The world of weddings is a fascinating universe, filled with emotions, traditions, and, of course, love. In Sicily, the beauty of the landscapes, along with the rich culture and exquisite cuisine, makes our island an enchanting place to celebrate the most important day of your life…”
Simona Saguto, Luxury Event & Wedding
Simona Saguto is a distinguished wedding organiser in Sicily, renowned for her exceptional ability to craft highly personalised events that reflect the unique preferences and visions of her clients. Weddings in this picturesque region are particularly special due to Sicily’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions, which create an enchanting backdrop for any celebration. Simona’s company excels in curating unforgettable experiences by seamlessly blending local customs with modern elegance, ensuring that each wedding is not only a reflection of the couple’s love story but also a celebration of the beauty and charm that Sicily has to offer. Through meticulous planning and a keen eye for detail, she transforms each occasion into a memorable celebration that resonates with the enchanting spirit of the island…
C&B: “Simona, you’re operating in one of the most beautiful places in the world – can you share your experience in the wedding planning industry and why you started, specifically in Sicily?”
SS: “I’ve always appreciated beauty in all its forms. I believe that surrounding ourselves with beauty during the pivotal moments of our lives enhances the experience, layer upon layer of emotion. I feel as though I was destined to organise events; in particular, my passion for planning weddings was ignited by a couple of friends who wanted to have a fairytale wedding, meticulously curated to reflect their love story. They asked me to guide, advise, and accompany them throughout the entire process, and on that day, I felt as though I transformed into a fairy. I immediately fell in love with this sector, and I also realised how complex it is to organise a wedding and manage all the details. That was my first real test – organising a wedding in less than two months. The event went very well, and after that I started studying, to delve deeper, but I must say that no formal course is equal to the experience gained when actually working in the field….”
C&B: “What are some unique cultural traditions in Sicilian weddings that couples should consider incorporating into their celebration?”
SS: “In reality, the typical cultural traditions in Sicilian weddings have now mainly been lost, however the most typical ones remain – the “serenade”, where the groom, the evening before the wedding, sings a love song under the bride’s window accompanied by friends and musicians. It’s a moment of celebration and romance, which also involves the local community. Throwing rice and flower petals when leaving the church as a symbol of prosperity and fertility, and then during the celebrations, traditional Sicilian songs and dances are performed, such as the tarantella and the ballo della cordella…”
A wedding in Sicily offers a rich tapestry of culture, spectacular landscapes, unique flavours, and the leisurely pace of its rituals. We’re shaped by traditions, which play a vital role in highlighting the most significant events in our lives, such as the beginning of a new life together. It’s wonderful to embrace the customs of a place, to fully immerse oneself in its experience, and to savour its history. Revisiting traditions that have a millennia-old heritage can be enriching….”
Simona Saguto, Luxury Event & Wedding
C&B: “How do you go about assisting couples in selecting the perfect venue for their wedding in Sicily?”
SS: “The location is the signature of the event; it’s the most important thing of all! The reception venue has a ‘soul’ of its own that guests perceive immediately, and when it is particularly beautiful and evocative, you can also optimise the costs for the decorations as everything is already more simplified. The perfect location must not only be comfortable and well-equipped, but also stimulating for the senses – and luckily here in Sicily there is no shortage of locations like this in which the sound of the sea waves or the smell of country grass generate emotions that contribute to creating a unique atmosphere. And that’s why the location of a wedding in Sicily or Italy is never forgotten… it’s the visual, tactile, olfactory and auditory frame of all the beautiful memories of that day…”
C&B: “What are the most popular wedding themes or styles you have encountered in Sicily?”
SS: “There are many styles found in Sicily, and 2024 was undoubtedly the year of colour. Many couples have favoured arrangements featuring warm hues such as terracotta, mustard, and forest green, as well as colours inspired by citrus fruits, including orange, ochre, and antique pink. Additionally, many couples have opted for the timeless elegance of pure white…”
C&B: “Can you describe the typical timeline for planning a wedding in Sicily, from initial consultation to the big day?”
SS: “Yes! So my approach is based on listening carefully to couples; every wedding is unique, so I try to understand their desires, tastes and personality. After that, I create a personalised plan that takes into account the available budget, every detail, from the choice of location to the arrangement, from suppliers to the necessary legal documents. I believe having a moodboard is beneficial as it gives my clients a complete and clear picture of the style that their wedding will have. My ultimate mission is to make the process as stress-free as possible for the bride and groom, so they can fully enjoy their special day…”
C&B: “What challenges do you commonly face when planning weddings, and how do you overcome them?”
