FAQs
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
The closest thing we've found to describe what we have in mind for the wedding attire is "Garden Party Semi-Formal". Think Mediterranean summer vibes: midi or maxi dresses in floral prints, muted colors or pastels; summer suits, with or without tie, in lighter hues. Everything will take place outside, so consider packing a shawl, sweater, or light jacket in case there is a chill. We suggest wearing comfortable shoes that can handle uneven terrain, like block heels, wedges, or dress sandals (skip the stilettos!).
Question
I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?
Answer
If you or your plus one have any food allergies or any other medical conditions that we should be aware of, please let us know when you submit your RSVP so that we can accommodate.
Question
Are there any other events besides the wedding?
Answer
We are happy to invite all of our guests to a Welcome Cocktail on October 4th at Barcollo from 5pm to 7pm. Otherwise, you are free to do what you like before and after the wedding!
Question
Is there transportation to and from the ceremony?
Answer
We will be providing shuttle buses to and from Ortigia for the wedding. The exact location and timing of the pick-up and drop-off will be shared closer to the date, but it will be in a central part of Ortigia and therefore should be within walking-distance from your accommodations.
Question
What kinds of clothes should I pack for the trip?
Answer
In early October the temperature should still be pleasantly warm – summer weather without the boiling hot temperatures you would find in July or August. The sea will be at its warmest. There might be unexpected cooler days and evenings, maybe even with light rain, but by and large it will feel like summer. Pack like you would for an Italian summer holiday. Be sure to bring some beach attire for swimming and sunbathing as well as comfortable walking shoes (sneakers and flat sandals) and a sun hat. Shorts, loose fitting pants, flowy summer dresses and skirts, tank tops, and shirts in breathable fabrics like cotton and linen will be most comfortable. Consider bringing a light windbreaker, sweater, shawl or blazer to throw on in case there is a slight chill. This will also be important if you would like to enter the cathedral, where shoulders need to be covered.
Question
What else should I pack?
Answer
ACCESSORIES: We would also suggest bringing a cross-body bag, basket bag, or tote that is easy to carry with you when exploring the island. Opt for casual rather than fancy when it comes to your handbag – think beach vibes. Things like sunscreen, bug spray, and extra shampoo or conditioner can easily be purchased at a local pharmacy if needed. ELECTRONICS: If you are visiting from the US, please remember to pack an adapter for the electrical outlets and be sure that any electronic appliances like steamers, curling irons, and hair straighteners are dual-voltage. You can find dual-voltage "travel" appliances on Amazon if needed. Italian electrical supply is 230V which is much higher than in the US, so if you try to use your normal appliances, they will burn up. Most Airbnb's and hotels will be stocked with a blowdryer. WIFI & CELLULAR: If good WiFi is an absolute must for you on this trip, consider bringing a hotspot in case your accommodation does not have a solid connection. Some Airbnbs claim to have it, when in reality it barely works. If you are on an American phone plan, check with your service provider about options for international data packages and be sure to set something up before you leave so that you will have access to cellular data without paying a fortune for roaming.
Question
What's the best way to get to Ortigia from Catania Airport?
Answer
If you're not planning to travel outside of Ortigia during your trip, we'd recommend pre-booking a private transfer service or taking a taxi, bus, or train between the airport and Ortigia. Some hotels and Airbnb's will help you arrange the transfer in advance. Bus or train are the cheapest options, but require some extra walking and potentially waiting. If you would like to have the freedom to travel outside of Ortigia to visit other places in Sicily during your stay, you can also rent a car. You just need to be mindful of where you park and enter as Italian town centers usually have a "ZTL" zone which is restricted access and can result in fines if entered during the wrong time of day. Please have a look at the Travel section of this website for more details about the various travel options. We are still trying to gather more recommendations for airport transfer/ taxi services, and will send out another update on this before the wedding.
Question
Do you have any sight-seeing recommendations for the area?
Answer
Please check out our updated "Things to Do" page where we have added a Google Maps list of our favorite spots around Ortigia, along with some of the main sight-seeing attractions for the area.
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations in Ortigia?
Answer
As the island of Ortigia is quite small, you can't really go wrong when choosing which part of the island to stay in. We personally like the eastern and southeastern part of the island, but it's all very close together. There are many boutique hotels and B&B's to choose from. We recommend searching on Booking.com or Google Maps to find something that meets your budget and preference. When we travel to Ortigia, we prefer renting an apartment through an app like Airbnb or Booking.com, which is especially great when you're traveling in a larger group. There are tons of cute apartments - try to find one with a rooftop terrace! Ortigia is also a nice place to have access to a kitchen, especially if you prefer to eat a hearty breakfast (i.e. something more than a pastry) or cook some midnight pasta after a night out. The ingredients you can find on the island are fantastic, thanks to the local market. At the bottom of this blog post, there are a few hotel and B&B options to check out as well: https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/syracuse-sicily-ortigia
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
We have limited capacity at our venue, so unfortunately we are not able to offer every guest a plus one up front – even though we wish we could! If you do have a plus one, it will be noted on your invitation.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
We love your kiddos, but this is an adults-only wedding.