Indian Wedding in Italy – Step-by-Step Planning Guide by Sebastian

What will you find in in the Indian Wedding in Italy guide?

As wedding photographers and videographers who specialize in Indian weddings we have many years of experience providing value to our couples – not only in terms of capturing the memories but also guiding them on their journey
from the very beginning. In this guide you will find all the answers on how to plan an Indian wedding in Italy, with many real life examples as well as two case studies. Oh and if don´t know this – my name is Sebastian and I am the creative director at Superweddings. Now enjoy the guideline and remember that you can always get in touch with us directly.

Why Italy for Indian weddings?

If you are planning your Indian wedding in Italy than you are in the right place!
Italy isn’t just a destination; it’s a canvas for unforgettable weddings. From rolling vineyards in Tuscany to romantic castles in Umbria and Sicily’s sun-kissed coastlines, Italy offers Indian couples a perfect combination of elegance, privacy, and cinematic beauty.

Having filmed and photographed dozens of Indian weddings across Italy, I can confidently say that planning here requires attention to both logistics and cultural nuances. In this guide, I’ll share a step-by-step plan, peppered with case studies and my personal expertise, so couples can confidently plan their dream Indian wedding in Italy.

Step 1: Choosing the perfect region

Not every Italian region is equally suited for multi-day Indian celebrations. Here’s my take:

• Tuscany – Rolling hills, countryside villas, vineyards; perfect for couples who want rustic charm with elegant luxury.
• Lake Como – Iconic vistas and luxury villas; ideal for cinematic photography and intimate ceremonies.
• Amalfi Coast – Dramatic cliffs and sea views; great for sunset ceremonies and cocktail receptions.
• Sicily – Rich culture, historical villas, seaside resorts; excellent for blending Italian and Indian traditions.
• Umbria – Quiet, private castles; excellent for multi-day celebrations with dual ceremonies. (Case Study: Carol & Karan at Castello Rosciano at the bottom of the article)

My advice: Choose a region that fits both your aesthetic vision and your guests’ convenience. Multi-day Indian weddings require easy access to airports and comfortable lodging.

Step 2: Selecting the right venue

Your venue dictates almost every other decision: décor, catering, timing, and ceremonies. My experience shows that venues with flexible indoor/outdoor spaces and experience hosting large groups make a wedding smoother.

Examples:

• Castello Rosciano, Umbria – Great for dual Hindu and Catholic ceremonies.
• Villa Erba, Lake Como – Stunning lake views, ideal for photography.
• Borgo Egnazia, Puglia – Luxury resort experience for large multi-day events.

Expert insight: Look for venues that can handle multiple events in one property. Separating ceremonies across locations adds stress and logistics complications.

Step 3: Hiring an experienced Indian wedding planner

An expert planner is indispensable. I recommend choosing planners who:

• Understand Indian rituals and multi-day flow.
• Have trusted local vendor networks (flowers, catering, décor).
• Can coordinate dual-religion ceremonies or multi-faith traditions.
  
  Indian wedding planner in Italy that we recommend: Best Indian Wedding Italy
  Are you a planner and would like to work with us? Contact us now

Pro tip: Ask for references from previous Indian weddings in Italy — firsthand experience matters more than any online portfolio.

Step 4: Organizing the multi-day celebration

Indian weddings are immersive multi-day experiences. A typical itinerary:

• Day 1: Mehndi & Welcome Dinner – casual, intimate, colorful
• Day 2: Sangeet / Garba – high-energy music and dancing
• Day 3: Baraat & Main Ceremony – Hindu or Sikh, possibly dual-ceremony
• Day 4: Reception / Farewell Brunch – reflective, celebratory

Step 5: Photography & Videography considerations

Capturing an Indian wedding in Italy isn’t just about taking photos — it’s about storytelling. As someone who has documented dozens of Indian weddings, here’s my advice:

• Hire professionals experienced in Indian rituals and colors.
• Ensure coverage for multi-day celebrations.
• Communicate your vision early — especially for dual ceremonies or cultural nuances.

My opinion: A skilled photographer can anticipate key moments, like a bride’s expression during the Catholic vows, then capture the vibrant energy of the Hindu rituals later that day.

Step 6: Catering & Cuisin

Italian venues often provide local catering, but Indian weddings require authenticity:

• Consider flying in chefs or hiring local Indian caterers.
• Offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Include cultural touches: chai stations, live dosa counters, traditional sweets.

My tip: Tasting sessions are critical — the right combination of Italian ingredients and Indian spices can wow your guests.

Step 7: Décor, Music & Entertainment

Your décor and entertainment should honor both cultures:

• Mandap setup with floral designs
• Lighting for evening Sangeet or Baraat
• DJs and live bands mixing Bollywood hits and contemporary tunes

Expert insight: For dual ceremonies, plan décor that can be adjusted quickly to reflect different rituals — saves time and ensures a seamless flow.

Step 8: Legal Requirements & Religious Ceremonies

• Civil or Catholic ceremonies require registration with Italian authorities.
• Hindu or Sikh ceremonies are symbolic in Italy, with legal registration done in the home country.
• Dual-ceremony couples should coordinate translations, witnesses, and timing carefully.

My advice: Hire a planner familiar with Italian bureaucracy — it makes multi-religion weddings stress-free.

Step 9: Guest Logistics & Experience

• Choose airports and transfers carefully (Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, Catania).
• Provide accommodation suggestions near the venue.
• Include activities: vineyard tours, sightseeing, or boat excursions.

