Wedding Planner in Italy & Tuscany
Full-service wedding planning from Florence for international couples celebrating in Tuscany and selected destinations across Italy.
Your Local Wedding Planning Team in Tuscany
Planning a wedding in Tuscany from abroad means making important decisions at a distance. Finding the right venue, setting a realistic budget, choosing suppliers and bringing every part of the wedding weekend together all require careful preparation.
We're Sonja and Milos, the husband-and-wife team behind FunkyBird Weddings, based in Florence.
We guide you through the complete planning process, from the first venue conversations to coordinating the celebrations themselves. Both of us remain personally involved throughout planning, bringing together local knowledge, practical experience and an understanding of what makes a wedding work for you and your guests.
Together, we have over 15 years of professional wedding experience and have worked on more than 500 weddings across planning, floristry and photography.
- Experience
- 15+ years
- In the wedding industry
- Weddings
- 500+ weddings
- Combined experience across planning, floristry and photography
- Based in
- Florence
- Tuscany, Italy
What We Do as Your Wedding Planners
A good wedding planner does more than book venues and suppliers. Our role is to bring every part of your celebration together, making sure your plans are not only beautiful but also realistic and carefully coordinated.
From the first decisions, we consider your guest list, budget, preferred atmosphere and practical requirements. Together, we build a clear direction for your wedding and guide you through the choices that follow.
Finding the Right Wedding Venue
We help you find a venue that genuinely suits your wedding, considering its character, accommodation, guest capacity, budget and practical possibilities.
Rather than presenting a long list of beautiful Italian villas, we create a considered shortlist of places that fit your priorities and the celebration you have in mind.
Budget Planning and Supplier Coordination
We establish a realistic budget early in the process, looking beyond the venue and catering to the complete wedding experience.
We help you select the right professionals, review proposals and coordinate communication between suppliers, ensuring that their work fits together throughout the planning process.
Timelines and Guest Logistics
We create a detailed schedule that brings together the ceremony, aperitivo, dinner, entertainment, photography, transport and all the practical arrangements behind the celebration.
For multi-day weddings, we also consider how the different events connect, from welcoming your guests to the final gathering.
Coordination on Your Wedding Day
When your wedding begins, our role shifts from preparation to execution.
We oversee the venue setup, coordinate suppliers, manage the schedule and respond to unexpected situations behind the scenes.
Our goal is simple: for you to enjoy your wedding while we take care of the organisation.
Planning Your Wedding in Tuscany From Abroad
Planning a destination wedding doesn't mean you need to travel to Italy every time there's a decision to make. Much of the process can be organised remotely, with the right guidance and someone you trust looking after the details locally.
Based in Florence, we work closely with international couples throughout the planning journey, making it easier to organise a wedding in Tuscany while living thousands of miles away.
Clear Communication Across Time Zones
We organise video calls around your availability and keep communication clear throughout the planning process.
From comparing venues and reviewing proposals to discussing budgets and making important decisions, we help you understand your options without having to manage conversations with multiple Italian suppliers yourself.
Venue Visits and Tastings
Many couples begin planning before they've even visited Tuscany.
We can help you narrow down suitable venues remotely, considering your guest numbers, budget, accommodation needs and the kind of celebration you envision.
When you do visit Italy, we can arrange venue viewings, meetings and tastings so you can make the most of your time here.
Local Support Between Your Visits
Being based in Tuscany allows us to stay connected with venues and suppliers throughout the process, even when you're back home.
We follow up on practical details, coordinate arrangements and keep the different parts of your wedding moving forward.
Our aim is for you to remain involved in the decisions that matter, without having to manage every detail from another country.
Why Choose a Wedding Planner Based in Tuscany?
Planning a wedding in Tuscany requires more than knowing which venues are beautiful. It means understanding how those places actually work, what is realistic within your budget, and how the different parts of your celebration will come together.
Living and working in Florence gives us a practical understanding of Tuscany that goes beyond what you can discover through photographs and online research.
Choosing a Venue That Works for Your Wedding
A beautiful villa isn't necessarily the right venue for every celebration.
We look beyond the photographs to consider accommodation, guest capacity, privacy, accessibility, supplier arrangements and the possibilities for different parts of your wedding.
For example, a venue might have a wonderful outdoor setting but limited alternatives if it rains, or restrictions on music that affect your evening celebration.
Understanding these details early helps you make a more informed decision.