SS: “For many foreign spouses, the idea of an Italian wedding is a dream; however, turning that concept into reality by organising the event abroad can present complex challenges. I often encounter significant obstacles related to timing, as well as the indecision of the couples regarding their choices, which can unfortunately prolong the planning process. Additionally, there are instances when preferred suppliers are unavailable, necessitating the search for suitable alternatives that can meet the couple’s needs.
Moreover, it is not uncommon for brides to struggle with concentration due to the stress and anxiety accumulated in the lead-up to their wedding day, as well as concerns that something may go wrong. Such feelings are completely understandable. In these situations, I encourage them to express their worry and make every effort to reassure them, affirming that I will be there to ensure their wedding is perfect. Ultimately, I want their only focus on that day to be to fully enjoy every moment…”
C&B: “You mentioned suppliers – how do you collaborate with local vendors, such as florists, caterers, and photographers, to ensure a seamless event?”
SS: “I collaborate with the utmost respect for the work of my colleagues, surrounding myself with the best suppliers to ensure the impeccable success of the event or wedding. I consistently engage in discussions with them and strive to establish a harmonious working relationship, enabling us to work with confidence and achieve our shared goal of not only satisfying but exceeding the expectations of our clients…”
C&B: “What recommendations do you have for couples regarding the best time of year to get married in Sicily?”
SS: “Spring is undoubtedly the best time of year to get married here, as the weather is warm without being excessively hot, unlike the months of July, August, or even September. It is a quieter time of year, and the temperatures remain pleasant. However, considering that this is a beautiful and sunny region for nearly the entire year, it is challenging to determine the absolute best period; ultimately, it depends on the preferences of the couples…”
C&B: “How do you tailor your services to meet the specific needs and preferences of each couple?”
SS: “It may seem obvious, but it is essential to truly understand the couple before me. It’s important to comprehend their needs, how to meet their expectations, and then customise the service based on their style and budget. Personalisation and uniqueness are the cornerstones of the service offered by a wedding planner. Every couple has a unique story to tell and specific desires for their wedding. I am dedicated to listening, interpreting, and ultimately bringing these desires to fruition by offering creative and tailor-made solutions. Whether it is an intimate ceremony or a large reception, my goal is always to create an experience that reflects the personality and aspirations of the couple. In this way, the wedding will be a unique and memorable occasion…”
C&B: “Do you have any specific advice for couples who are planning a destination wedding in Sicily, particularly regarding the necessary legal requirements you mentioned?”
SS: “My primary advice is to begin planning as early as possible and to engage the services of a professional. Organising a wedding in Sicily, or in Italy in general, can be complex; however, with the right assistance, it can become an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, regarding the legal requirements, these can vary based on the type of ceremony that the couple chooses to celebrate. The essential documents for celebrating a civil marriage in Italy include a valid personal identity document, such as a passport, and the Nulla Osta, which is issued by the competent authority of the country of origin. The Nulla Osta must certify that there are no impediments to marriage according to the laws of the country of origin and should include the following information: name, surname, date and place of birth, paternity and maternity, citizenship, residence, and marital status. If the Nulla Osta does not contain the information related to birth, paternity, and maternity, a birth certificate issued by the country of origin – translated and certified – will also be required. For those who choose to celebrate only the symbolic rite, the bureaucratic process is much simpler, as it involves recreating the atmosphere of a ceremony, preparing vows, and experiencing a beautiful moment. Conversely, for those who wish to give legal validity to the marriage contracted in Italy, further steps may be required, especially if the spouses do not reside there…”
C&B: “How do you keep up with the latest trends in wedding planning, and how do you incorporate them into your services?”
SS: “I’ve always had a passion for learning; I read extensively, seek information, and, when necessary, take courses to deepen my knowledge. I process the information I acquire and ultimately express it through my personalisations, often by creating actual wedding shoots or editorials in collaboration with other trusted suppliers. Additionally, during consultations with couples, I spontaneously incorporate new trends as they arise…”
C&B: “Finally, Simona, can you provide examples of particularly memorable weddings that you’ve planned, highlighting any particularly creative elements?”
SS: “Every wedding is memorable for me and leaves beautiful memories that I cherish. The preparations, the races against time, the calls, the late-night conversations, the shared joys, and my full involvement in every phase of their wedding contribute to the experience. Being present during the most important moments of the couples’ lives is truly rewarding. Creative elements are present in every wedding I organise, including references to the couple’s love story. For instance, the shape of the half-moon menu may hold special significance for the couple, as the moon represents an important meaning to them. Additionally, the titles chosen for the various tables can reflect the relationships that exist with the guests seated at those specific tables. We might also create a seating plan featuring personalised fortune cookies. In summary, creative elements are essential to every wedding, as they are precisely what make each celebration unique…”
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