Case Study insight: At Carol & Karan’s wedding, pre-planned guest itineraries and private transfers made a 3-day celebration smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

Step 10: Timeline & Booking Recommendations

• 12–18 months: Venue & planner
• 8–10 months: Catering, décor, photography
• 6 months: Travel & accommodation
• 1 month: Final checks, pre-wedding photoshoot

FAQs – Indian Wedding in Italy

Q1: How much does an Indian wedding in Italy cost?
A: Multi-day Indian weddings typically range from €80k–€200k depending on guests, venue, and vendors.

Q2: Can I have dual ceremonies (Hindu + Catholic)?
A: Absolutely, with careful planning. Venues like Castello Rosciano are ideal for multi-religion setups.

Q3: How many days should we plan for a destination Indian wedding in Italy?
A: 3–4 days is standard to cover all traditional events and ceremonies.

Q4: Do Italian venues allow open flames for rituals?
A: Most venues allow it with permits — your planner should handle this.

Q5: Best season to plan an Indian wedding in Italy?
A: May–September for warm, sunny weather and longer daylight hours.

Case Study – Carol & Karan’s Indian Wedding at in Italy (Umbria)

Overview:
Carol & Karan’s celebration was a three-day Indian wedding in the heart of Umbria at the historic Castello Rosciano. What made it particularly special was the blend of dual ceremonies — a Catholic ceremony honoring Carol’s family tradition, and a Hindu ceremony honoring Karan’s heritage.

Day 1 – Mehndi & Welcome Dinner:

• Held at the castle’s garden terrace in the afternoon, the Mehndi ceremony was vibrant yet intimate.
• My insight: outdoor Italian gardens are perfect for Mehndi because they allow natural light for photography and space for traditional dance rituals.
• Coordination note: I worked with the planners to schedule the Mehndi before sunset so that the décor’s colors and floral setups popped on camera.

Day 2 – Sangeet & Baraat Prep:

• Evening Sangeet at the castle’s courtyard included live musicians and choreographed performances from family and friends.
• My insight: Sangeet nights in Italy require planning for sound permissions, timing with sunset, and backup rain plans. I advised the couple on lighting that would capture the energy without washing out the vibrant colors.

Day 3 – Dual Ceremonies (Catholic + Hindu):

• Morning Catholic ceremony in the castle chapel: small, elegant, perfect for capturing intimate moments like vows and family blessings.
• Afternoon Hindu ceremony in the main courtyard: colorful mandap, fire rituals, traditional music, and Baraat procession.
• My insight: Capturing two very different ceremonies in one day is a logistical challenge. I coordinated with the videography team to cover both seamlessly, while ensuring minimal downtime for the couple. Timing, lighting, and vendor coordination were crucial.
• Lessons learned: Having one planner manage transitions between ceremonies is key to reducing stress. Multi-ceremony days benefit from staggered photography schedules and pre-arranged décor setups.

Reception & Fireworks:

• Evening reception included dinner, speeches, and a spectacular fireworks display.
• My insight: Fireworks over the castle terrace created dramatic photos and cinematic videography shots — planning the timing with the photographer ensures nothing is missed.

Key Takeaways for Couples Planning in Italy:

1. Dual ceremonies are possible and beautiful if scheduled carefully with professional oversight.
2. Venue selection matters more than you think — spaces that can host multiple ceremonies save time, stress, and costs.
3. Lighting and photography planning is crucial — natural Italian light can enhance or hurt the visual story depending on timing.
4. Vendor coordination is everything — multi-day Indian weddings require planners who understand cultural rituals deeply.

Case Study 2 – Tasha & Richard’s Indian Wedding in Italy (Sicily)

Overview:
Tasha & Richard celebrated a four-day Indian wedding in Sicily, blending Sikh traditions with a symbolic ceremony. The venues included Villa Cecilia for getting ready and pre-wedding events, Hotel Tonnara di Trabia for their Chura & Jaggo night, La Fenice Ricevimenti for the Sikh wedding ceremony, and Castello Lanza Branciforte di Trabia for the symbolic ceremony and evening reception.

Day 1 – Bridal Mehndi & Pre-Wedding Ceremony:

• Held in the gardens of Villa Cecilia, the Mehndi featured vibrant floral décor and natural daylight photography.
• My insight: Pre-wedding events often set the tone for the wedding story. Documenting candid family moments and décor details early ensures the narrative is complete.

Day 2 – Chura & Jaggo Night:

• Evening celebration at Hotel Tonnara di Trabia with traditional music, dance, and rituals.
• My insight: Sicily’s coastal venues create incredible ambient light for evening events, but planning for sunset and night lighting is essential for both photography and videography.

Day 3 – Free Day / Guest Activities:

• A relaxed day allowed guests to explore the island.
• My insight: Including downtime in multi-day weddings ensures couples and families are refreshed for main ceremonies — it also allows for spontaneous photo opportunities.

Day 4 – Sikh Wedding Ceremony:

• Baraat started at 9:00am, followed by Milni and main rituals until lunch, then Doli at 2:00pm.
• My insight: Coordinating multiple events on the same day requires precise timing and close communication with planners and venue staff. Capturing cultural rituals authentically while managing flow is critical.

Day 5 – Symbolic Ceremony & Reception:

• Late afternoon ceremony at Castello Lanza Branciforte, followed by an evening reception with fireworks at 11:00pm.
• My insight: Fireworks and evening celebrations demand strategic lighting and camera placements. Planning ahead ensures unforgettable photos without disrupting the event.

Indian wedding in Italy Key Takeaways:

• Multi-day celebrations benefit from clear timelines and venue proximity.
• Cultural rituals must be captured with understanding and sensitivity.
• Photography planning is as important as event planning — anticipation of moments is key.