Understanding Seasons, Timing and Logistics
Tuscany changes considerably throughout the wedding season. Summer heat, daylight, evening temperatures and the distances between locations can all influence how a wedding should be organised.
We consider these practical details when helping you plan the ceremony, aperitivo, dinner and celebrations that follow.
The aim is to create a natural flow that works for your guests, your chosen venue and the time of year.
Honest Advice From Local Experience
Sometimes our most valuable advice is explaining why a particular idea may not work as well as expected, and suggesting an alternative that better suits your priorities.
We believe good planning means being realistic from the beginning, while finding thoughtful ways to bring your ideas to life.
For a closer look at Tuscany's different regions, venues and wedding seasons, explore our Tuscany Weddings Guide.
Who Will Actually Plan Your Wedding?
We are Sonja de Graaf and Milos Dokmanovic, the husband-and-wife team behind FunkyBird Weddings.
When you choose us as your wedding planners, you work directly with both of us throughout the planning process. From venue selection and budget decisions to supplier proposals, timelines and final preparations, we are both personally involved.
Depending on the stage of planning, one of us may be your main point of contact or take the lead on a particular task. However, we make important decisions together and remain closely involved from beginning to end.
Our Team on Your Wedding Day
On your wedding day, we are both present, leading the coordination and overseeing the different elements of your celebration.
For larger or more logistically complex weddings, additional team members work alongside us. They help manage different areas simultaneously, but they don't replace our personal involvement.
For additional celebrations, such as a welcome dinner, brunch or pool party, at least one of us is personally present when those events are included in the agreed planning coverage.
Our approach is personal and hands-on. We want you to feel confident about who is looking after your wedding, from the first conversation to the celebrations themselves.
Wedding Planning in Practice
Every wedding brings its own decisions, practical challenges and unexpected moments. Good planning means preparing carefully, keeping everyone coordinated and knowing how to respond when something needs attention.
These two weddings offer a glimpse into the work we do behind the scenes.
A Two-Day Wedding at Artimino
For this celebration, we guided the couple through venue selection, budgeting, suppliers, guest logistics, catering, styling, photography, music, lighting and the planning of both wedding events.
The ChallengeDuring preparations, several suppliers needed to work in different areas of the venue at the same time. Catering, florals, lighting and production all had their own schedules and setup requirements.
Our ApproachWe coordinated supplier access and setup timings so each team could work efficiently without disrupting the others. Everything was ready in time for the celebrations.
A Wedding Weekend at Borgo Petrognano
We supported this couple from the early planning stages, including venue selection, suppliers, catering, flowers, photography, videography, entertainment and the schedule for the wedding weekend.
The ChallengeOn the wedding day, we identified an unexpected catering issue before dinner service that needed to be resolved without affecting the couple or their guests.
Our ApproachWe worked directly with the catering team to resolve the situation before the meal was served. The couple could continue enjoying their celebration without needing to get involved.
What Full Wedding Planning Includes
Every wedding has its own priorities, but successful planning means keeping all the different elements connected.
From choosing the right venue to coordinating suppliers, guest arrangements and the wedding celebrations, we oversee the details that bring everything together.
The overview below explains the main areas we manage as your wedding planners. The exact scope, including any additional wedding events, is confirmed in your personal proposal.
| Planning Area | What We Do |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation & Wedding Concept | Understanding your ideas, priorities, guest numbers, budget and the overall direction of your celebration. |
| Venue Search | Shortlisting suitable venues, comparing their possibilities and practical requirements, and arranging viewings. |
| Budget Planning | Establishing a realistic budget, reviewing costs and helping you prioritise important decisions. |
| Wedding Ceremony | Practical guidance and coordination for symbolic, civil or religious ceremonies, including relevant local arrangements and requirements. |
| Supplier Selection & Coordination | Recommending suitable professionals, requesting and reviewing proposals, managing communication and coordinating their services. |
| Venue Visits & Meetings | Organising venue visits and relevant supplier meetings when you travel to Tuscany. |
| Catering & Tastings | Coordinating catering proposals, menus, tastings and the practical details of food and beverage service. |
| Flowers & Styling | Helping establish the visual direction and coordinating florists, rentals, venue arrangements and styling details. |
| Hair & Makeup | Helping you select suitable professionals and coordinating trials, appointments and wedding-day timing. |
| Photography & Videography | Helping select suitable professionals and coordinating their requirements with the wedding-day schedule. |
| Music & Entertainment | Coordinating DJs, live musicians, entertainment, technical requirements and performance schedules. |
| Lighting & Event Production | Coordinating lighting, sound, rental equipment and technical setup with the relevant professionals. |
| Guest Logistics | Guidance on accommodation, transportation and practical arrangements for your guests where needed. |
| Detailed Wedding Schedule | Creating and coordinating the timeline for your celebrations, including supplier schedules, setup and important transitions. |
| Weather Contingency Planning | Discussing alternative arrangements and coordinating suitable backup plans with the venue and suppliers. |
| Wedding Weekend Coordination | Overseeing suppliers, timings and on-site arrangements for the wedding celebrations and additional events included in your agreed planning service. |
How Our Wedding Planning Process Works
Planning a wedding abroad involves many decisions, but the process should feel clear and manageable.
