Antiche Scuderie Odescalchi: the ultimate location for a Christmas-themed wedding
Getting married in winter is an increasingly popular trend that leaves a lot of room for the creativity of wedding designers. In this interview with Ylenia Incecchi, location manager of the Antiche Scuderie Odescalchi, we talk about Christmas-themed weddings, a type of event that can charm guests and dazzle with its originality.
Why are more and more couples falling under the spell of the Christmas-themed wedding?
Christmas is a magical time, when the atmosphere is completely different from the rest of the year. Some couples choose the Christmas period precisely because they deeply love this festivity, so they take it as a cue to give their wedding a unique touch.
What is the ideal time to organise such an event?
The period runs from 1 December to the Epiphany. In a Christmas-themed wedding, in fact, the Christmas tree and all the elements that evoke this festivity cannot be missing, including themed favours and Christmas sweets, which can also be used as decorations for the fir tree.
Why choose the Antiche Scuderie Odescalchi to organise a Christmas-themed wedding?
The main requirement for those who choose to get married at this time is to find a location that has large indoor spaces, because there is a high possibility that the entire event will have to take place indoors. Indeed, considering the climate, one must start from this very premise. For everything to go according to script, even on the coldest days, it is essential to have adequate and partitioned indoor spaces: to organise the eventual authentic civil ceremony on site, for the two buffet moments (aperitifs and desserts), for the lunch served at the table and the concluding moment of the party. It is precisely these necessities that drive many couples to prefer the Antiche Scuderie Odescalchi to other venues. Our spacious and comfortable rooms, adjoining and heated by large fireplaces, make it possible to separate the various moments of the event, but still organise everything in maximum comfort. Added to these elements is the beauty of the outdoor areas. In December, autumn colours still dominate the vegetation: the orange and yellow ochre of the leaves, the warm tones of brown and the red of the berries, which enliven the area around the stream.
Can the event also be organised on public holidays?
Absolutely. For Christmas and Christmas Eve, we generally don’t get many requests, because couples prefer to let their guests spend those days with their loved ones. 8 December, 31 December and Epiphany, on the other hand, are very popular. A wedding on New Year’s Eve, in particular, turns into a big party, in which the guests participate with great pleasure. It is a fun and different way to start the year, in the company of friends and in a wonderful setting.
How far in advance should the date be arranged?
For the month of December, there is certainly more flexibility than for other times of the year. Couples who choose weekends and holidays generally book at least six to seven months in advance. There have been cases, however, where we have organised the wedding even in two months, without overlooking even the smallest detail.
Can getting married on a weekday have advantages?
Definitely. Even during the Christmas period, for those who choose the days from Monday to Thursday (except public holidays, of course), we have some interesting economic advantages.
Can the reception take place over lunch or dinner?
For the Christmas period, we generally recommend lunch. First of all because, if the day allows, part of the event can be held outside: the authentic civil ceremony, if any, an arm-in-arm service on arrival with hot snacks, a corner with mulled wine and chestnuts. A reception to be set outside, in fact, is only conceivable if the wedding is held during the day, when there is still light and the temperature is less harsh. Logically, if we are talking about 31 December, the reception must necessarily be at dinner. But, in this case, the winning element is the party itself.
How can menus be arranged?
According to the tastes and wishes of the bride and groom. In this period, we recommend particularly popular dishes, which are not suitable for other seasons. Warmer food, such as polenta and soups, can be included among the first courses or have a dedicated corner in the aperitif buffet. In addition, a dessert buffet containing only traditional Christmas desserts can be organised, a choice that is very popular with guests and is also particularly original. Finally, you can set up themed corners with tea, herbal teas and hot chocolate, a spirits tasting corner with whisky, rum and a wide selection of chocolates.
What are the possible options for fittings?
For Christmas-themed wedding arrangements you can range a lot. You can play on total white or more intense colours, using shades of green, red, gold and silver. Flower designers themselves include typical Christmas elements such as berries, fir twigs and poinsettias, available in different shades, including cream and burgundy. Customised light design focuses on lighting effects, candles, and the chiaroscuro of chimney flames. From our beamed ceiling, for example, candle spheres can be lowered to create the suggestion of a light rain. Or micro-lights can be installed on the ceiling to recreate the striking effect of a starry sky. In evening weddings, light design can also exploit outdoor spaces, with projections and light paths accompanying the entrance of guests and the bride and groom.
How does the after party come about?
The after party is a particularly important moment. In addition to music, which can include live performances and DJ sets, there are special corners such as the cocktail bar, during which Christmas-themed drinks designed especially for the day can be served.
What were the demands for Christmas 2024?
This year, the couple focused on the play of light and the play of fabrics, to be set up precisely by taking advantage of the beauty of our beamed ceiling. For the reception, the choice definitely fell on imperial tables. In addition to being a slightly different solution from the usual, their impressiveness makes them particularly suitable for the period, ideal for enhancing the arrangements with crystals and candelabras, which make the Christmas-themed wedding precious and refined.
For information or to book the venue: info@scuderieodescalchi.it – phone +39069988152 – mobile phone + 393470330807.
