A great destination wedding weekend includes more than just the big day. It’s about creating fun, memorable moments throughout. Activities like boat trips, wine tastings, cooking classes, or beach parties give everyone a chance to experience the local culture and have some fun together. Ending with a cosy farewell dinner is a lovely way to wrap up the weekend and leave everyone with unforgettable memories of Italy…”
Claire Mansi, Founder, CF Weddings Italy
Italian wedding planner Claire Mansi is the founder of CF Weddings Italy, which specialises in creating unforgettable events that capture the essence of love and celebration. Although her professional base is located in London, England, Claire’s expertise extends across various beautiful destinations in Italy, known for their breathtaking venues and romantic ambiance. Here we discuss venues, decor, and themes…
C&B: “Claire, your country is one of the most popular to be married in – and for good reason! What factors do you consider when recommending a particular destination within Italy for a couple’s wedding?”
CM: “It all starts with understanding a couple’s priorities, the atmosphere, style, and emotional tone they envision. Each Italian region offers a distinct cultural and visual identity, so I help couples discover the destination that best reflects what resonates with them, whether it’s natural beauty, rustic charm, or the elegance of cities like Florence or Rome. Beyond aesthetics, I also consider guest experience, travel logistics, accommodation, and budget, recommending venues that bring all these elements together seamlessly…”
C&B: “Of all the beautiful venue options available, which are your personal favourites, and why?
CM: “One of my favourite venues is Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, with spectacular sea views from the infinity terrace, lush gardens, cloisters, and its breathtaking historic crypt—perfect for fairytale weddings. Villa Eva, also in Ravello, is exclusively a wedding venue with no accommodation, ensuring complete privacy. Guests only experience it on the wedding day, creating a magical ‘Wow!’ moment. In Matera, Masseria Fontana di Vite offers relaxed, rustic-chic charm and authentic Southern Italian character. Lastly, the art-deco Villa Mon Repos in Taormina, Sicily, is set above the sea with unforgettable views of the coast and Mount Etna. Its stylish boutique interior paired with natural beauty makes it truly special for weddings…”
C&B: “All of these venues sound incredible; how do you approach the design and aesthetics of a wedding in a unique landscape or venue?”
CM: “I always visit the venue in person to familiarise myself with its different spaces, as this aids in planning how each area can be utilised to its full potential throughout the wedding day, when considering placement, styling and design. By visiting in person, I can highlight the venue’s unique features that can enhance a couple’s desired aesthetic and ensure the space can accommodate their design vision seamlessly, in a way that feels both bespoke and intentional…”
With over ten years as a wedding planner, the best part is sharing the journey with each couple – from our first chat to working with their loved ones and trusted suppliers. Whether it’s a small gathering or a big weekend, I focus on creating a thoughtful, smooth, and unforgettable experience for everyone involved…”
Claire Mansi, Founder, CF Weddings Italy
C&B: “Besides choosing the best location and decor, what else do you offer that creates a unique wedding experience that reflects the couple’s personal style?”
CM: “I begin with a consultation to get to know the couple, their story, proposal, and vision for the day. We explore style, tone, colour palettes, themes, and florals through mood boards and presentations, while identifying personal touches or traditions they’d like to include. I believe the key to a truly bespoke and meaningful wedding is listening, collaborating, and building trust. After our discussions, I curate perfectly aligned venues and begin planning, from décor and entertainment to catering, sourcing professionals who reflect the couple’s style and vision…”
C&B: “What role do cultural and local customs play in your planning process for destination weddings?”
CM: “Being Italian myself, cultural and local customs play a meaningful role in my destination wedding planning, especially with couples who feel a genuine love for Italy, not only for its beauty, but for the culture, romance, and emotion it evokes. From traditional blessings to folk ensembles, aperitivo canapés, signature drinks, and desserts infused with local flavour, I love helping couples discover what resonates and weaving in meaningful touches to create a celebration that remains imprinted for a lifetime…”
At the destinations I often work in, I have a trusted network of vendors who are talented and reliable. When operating in a new region in Italy, I reach out directly to venues for their recommended supplier lists, as well as using trusted wedding portals. I always ensure the supplier network I work with is professional and diligent, so I feel confident about their presence on the day to ensure a seamless and smooth experience for my couples and their loved ones…”
Claire Mansi, Founder, CF Weddings Italy
C&B: “Beautiful and exciting as it all sounds, some couples may be deterred from planning a destination wedding due to the legal considerations – what should they be aware of?”
CM: “The legal paperwork in Italy varies from region to region. Most regions require documents such as the Certificate of No Impediment translated, notarised, and then legalised with an apostille. A legally binding civil or religious wedding abroad can entail additional costs that may impact the couple’s overall budget, due to the preparation of the legal paperwork as well as the interpreters required for both the documentation and the ceremony…”
C&B: “There are many stylistic options – from rustic in Tuscany through to classical in Rome – when you consider the locations and venues – are there any particular themes you’re currently seeing in luxury destination weddings?”
CM: “I’m seeing a big shift toward intimate, luxury weddings that feel really personal and creative. Couples are focusing on emotional details such as custom stationery, vintage-style photos, fun dessert displays – hello, tiramisu towers! – and interactive moments like decorating their cake during the cutting. Entertainment’s getting a glow-up too, with things like live illustrators and unique guest experiences like private tours. It’s all about making the day feel meaningful, stylish, and totally ‘them’ – and these touches are quickly becoming the new trend in luxury weddings!”
CONTACT: www.cfweddingsitaly.com
