is very hot and crowded.

Picking a date

When picking a date for your wedding in Sicily, it's important to consider the climate. Sicily has a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild and wet winters and hot, dry summers. The peak tourist season is during the summer months, especially July and August, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to avoid these months. However, if you're looking for a beach wedding, the summer months will provide the perfect weather for sunbathing and swimming.

If you're hoping for a winter wedding, keep in mind that the winters in Sicily are generally mild, but there can be heavy snowfalls in the interior mountains, including Mount Etna, which is usually snow-capped from October to May. The spring and autumn months offer a good balance of warm weather without the peak summer crowds.

When choosing your wedding date, it's also essential to consider the availability of your chosen venue and vendors. Sicily is a popular wedding destination, so it's best to plan and book everything at least a year in advance to ensure your desired date is available.

Additionally, take into account any cultural or religious holidays that may overlap with your chosen date. These events could impact the availability of venues and vendors, as well as the overall atmosphere and logistics of your wedding.

Finally, consider the length of your engagement and the time needed for planning. If you have a shorter engagement, you may need to opt for a date that is sooner, while a longer engagement gives you more flexibility to choose a date that aligns with your preferred season and venue availability.

Hiring a wedding planner

Planning a wedding in Sicily can be a beautiful, unforgettable, and stressful journey. Fortunately, there are many wedding planners in Sicily who can help you plan your dream wedding.

Sicily has breathtaking locations that can satisfy every type of couple: ancient villas, Norman castles, Baroque palaces, beaches, and islands with fiery sunsets. It also has a wonderful climate practically all year round and extremely competitive rates.

When hiring a wedding planner, it is important to find someone who understands your vision and can help you create a unique and special event. A good wedding planner will have personal contact with all vendors and be able to control every little detail. They should also be able to suggest locations that match your style and ideas.

There are many wedding planners in Sicily who offer full-service planning, meaning they will oversee every aspect of your wedding day or weekend. Some planners specialise in destination weddings, and can help you plan a unique and authentic event that reflects the local culture and traditions.

When choosing a wedding planner, be sure to read reviews and ask for references. It is also important to discuss your budget and expectations upfront to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Frequently asked questions