Planning a Destination Wedding Abroad? Here’s What You Need to Know
Planning a destination wedding can feel like the ultimate dream—stunning backdrops, unforgettable food, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with your favorite people. But let’s be real: it can also feel a little daunting. Between time zones, language barriers, travel logistics, and local customs, the planning process can quickly go from magical to stressful.
That’s where an experienced destination wedding planner (hi, that’s me!) can be the difference between chaos and calm, especially when you’re planning a celebration outside of the U.S.
Whether you’re dreaming of Tuscany’s rolling hills, the Amalfi Coast, or anywhere your heart leads you, these are my top expert-approved tips for planning a destination wedding that feels seamless, stunning, and completely you.
Expert Tips For Planning a Destination Wedding Abroad
- Work with someone who speaks the language—literally and culturally.
Planning a wedding abroad requires more than just knowing the venue—it’s about understanding both your culture and the culture of the destination. That’s where my couples have a real advantage: I’m both American and Italian, fluent in Italian, and have lived in and traveled to Italy for decades. I understand the nuances, the etiquette, and the local rhythms that truly make a difference when planning abroad.
I also believe expertise isn’t about how many times someone has worked in one particular venue—but how many times they’ve delivered success across a variety of scenarios. Experience matters.
That’s why my team is thoughtfully curated for each celebration. We bring our tried-and-true destination crew while also incorporating trusted local experts to ensure every element—logistics, culture, communication—is flawlessly executed. Nothing gets lost in translation, and we don’t miss a beat.
- Plan for the experience, not just the day.
A destination wedding is more than a ceremony—it’s an entire experience. Welcome parties, wine tastings, excursions, farewell brunches… these are the moments your guests will remember forever. Done right, your wedding becomes a true gift to your guests: the opportunity to celebrate love and discover a beautiful place.
Photos above: Collin Pierson Photography
Planning for the experience also means thinking about logistics: transportation, travel times between venues, and how everything flows. That’s where we come in—so your day feels seamless, not stressful.
- Build in buffer time.
International weddings mean international timelines. Travel delays, local holidays, and slower vendor communication can all affect your plans. Build in buffer time to avoid stress and give yourself room to breathe.
It’s also worth noting that in places like Italy, siesta hours and local traditions can affect delivery schedules, venue availability, and more. Having someone who understands the pace of the place helps keep things on track—without forcing a rushed or rigid approach.
- Invest in quality over quantity.
When you’re celebrating abroad, every detail should feel thoughtful. Incredible food, meaningful design, and intentional experiences make a far bigger impact than an overstuffed timeline or “more for the sake of more.”
Less noise, more meaning. That’s what creates a celebration worth remembering.
Finals Thoughts About Destination Weddings Abroad
Destination weddings are about connection, adventure, and love—three things that should never be rushed. When planned with intention, your celebration can feel as effortless as it is elegant.
At Michelle Durpetti Events, we specialize in creating weddings that are not only beautiful, but deeply personal and flawlessly executed—especially in Italy, where we’ve been celebrating love stories for over a decade.
Ready to plan your destination wedding?
Whether you’re dreaming of a Tuscan villa or seaside views in Sicily, we’d love to help you bring your vision to life.
Contact us here or explore more of our destination weddings to see what’s possible.
