We invite our friends to stay with us at Villa Valgiano while our family will be staying at nearby hotels/airbnbs. We plan on covering the cost of accommodations, most dinners, and some extra events. We ask you to cover flights and car expenses (if you would like to get a car).
If you do NOT have a current passport: We recommend scheduling a first-time passport appointment at USPS. If you have a passport: Many countries require your passport to be vaild for at least 6 months BEYOND your travel date. So, if your passport is expiring before November 2027, you will need to renew your passport which you can do online. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU APPLY/RENEW YOUR PASSPORT APPROXIMATELY 6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL! We don't want you to miss out on the fun due to passport issues so please allow adequate time for this process.
Typically, flights can be booked 11 months in advance, meaning you will be able to book your flights starting mid-June 2026. We recommend buying flights early or keeping a very close eye on flight trends/prices if you are not ready to book when flights first become available.
Flying OUT: In our experience, we have found cheaper flights flying out of Chicago, Detroit, and if you are up for a little driving, Toronto CA offers great prices as well. Flying INTO Italy: Villa Valgiano is approximately one hour from Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) - Florence International Airport. Flying into FLR would be the closest option if you would like to cut down on overall travel time. Flying into Rome may also be an option (and possibly cheaper). Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) is approximately a four hour drive (if you plan on renting a car) from Villa Valgiano. Italy's public transportation is fantastic and easy to navigate. There are many ways you could get from Rome to Florence besides renting a car. Booking a high speed train directly from the Rome airport or booking a short hopper flight from Rome to Florence are other options.
All guests can arrive at the villa at ANY TIME on May 13th. We are planning a pizza and pool party this day so the earlier you arrive the better!
It is not essential that everyone rents a car. However, if you feel you would like a car, you will need to get an international drivers license. This is an easy process and can be done through AAA. This costs approximately $20-30 and is valid for one year. For this reason, we recommend carpooling with other guests.
We ask that you celebrate in style with us in Garden Party Formal attire. Ladies: mid calf to floor length dress in fun colors, patterns and texture. Gentlemen: Suits with tie optional.
The wedding ceremony, dinner and after party will be outside. Most of the ceremony and dinner will be on grass, keep this in mind when considering shoe options.
In Lucca during May, average daily high temperatures range from 68F to 76F. The Villa has a pool so bring a swim suit in hopes for warm sunny days! Evenings remain cooler with average lows ranging from 50F to 57F. Light sweaters for evening time are advised.
As the wedding date gets closer, we will reach out to each guest and request flight information. If you are flying into Florence Airport and are not renting a car, don't worry we will assist you in getting to the villa. Many of our family members will have cars and will be able to assist with rides to the villa from the airport.