We guide you through each stage, from our first conversation to the wedding celebrations, so you always know what we're working on and what comes next.
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Getting to Know You
We begin with a relaxed video call to understand your ideas, priorities, guest numbers and preferred dates. We'll also explain how we work and answer your initial questions about planning a wedding in Tuscany.
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Venue Selection and Budget
We help you find a suitable venue and establish a realistic budget. Together, we consider accommodation, guest experience, the number of celebrations and the practical possibilities of each location.
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Ceremony Arrangements
Whether you're planning a symbolic, civil or religious ceremony, we discuss the relevant arrangements early in the process. Where legal formalities are involved, we help you understand which planning steps and timelines need attention.
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Building Your Supplier Team
We help select the professionals who fit your wedding, review proposals and coordinate communication between everyone involved. You remain part of the important decisions without having to manage every detail yourself.
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Final Details and Timelines
As the wedding approaches, we confirm arrangements with the venue and suppliers, finalise the running order and coordinate the remaining details. We also prepare practical alternatives where weather or venue conditions require them.
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Your Wedding Celebrations
During your wedding, we oversee preparations, coordinate suppliers and manage the schedule on site. Our team handles the practical work behind the scenes, allowing you to enjoy the celebrations with your family and friends.
Planning a Wedding Weekend in Tuscany
One of the pleasures of a destination wedding is having more time with the people who have travelled to celebrate with you.
Rather than bringing everyone together for just one day, many couples choose to create a wedding weekend, with different opportunities to enjoy Tuscany and spend time with family and friends.
We help plan these celebrations as one connected experience, while giving each event its own atmosphere and character.
The Welcome Evening
A relaxed welcome dinner, aperitivo or pizza evening gives everyone a chance to settle in before the wedding.
We help organise the setting, catering, suppliers and practical arrangements, whether the gathering takes place at your wedding venue or somewhere nearby.
The Wedding Day
The main celebration brings together the ceremony, aperitivo, dinner and evening party.
When planning a wedding weekend, we consider how the wedding day fits alongside the other events, from guest accommodation and transport to the timing of preparations and celebrations.
The Day After
A farewell brunch, poolside lunch or informal gathering can be a lovely way to spend a little more time together before everyone heads home.
We help coordinate the venue, catering and arrangements so the final gathering feels relaxed and welcoming.
Not every wedding needs three days of celebrations. We help you decide what makes sense for your guests, priorities and budget.
Planning and on-site coordination for additional events are defined in your personal proposal.
What Happens on Your Wedding Day?
By the time your wedding day arrives, the important decisions should already be made. The schedule has been agreed with the venue and suppliers, responsibilities are clear, and practical alternatives have been considered.
Our focus now is making sure everything comes together as planned, while allowing the celebration to unfold naturally.
While You Enjoy the Celebration
Sonja and Milos personally lead the coordination on site.
Before guests arrive, we oversee preparations and check that the ceremony and reception spaces are ready.
Throughout the day, we manage the transitions between different moments, from the ceremony and aperitivo to dinner, speeches and entertainment.
We also keep suppliers informed of any timing adjustments, so everyone knows what needs to happen next.
When Something Doesn't Go Exactly to Plan
Even with careful preparation, unexpected situations can arise.
Weather may require a change of location, dinner might run later than expected, or a supplier may need additional time.
We work directly with the venue and professionals involved to find practical solutions, involving you when an important decision genuinely needs your input.
For larger or more complex weddings, additional team members support us in managing different areas of the celebration.
The idea is simple: you should be spending your wedding day with the people you love, not managing the people working behind the scenes.
Wedding Planning, Flowers and Photography
Wedding planning is at the heart of FunkyBird Weddings. Alongside this, we can also provide floristry and wedding photography through our own team.
