Dreaming of a perfect wedding is something many people do, and if your vision includes a paradise-like setting, stunning views, and a breathtaking sunset, then Santorini, Greece, is the ideal destination. Known for its postcard-worthy landscapes, charming white houses, and crystal-clear blue waters, Santorini offers the perfect romantic setting for your big day.
Planning a wedding in such an iconic location might seem challenging, but with the right preparation, you can turn this experience into a magical and unforgettable journey. In this blog, we will guide you through every step of the process, from setting the budget to the final details of the ceremony and reception. Whether you are just beginning to envision your wedding or are already in the initial stages of planning, here you will find practical tips, valuable suggestions, and plenty of inspiration to make your wedding a dream event.
1. Setting the Budget:
A wedding in Santorini can range from an intimate celebration with just the couple to large parties with numerous guests. Therefore, before anything else, it’s crucial for the couple to define the size and type of celebration they want and make a list of everything they dream of for their big day.
Another important point is the cost for guests. If the couple is willing to cover travel expenses, make sure to consider the costs of airfare, transfers, hotels, and leisure options during their stay. With these details clear, we suggest starting to look for local wedding agencies to begin budgeting and comparing prices. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from at least three different agencies, not just for price comparison but also to choose the one that feels most attentive and trustworthy.
2. Setting the Date:
The best time to get married in Santorini is from May to October, with May and September being perfect for those who want to save money, as these months are considered off-season. Despite the lower prices, the weather is still warm and pleasant, ideal for both the celebration and the photo session.
3. Choosing the Venue:
Santorini offers breathtaking landscapes and numerous options for your big day. Celebrations can take place with views of churches, the sea, cliffs, or even the volcano. Ceremonies can occur throughout the day, including sunrise or sunset, ensuring amazing photos.
4. Documentation and Legalities:
Greece offers both civil and religious weddings. If you are not a local or are not marrying a local, make sure you understand the documentation required and consider all costs for issuing certificates, translations, and authentications. We preferred to skip this bureaucratic part on the suggestion of our wedding planner, so we had our civil wedding in our country of residence and only went to Greece for the celebration. The celebration can be conducted according to various religions, but make sure with the agency if the celebrant speaks your language or if an additional translator is needed.
5. Transportation and Accommodation:
Don’t forget to book your flights and accommodation in advance for better prices, especially if you plan to marry in high summer when prices are higher and hotels are always fully booked. Driving in Santorini can be a bit challenging, so a good option for peace of mind is a transfer service for airport/hotel journeys, local tours if you are staying a bit further out, and for transporting the couple and guests on the day of the celebration. Many agencies offer this service or have partnerships for recommendations.
6. Defining Package Items:
Violinists, bands, and plate-breaking are just a few of the numerous experiences agencies offer in their packages to suit all tastes and budgets. Services for the bride and groom’s day, such as hair, nails, and makeup by professionals who can come to your hotel for comfort and convenience, are also available. Always negotiate the essentials for the couple, as many agencies are open to removing items that seem fixed in the package but are irrelevant to the couple and replacing them with others.
7. Invitations and Communication with Guests:
Sending invitations in advance is crucial so that guests can plan comfortably, especially if they are covering their travel expenses. Ideally, this should be done at least one year in advance to allow them to organize their finances and schedule vacation time at work.
8. Planning the Ceremony and Reception:
Deciding the ceremony itinerary, including the order of events, such as photos before, during, and after, or just during and after, and the order of music and readings, is essential to ensure everything goes according to the couple’s dreams and preferences. Another point of attention is the food and drinks to be served, taking into account the couple’s preferences and guests’ dietary restrictions. Restaurants can offer anything from finger foods to complete menus from appetizers to desserts.
9. Clothes and Accessories:
Choosing and adjusting your wedding dress and the groom’s suit in advance is crucial due to travel. If the couple wants the bridesmaids and groomsmen to dress specifically, make sure everything is agreed upon well in advance, considering possible delays in delivery or adjustments, so everything is ready days before the trip. Ensure to check the weight of these clothes to avoid excess baggage fees and if your hotel offers ironing services. As for the bouquet, there are exceptional florists in Santorini who can promptly create the bouquet of your dreams, so have in mind the size, type of flowers, and colors you want.
10. Honeymoon:
Greece is an incredible destination, and besides being the perfect spot for a dream wedding, it can also be your honeymoon destination. With amazing islands to explore, you can choose from more tranquil places like Milos, Ikaria, and Paros, to more lively ones like Mykonos, Corfu, and Athens. Aegean Airlines can be a good option for accessing the islands more economically as it’s a local airline, or you can take the ferry, which is very comfortable and offers beautiful views of the open sea.
Planning a wedding in Santorini can be challenging, but with organization and local help, it will be an unforgettable experience!
Leave a comment if you have any questions, and we will be happy to help.
