Florence, Italy is a dream location for a destination wedding. From wineries and vineyards to cycling and running, Florence is the perfect location for guests, and the best location for lovers.

There's no place more beautiful and perfect for a destination wedding than Florence, Italy. Nestled in Tuscany, surrounded by wineries, vineyards, hills, and history, Florence, Italy offers both newlyweds and their wedding guests the perfect wedding experience. Experience a romantic wedding, gorgeous scenery, delicious wine and food, and the opportunities to hike, and explore the best of what Italy has to offer.

The Logistics of a Destination Wedding in Florence

There is a bit of red tape involved with a destination wedding in Florence. The best course of action is to hire an Italian wedding planner to help handle the logistics. Many locations for destination weddings, such as Poggio ai Merli, can help take care of additional details, such as caterers, florists, photographers, and more. Accept the help, and be sure to get as much as you can in writing.

Selecting the Perfect Location for a Destination Wedding in Florence

Filled with churches, villas, hamlets, hotels, and history, Florence has so many options for a destination wedding. A trip to scout locations is a must for the bride and groom to be. The wedding my family and I recently attended in Florence took place just outside of the city in Scandicci, with the wedding in a Catholic Church built in 1000, and a reception at Poggio ai Merli. Both were beautiful and classic selections.

Planning Ahead for the Guests for a Destination Wedding in Florence

Give guests 9 to 12 months notice for a destination wedding in Italy. The trip is a major one, and for family and friends, can also double as a lengthy European vacation if they have the time to plan accordingly. Send save the date letters, offer flight options, include hotel and accommodation selections, and be sure to include a full itinerary of events and dates.

What Else is on the Agenda after a Destination Wedding in Florence?

There's so much to see and do in Florence. One of the best options is hiking or cycling in the greater region of Tuscany, if you are so inclined. If your guests are the outdoorsy types, remind them that they can rent bicycles, but that they may want to invest in a good pair of running or cycling shoes before they depart for their Tuscan holiday. If running and cycling aren't on the agenda, suggest winery visits, vineyards, museums, or walks around Florence that are suitable for families as well as singles.

With destination weddings all the rage (think honeymoon, vacation, and wedding all rolled up into one), finding the perfect location to become man and wife tops the list. Whether seeking a wedding on the beach, or one on the slopes, options abound. Antigua, one of the Caribbean's go-to spots for a destination wedding, offers that something special to make your wedding, honeymoon, and vacation unique. Once the spot of my own honeymoon, I know firsthand about the beauty of Antigua.

Relax.
Antigua is located in the Caribbean, and boasts over 365 beaches for visitors to enjoy. They have even realized how popular destination weddings have become, and have an entire section on their tourist information website detailing the process. Thankfully, it's an easy one, requiring simply passports as proof of US citizenship, and a fee of less than $250 for the Wedding Officer, the registration fee, and the marriage license. In addition, many resorts or locations where you'd consider having the wedding on Antigua can help you coordinate the details should you have any questions or concerns.

Pamper Yourself.
One popular Antiguan resort for destination weddings is Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. The location of my honeymoon almost 6 years ago, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa was a bustling island wedding spot even before it became the fashion. This all inclusive Caribbean island destination is a wonderful spot for a wedding, a honeymoon, or a romantic island getaway. The resort is adults only, located on a beautiful beach with pools, coordinated activities, and water sports, and offers beautiful rooms with a view of the ocean. Sandals Grande Antigua even knows how to appeal to visitors interested in planning a destination wedding. According to their website, guests who stay in a Concierge category room for more than 6 nights are eligible for a free wedding package. You can't beat a deal like that, and there are similar resorts across the island.

Explore.
With the wedding ceremony and details taken care of by a resort, a destination wedding in Antigua means that the bride, groom, and their family and friends can explore the island and relax on their vacation, instead of stressing about the wedding ceremony itself. Book day trips
out on the water or around the island. Head to neighboring Barbuda for a day, or enjoy the scenery on nearby Bird Island. If you'd rather stay land-bound, try Shirley Heights and look over the harbor and much of the island. Shop in the capitol city of St. John's, or enjoy your
resort and the beaches surrounding you.

A destination wedding in Antigua offers a unique experience for the bride and groom, as well as their guests. Enjoy the flavor of the Caribbean with a Banana Sip Sap or a Rum Punch, take in a breathtaking sunset on an Antiguan beach, or never leave the honeymoon suite. A destination wedding in Antigua can't be beat.

Sources:
Antigua & Barbuda; http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/index.htm
Sandals Antigua; http://www.sandals.com/main/antigua/an-home.cfm