For couples who prefer to combine these services, working together from the beginning can make communication, creative decisions and coordination more straightforward.
Flowers and Styling
Our floristry service brings together the flowers and atmosphere of your celebration, from the bridal bouquet and ceremony arrangements to the reception and dinner tables.
Having planning and floristry within one team allows us to consider the venue, layout and practical arrangements alongside the floral design.
Wedding Photography
Through FunkyBird Photography, Milos brings his experience as a Tuscany wedding photographer to couples who would also like us to capture their celebration.
His approach combines natural, documentary moments with timeless portraits, creating a photographic record that feels personal and authentic.
Explore Our Wedding Photography →
Floristry and photography are entirely optional. You are welcome to choose your own professionals, and we will coordinate their work as part of your wedding planning.
Wedding Planning Fees and Personal Proposals
Our full wedding planning service covers everything from the first decisions to the final celebrations. We believe in clear pricing, with a personal proposal that reflects the plans and requirements of your wedding.
Full Wedding Planning
Starting at
€6,500
Tax included
Includes planning and coordination for your welcome dinner and wedding day.
Full Planning From Start to Finish
From finding the right venue and selecting trusted local suppliers to managing your wedding budget, timelines, logistics and on-site coordination, we take care of the planning from start to finish.
For more complex weddings or celebrations extending beyond the welcome dinner and wedding day, we'll prepare a personal proposal reflecting the additional planning and coordination required.
Venue and other wedding supplier costs are separate from our planning fee.
Tell Us About Your WeddingWhat Our Couples Say
We got married in Tuscany and would like to sincerely thank FunkyBird Weddings for a fantastic weekend. All our guests were full of praise for them. They always had everything under control.
Throughout the entire planning process, they were incredibly organised and made sure we felt calm and relaxed. They consistently suggested a wonderful selection of suppliers who matched our style and taste perfectly. We would highly recommend them!
Where We Plan Weddings in Italy
Tuscany is our home and the heart of our wedding planning work. Based in Florence, we plan weddings throughout the region, from the beautiful countryside of Chianti and Siena to the rolling landscapes of Val d’Orcia and the historic surroundings of Florence.
Our local knowledge helps us guide couples towards the right setting while considering the practical details that make a destination wedding work smoothly.
We also plan weddings in selected destinations elsewhere in Italy, depending on the location and the requirements of each celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Planning in Tuscany
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We recommend getting in touch as early as possible, particularly if you're considering a popular wedding venue or a date during Tuscany's busiest wedding months. However, shorter planning timelines may also be possible, depending on availability and the complexity of your celebration.
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Absolutely. Many of our international couples begin planning from abroad. Through video calls, regular communication and our local presence in Florence, we can help you make informed decisions without requiring frequent trips to Italy. If you'd like to visit venues or arrange tastings, we can help coordinate those appointments.
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Yes. Venue selection is an important part of our full planning service. We help you explore suitable locations based on your guest count, preferred atmosphere, budget and plans for the celebration. We also consider practical details such as accommodation, accessibility and weather alternatives.
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Yes. We regularly work with couples who want to celebrate beyond the wedding day itself. This might include a welcome dinner, the wedding celebration and a relaxed brunch or pool gathering the following day. We coordinate the arrangements according to your plans, with the planning scope reflected in your personal proposal.
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Not at all. Wedding planning is our main service, and our in-house photography and floral design are entirely optional. You're welcome to choose your own photographer, florist and other suppliers. We'll coordinate with the professionals involved to ensure everything works together smoothly.
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Yes. We are both personally involved throughout the planning process and lead the coordination on your wedding day. Depending on the size and requirements of your celebration, additional team members may support us.
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Yes. We can help you understand the planning steps involved and coordinate with the appropriate local professionals. The exact documentation and procedures depend on your nationality and the municipality where you intend to marry, so official requirements must always be confirmed with the relevant authorities.
Let's Plan Your Wedding in Tuscany
Your wedding in Italy should be an exciting experience, not something you spend months worrying about organising from another country.
The right decisions, the right people and the countless details behind a beautiful celebration all make a difference. With our local knowledge and personal involvement, we take care of the planning and coordination while keeping you part of every decision that matters.
Whether you're imagining an intimate celebration or a wedding weekend surrounded by family and friends, we'd love to hear what you have in mind. Tell us about your plans, and let's explore how we can bring them to life together.
Because ultimately, it's not just about having a wonderful wedding. It's about enjoying the entire experience of getting there.
