Before You Pack
Things to Know
Everything you need to know about the trip, what's included, and what to expect from a few days in the Tuscan countryside.
Guest Contribution
$750 per person
We recognize this is a meaningful commitment, and we're incredibly grateful to everyone who makes the trip. We searched for a venue that would cover as much as possible under one roof — so that once you're here, you don't have to think about a thing.
Here's everything that's included:
3 nights at the castle
Private bedroom & bath in The Tower, Borghetto, or Fattoria
Breakfast daily
Every morning for all guests
Welcome pizza & wine party
Monday evening — 3 hours, unlimited
Panini truck lunch
Tuesday — before the ceremony
Wedding ceremony & reception
4-course family-style dinner, live music, open bar
Millefoglie wedding cake
A classic Italian celebration cake
Rave Cave after-party
DJ & open bar until ~2 AM
Pasta class & meal
Wednesday — a hands-on Tuscan experience
BBQ farewell dinner
Wednesday evening
Gelato cart
Because, Italy
Farewell brunch
Thursday morning on the terrace
Airport shuttles
Coordinated transfers from Florence (FLR) both ways
House red & white wine included with all meals. Cocktails, spirits, and beer available via bar service. Limoncello shots on arrival night — one per guest.
Payment details will be available once you RSVP and log in.
RSVP to ViewLate April in Tuscany
Weather
Late April in the Tuscan hills is beautiful — warm days in the upper 60s to low 70s°F (20–23°C), cooling into the mid-50s at night. Mostly sunny with the occasional spring shower.
Evenings on the terrace can get breezy, so bring a light jacket or wrap. And don't forget sunscreen — the Tuscan sun is deceptively strong, especially by the pool.
Dress Code
What to Wear
Different events call for different vibes. Here's a quick guide so you can pack with confidence.
Welcome Pizza & Wine Night
Monday EveningSmart Casual
Think Italian vineyard — linen, sundresses, loafers. Comfortable and breezy. You're making pizza and drinking wine at a castle, not sitting in a boardroom.
Wedding Ceremony & Dinner
TuesdayElevated Formal
Floor-length dresses for the ladies — jewel tones encouraged. For the gentlemen, dress sharp: a tailored suit, polished separates, or anything refined and put-together. More formal than cocktail, but not black tie. The ceremony is in the olive grove, so comfortable heels or flats are a smart call.
Rave Cave After-Party
Tuesday Late NightWhatever You Want
Swap into whatever footwear you grab from your room. The dance floor doesn't judge.
Chill Day — Pasta Class, Pool & Gelato
Wednesday DaytimeCasual & Comfortable
This is the pool and relaxation day. Shorts, sandals, sundresses, swimsuits. The gelato cart doesn't have a dress code.
Farewell BBQ Dinner
Wednesday EveningDate Night
Think a nice dinner out — not formal, but a step above poolside. A sundress, a clean button-down, something you'd wear to a restaurant on vacation.
Farewell Breakfast & Departure
Thursday MorningCome As You Are
You're heading to the airport after — dress for travel.
Don't Forget
Packing Essentials
You're spending three nights at a castle in the Tuscan countryside. Here's what to throw in the suitcase.
Swimsuit
The castle has a pool and hot tub — Wednesday is a full pool day, and it's open throughout your stay.
Sunscreen
The Tuscan sun is strong, especially by the pool. SPF 30+ recommended.
Light jacket or wrap
Evenings on the terrace can be breezy — mid-50s at night.
Comfortable walking shoes
The castle grounds are charming but uneven — cobblestone and gravel paths.
Rain layer
April can bring a quick sprinkle. A compact umbrella or light rain jacket will do.
Elevated formal outfit
For the ceremony and reception — see the attire guide above.
Something casual & nice
For the welcome pizza night — smart casual, Italian vineyard vibes.
A date-night outfit
For the farewell BBQ dinner — not formal, but a step above poolside.
Passport
Must be valid for at least 3 months past your return date. See travel documents below.
Good to Know
Adults Only
We adore your little ones — however, with a limited number of beds at the castle, we've planned this as a grown-ups-only celebration.
What to Expect
Villa Life
Castello di Ristonchi is a beautiful historic estate, not a hotel. You'll stay in shared apartments across three buildings — The Tower, The Borghetto, and The Fattoria — each with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Think of it as a really, really nice Airbnb with your favorite people.
The estate grounds — your home for the week
The Tower — rooms across multiple floors
Typical room layout — bed, bath, and living space
We'll work hard to make sure everyone has favorable accommodations. Couples will be kept together, and we'll do our best to group friends and family in ways that make the most sense.
Each room comes with bed linens, towels (bath, hand, and pool), toiletries, and everything you need. Check-in is at 4:00 PM on Monday and check-out is at 11:00 AM on Thursday.
Oh, and there's a pool.
Just thought you should know.
Open daily until 9:00 PM. Ristonchi pool towels provided — please leave the white bath towels in your room.
Before You Fly
Travel Documents
ETIAS Travel Authorization
U.S. citizens now need an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter Italy and most of Europe. It's similar to the U.S. ESTA — a quick online application, not a visa.
- • Cost: ~€7 per person
- • Time: ~10 minutes online, most approved instantly
- • Valid for: 3 years or until your passport expires
Apply at travel-europe.europa.eu/etias. We'll send a reminder closer to the date with exact timing.
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure from Italy. If yours expires before August 2027, renew it before you apply for ETIAS — the authorization is tied to your passport number.
We are so excited to spend this time with the people closest to us. This is going to be the best trip of our lives — and we can't imagine it without you.
We'll continue to update this site as we get closer — travel tips, schedule details, and anything else you might need. If you have questions in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Because this is a destination wedding with limited accommodations, our guest list is small and deeply personal — every name on it was chosen with care. If you know early on that you won't be able to join us, we'd be so grateful if you let us know. It would give us the chance to extend an invitation to someone else we're hoping to include. No matter what, you're here because you mean the world to us.