FAQs

Question

What is the attire for the wedding?

Answer

The attire is black tie optional. We would love for all our guests to have a cohesive look; so much so that we are asking that everyone dresses in black (even the ladies)! Here is a further explanation of what "black tie optional" means: For men: A tuxedo is the most formal option (tie or bowtie). A black suit with a black/ dark tie is also perfectly acceptable. The goal is a polished and refined look. For women: A floor-length evening gown, mid-length cocktail dress, or past knee-length dress are all appropriate. A dressy jumpsuit or elegant separates can also work. Avoid jeans, casual dresses, and sneakers. Please, no white :)

Question

How should I dress for the church ceremony?

Answer

In a Catholic church, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, avoiding overly revealing or tight clothing, and not wearing hats or shorts. While there isn't a strict dress code, appropriate attire communicates reverence for God and the sacred space of the Mass. Ideas for covering your shoulders: scarfs, thin sweater, thin jacket You do not have to cover your shoulders or knees at the reception location, Villa Brasini.

Question

What is the historical significance of the church we are getting married at?

Answer

The basilica was built within the surviving structures of the ancient Roman Baths of Diocletian. The idea came from a Sicilian priest, Antonio Lo Duca. One summer morning in 1541, he had an extraordinary vision near the church of Santa Maria di Loreto in Trajan's Forum: he saw "a light more than white snow" emanating from the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. From this vision, Antonio was convinced that a temple dedicated to the Seven Angels must be built in the majestic thermal ruins. The project began in 1561, commissioned by Pope Pius IV for the construction of a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the martyrs. Michelangelo was responsible for the original design, which ingeniously integrated the existing structure into a new church plan.

Question

How do I know where to stay within Rome?

Answer

See the "Travel" section of the website! Brianna has put together a detailed PDF on where to stay within Rome, just click the "View" button on the page. Additionally, at the bottom of the "Travel" page, there is a list of hotels (They are the same as in the PDF). Steven and Becca's family will be staying in the purple area, Campo de Fiori, which is outlined in the PDF document. *When booking these hotels Brianna has recommended, please book through her with the information she has provided! You will get discounts and perks by using her. Contact Brianna at: brianna.celestina@fora.travel

Question

What will the weather be like while we are visiting?

Answer

Although we are not weathermen, we can give you our best guess! Currently in the week of late April to early May of 2025, the weather in Rome is VERY similar to the south here in the U.S. The high is in the low to upper 70's, with some 80 degree weather. It will be more humid, but the rainy season should be slowing down. The low is in the mid 50's- 60's. It will be hot in the day time- especially with the sun, but will cool off during the evening (needing a light jacket). I am hoping next year, in 2026, it will be very similar! P.S. if you see rain for the week we are staying, bring a small travel umbrella. Apparently, the umbrellas they sell to tourists break easily.

Question

What clothes should I pack?

Answer

COMFY SHOES! In Rome, most streets are cobblestones. Bring your most trusty, comfy, walking shoes (there is a lot of walking here). Airport outfit with compression socks! (Long flight = potential blood clots). We usually make our airport outfit comfy but cute, since we do night flights on the way there and do a little exploring when we land! We also recommend layering on the days we are exploring the city, as the mornings and evenings will be cool (pants, linen pants, long skirts, light sweaters) and the middle of the day will be much warmer (short sleeves and tank tops underneath; could do long light dresses). For purses, make sure it is more of a crossbody so pick pocketers cannot easily access your belongings (and make sure your purse or bag can zip up/ close securely so hands cannot easily dig in them). Pack lots of socks! Welcome dinner outfit, cooking class clothes, and wedding outfit!

Question

What are some other useful things to pack?

Answer

PASSPORT (go renew that if you haven't- this is your reminder), euros, umbrella (if it looks like it might rain), band-aids (we will walk a lot), empty bag for dirty clothes (like a grocery bag so it doesn't take up space), baby/ sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, mini packets of TISSUES (some of the public bathrooms here don't have toilet paper) a bag or purse that is easy to carry around while walking (and has secure zippers; don't recommend backpacks while walking through the city), a phone ring holder (people recommend this for all over Europe, but it attaches to the back of your phone and has a ring so your finger can stay glued to your phone will walking and taking pictures- you can find them on Amazon), a portable charger/ charging block, air tags (from Apple) so you can keep track of your checked bags, packing cubes to help consolidate clothes and things in your suitcase, and any medicine that you may need! (this includes cold medicine in case you get sick from traveling, Benadryl for allergic reactions, etc.) *I (Becca) will bring a literal pharmacy of medications over- so if you need anything please contact me! *CONVERTER VS. ADAPTER (You will need one or the other): Adapter: Easiest and smallest to pack. Not as complicated. Mobile phones, computers, cameras, tablets, and other electronic gadgets can all be recharged with the help of an adapter. Converter: Larger and bulky. A converter changes the voltage from high to low or low to high for devices like hair straighteners and hair dryers. When it comes to hair straighteners, hairdryers, and other appliances, a voltage converter alters the voltage from high to low or low to high. https://gootravelers.com/travel-adapter-vs-converter/

Question

Are there any activities that we will all do together?

Answer

Yes! Please see the "Schedule" section of the website for complete details. We need each person to RSVP for each event so we can get an accurate head count. For a shortened version of the events we have: Welcome Dinner on Thursday April 30 at 7pm by the Pantheon, Cooking class on Friday May 1 from 5pm- 8pm in Piazza Margana, and of course- the wedding ceremony at 4pm and the reception at 6pm. The Welcome Dinner and Cooking Class will be complementary, on us! *Brianna has compiled a list of things you can do in the city in the "Things to Do" tab. If you want to book any tours, we highly recommend you go through her so you can get the best experience possible. She has been to Rome 5 times, and knows a thing or two! She is also a travel agent. You can reach her at: brianna.celestina@fora.travel

Question

How long should we book for the trip for?

Answer

As long as you want! The welcome dinner will be Thursday, April 30th, and the cooking class will be Friday, May 1, and the wedding will be Saturday, May 2. We will fly Tuesday night (4/28) and land on Wednesday morning (4/29). Here is what we are doing: When we fly in, it will be a night flight. The night flight will be our "night's sleep" and we will land in the morning, around 10am. We get picked up from the airport, then usually tour around the city, close to where we are staying, until check in. Here you have a few options: You can book the night before (while you are sleeping in the plane) so you can go straight into the place you are staying and check in after you land. Or, you can request early check in (may or may not get it). Third option, is to ask for the hotel (not sure with AirBnb) to hold your items until you can check in. Do what works for you! The travel day will be laid back, and we can all meet up for tours, etc. the following day. From that time forward, we will have a loose itinerary of what we are doing!

Question

Any special things we should know about the culture?

Answer

1. Do not get a cappuccino after 11am; it is almost an insult to do so! 2. Dinner is later here, usually around 8 or 9pm 3. The best food is a block or two away from tourist attractions! (But you can't go wrong anywhere you eat) 4. Aperitivo is a favorite among the Romans, it's essentially getting drinks and appetizers before your dinner. Highly recommend roof tops bar for things like this! 5. Please don't jump in front of cars in the streets when walking- they don't stop and aren't scared of tourists suing them 6. Be on guard and aware of pick pocketers! Especially near all the major tourist attractions 7. Romans love when you try (or attempt) to speak their language! They are some of the friendliest and warm people 8. You will have to pay for most public bathrooms and sometimes the toilets do not have seats- be prepared!