Hi SnickerDoodle,
Sorry I did not see your posting right away. Dealing with the hurricanes when you posted. So lets get to your posting!
What you need to do is check the rules and see what can be done that far in advance. Granted you are looking for over a year, but at least you can start looking and be prepare when they do open the reservation books to get your requested date.
First of all, I have to advise you that you will not be able to work with the valid travel information for a 2009 date because the airlines do not post then until 330 - 340 days in advance, however you can use this coming year's as a guideline. Now I would go with a name brand American based airline or something like British Air, Air France and Lufthansa because of what they can offer you and the stable business they do. Unfortunately there are some airlines like the local favorite who has been having problems with strikes and money concerns, so I would stick with a better brand booking that far in advance.
Secondly, the legal requirements. You will have the passport but you have to make sure that you have at least 6 months from the day that you leave Italy and return back home. The customs can turn you away if your passport expires within 6 months. So be very careful with that. The next item you will need is an Apostille birth certificate. This must be gained through the Secretary of State where you where born. There is no advance date or any date prior to you traveling that this needs to be asked, so I suggest get that now. It is one less thing you have to do later. Then it has to be translated into Italian by a approved source. That also holds true if either have a divorce. The decree must be translated. Then you have two sworn statements that have to be done, however they cannot be this far in advance. Don't forget you need to have the civil ceremony in order for it to be legal in the United States but you can always have a church one right after.
The last step is the kind of wedding that you are looking for. Since you picked the Fruili region there are many options. There are castles, villas, vineyards and even secluded towns. This area is so vastly different then anywhere else in Italy because there is so many influences from the various people who have come through there in history. You could pick a beach side villa or one up in the mountains, or a castle full of history or a remote village who joins you in your day of celebration. Even though I list this as the last step, it is truly where the two of you shine your personality. You have to ask each other what you want in a wedding, what is important, what is not. Make a list and see how the places fit in there.
One note that I must say when you are looking at this region, you might have found this out already, but I just want to say it incase. The places to stay around the Fruili region are not like other places in Italy. There are no main stream hotel names, five star hotels or a wealth of places to stay. This area of Italy is still very old world, very simple, nothing too fancy like you see in villas on the Amalfi Coast or Tuscany or even the Lakes area. So you need to ask yourself is this what my guests expect when they travel and what I want for my stay there.
If I was to inject some of my personal thoughts, and with typing words, just make me stop! My favorite in this area is the Cassonova Castle. I know it sounds corny but it is truly a beautiful place which could house the whole day. You have the gardens, that could play to your wedding dinner or a chapel on grounds. And the views! They are so beautiful. There are some junior suites at the castle that would make a very romantic first night, however the outlining area only has farmhouse stays and a moderate hotel. Yes, I know getting married at the place, that wooed so many women. But what a story to tell the grandkids!
So that is the best way to start, sit down write what the two of you are looking both for the wedding and for your guests stay. What brought you to this region? Do I want a ornate ceremony? Do I want to give my guests several options to stay there? How many people are we inviting? Can they all fit into one place or do we have to stretch them over other places to stay? How do we choose, who stays where? Is there activities for them to do outside of you getting married there? So ask the questions. Don't worry you have time to look yet, but that is the best place to start for any destination wedding. Ask what the two of you want and what kind of experience you want for your guests? Lets face it you must consider them if it is Bahamas to Italy. They are coming to enjoy your special day!
I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further information! Best wishes on your special day!
Take Care,
Lindsay
Getting married in Italy-how the heck do I start?
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