Located right in the heart of Tuscany, the beautiful city of Siena was previously and Etruscan city and Roman settlement, which experienced economic and artistic prosperity during the Middle Ages. Siena has conserved its medieval features, which can be easily recognized in its ancient buildings, small squares, narrow streets and its warm, red bricks that characterize the entire city. The main attractions in the city centre are the Town Hall named Palazzo Pubblico, one of the most fantastic town halls in the world where civil weddings are celebrated, and Piazza del Campo, considered one of the most famous medieval squares in Europe. With its breathtaking sites and views, the Siena and its countryside represent the ideal background for an unforgettable superlative Italian Wedding.
Through the cultural, artistic and environmental heritage of Siena and its surroundings you will connect with the past and dive into the real Italian atmosphere, tasting genuine local dishes and wines, while learning about the history and traditions of this unique region.
In this article you will find 5 very important tips you should read if you are planning to get married in Siena.
1. Pick the the right date
The first thing you should do when getting started with planning your wedding in Siena is picking the date. Choosing a wedding date can be a little hard, especially when you have to keep in mind different factors at the same time, like your schedules and the schedules of your loved ones, season, availability and budget. And we know from experience that trying to make everything perfectly align can seem a bit overwhelming, but you don’t have to worry: we are here to help you figure everything out in the easiest way possible.
Before settling on a wedding date, there is a list of questions to ask yourself that will help you have a clear understanding of which are the most important aspects to consider. For example: Which season and which day of the week should we choose? Is there a special date we’d like to commemorate? Are there dates we want to avoid? Can all the important people make it?
Talking about choosing the season, just try and think which kind of atmosphere you’d prefer to have at your wedding. Would you prefer having the beauty of spring flowers, the warmth of the summer Tuscan sun, the colors of autumn leaves or a blanket of freshly fallen snow as your wedding backdrop? Another important thing to consider is your and your fiancè’s work schedule and which season and time of the year could be most convenient for you.
You don’t know which day of the week you should choose? There are different factors to evaluate that might surprise you. If you are not a weekend type of person and you’re working with a smaller amount (in terms of budget), a weekday wedding might be the best solution for you. Weekday weddings often offer discounts as well as more availability of premium locations, so you could get the wedding of your dreams without giving up on luxury and exclusivity!
Other two important aspects to consider while choosing a date for your wedding are if there is a special date you would like to commemorate, like the anniversary of the day you met or kissed for the first time, and at the same time if there are dates you want or should avoid, like an important religious holiday, as we are sure you want your wedding guests to be happily present, not resentful thinking about an important event they couldn’t attend. We will be happy to inform you about all festivities and holidays in Italy and Tuscany, so that you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Last but not least, before picking a date, make sure that all your loved ones will make it to your wedding. You should definitely keep in mind any big trips or occasions in your close family and friends’ lives to give them the best chance of being there for you on your Big Day.
2. Define your budget
Definitely not less important than choosing your wedding day, defining a realistic budget that reflects your values and priorities is at the basis of any wedding.
In order to set your wedding budget make sure you take time to discuss the vision for your Day with your partner. Do you envision being surrounded by a large group of family and friends or something more intimate with only your closest loved ones? Do you picture a big, fancy party or something more relaxed and low-key? The budget you will need to accomplish your vision can vary a lot based on these preferences.
Another important aspect that has to be discussed with your fiancè and/or any contributing parties is how much you and they are willing and able to contribute to this important day. Having everything cleared out with every party involved will help you avoid any possible friction and misunderstandings.
When defining your wedding budget it is fundamental to prioritize what is most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. Aligning your priorities with your wedding plans will help you plan a day you (and your wallets) will be happy with!
3. How to prepare a Wedding Guest List
Now the hard part begins, but deciding on the guest list doesn’t have to be necessarily stressful. The first thing to do when preparing your guest list for your unforgettable wedding in Siena, is taking your budget into consideration. This will help you understand how many people your event will actually be able to accommodate.
Another important step is setting firm ground rules: this can help, but only if you follow through and make these rules absolutely non-negotiable. Decide whether you want children at the event, make clear if you’d allow guests to bring a friend or try to understand if it is necessary to invite someone you haven’t spoken to in years.
Something very useful is also writing down all of the people you would love to invite dividing them in lists: the first list will include only very close family members, the second one your close friends and the third one everyone else. This method will help you visualize your guests in different “priority levels” and give you a better understanding of who you should choose to be part of your Big Day.
Thinking about the guest list well in advance can actually help you to decide the scope and parameters of the wedding event you’ll eventually have.
4. Choose the right venue
Siena and its surroundings offer not only wonderful landscapes but also a wide selection of locations, that are a perfect backdrop for an enchanting Italian wedding.
The beauty of this region’s country relais, ancient castles, historic luxury villas, medieval hamlets, precious vineyards spread along the beautiful Tuscan rolling hills, will leave you open-mouthed.
Siena is suitable for every taste and need. Here couples have the chance to dive into the beauty of these places experiencing a deep connection with this land’s traditions and identity, enjoy the harmony and serenity of its landscapes and boast its extraordinary historic atmosphere.
Each location brings a unique and original touch, depending on the style you are looking for for your wedding.
5. When to get started with your legal paperwork
When planning your wedding in Siena, another fundamental thing to keep in mind is paperwork.
There are legal procedures that need to be followed to have your wedding legally recognized once you come back to your home country. These legal procedures vary depending on your country of origin and the type of ceremony.
Compared to a civil wedding, when the bride and the groom opt for a religious wedding the marriage paperwork required becomes a little more complex, as there are more aspects to consider. For this reason we always suggest to get started with the legal procedures at least 6 months before the date of the wedding, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The whole bureaucratic process to obtain the requested wedding documentation can seem a bit stressful, but you do not have to worry: we are here to help you and guide you through every step of the process, making everything quicker and easier.
