I didn’t set out to plan a Pinterest-perfect wedding. We just wanted something that felt like us — meaningful, relaxed, and quietly elegant. Getting married here in Sicily, where I live, made that easier. Between the golden light, the olive trees, and the feeling that time moves just a little slower here, it already had the kind of atmosphere I was hoping for.
What made it even easier was my husband. I have to say he was fully involved, all the decisions we took together, and although sometimes we needed to adapt and accept things we preferred to be done differently, the outcome was exactly how we wanted our wedding to look.
So here’s a bit about what we did, what worked, and what I genuinely loved — not a how-to guide, just a few things that made our wedding day feel really special.
This isn’t a checklist or a how-to guide — it’s just one bride’s story of a beautiful day in Sicily, where simplicity lived in the smallest of choices.
The Venue That Set the Tone
We got married at Villa Bordonaro in Canicattì — and honestly, that one decision made everything else so much easier.
We were lucky though. The venue actually decided also our wedding date.
You need to know that people here start organizing their weddings 2 years in advance. We decided to get married in February with a small ceremony (which at the end wasn’t really small). We went to check few places. When we were saying we want to get married on Saturday in the summer, they were asking if we were looking for 2026 (though it was February 2025)
Villa Bordonaro had someone changed the date so it means it was meant for us. We booked it within 2 days, and we started with the preparations.
The space is already stunning: a big garden, tall hedges, and that classic Sicilian charm you don’t need to dress up. And this is what we’ve been looking for: spontaneity and simplicity. We had both the ceremony and the reception there, which made everything feel smooth and simple — no car rentals, no complicated logistics, just one beautiful place from start to finish.
Our Colors Were Kind of Decided for Us
We didn’t spend hours picking a color palette. We actually did not pick a color palette. The garden was already so green and lush, and the white flowers just naturally worked with that. So we kept it classic: white and green everywhere. It looked fresh and elegant, and it matched the setting perfectly. I think that’s the key with old money weddings — you don’t force anything. You just let the natural beauty come through quietly.
I Wasn’t Sure About Baby’s Breath…
My husband (then fiancé) was actually the one who suggested baby’s breath. At first, I wasn’t convinced. I thought it looked too basic. I was used to look white roses on every wedding. But after a while, I kept coming back to it — there’s something so soft and unfussy about it. Eventually, I said yes to it, and now I honestly can’t imagine our wedding with any other flower.
We used it everywhere — on the cake, in my bouquet, on the tables. We mixed in a bit of greenery and that was it. So simple, but it filled the space beautifully.
Even now, when i look back i tell to my husband “You were right! I adore the flowers we chose!”
The Dress Came Sooner Than I Thought
Preparing a wedding in such short time meant also my dress might be huge problem. I always knew I wanted something simple – no big volume, just something that felt timeless and will allow me to move and dance effortlessly. I found my dress on the first weekend of trying. Once again, i was lucky, as i was not really ready to accept compromises over the dress. I went to a boutique on Saturday, and by Sunday morning, I had already made up my mind so the lady from the boutique was really nice to open the boutique on Sunday again and let me retry it and buy it.
It had a bateau neckline, soft sparkle, and a light drape that moved with me. Nothing over the top. Just classic. I felt like myself in it, and that’s what mattered most.
His Suit: Simple, Sharp, and Timeless
My husband wore a classic dark navy suit with a crisp white shirt, ivory tie, and boutonnière. No flashy accessories, no loud patterns — just clean lines and great tailoring. We didn’t overthink it. The goal was for him to look elegant and to buy suit which he can use in some other occasion. And that’s the thing about old money style: it’s not about chasing the latest cut or trend — it’s about choosing pieces that speak quietly but confidently. His whole look felt sharp, timeless, and completely in harmony with the rest of the day.
If You Want a Vintage Car… Do It
We didn’t need a wedding car since everything happened in the same place, but if we had, I already had my eye on a vintage Spider convertible. It’s those little touches — the ones that aren’t about showing off, just about adding a little charm — that give a wedding that old money feel.
So if your wedding involves moving between venues, go for something vintage or classic. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Just thoughtful.
You can also use your own car. And we did our own car for my arrival and saved on renting a car.
The Reception Felt Easy
We kept things simple — really. No overdone floral arches or balloon installations. Just string lights, round tables with white linens, vintage-style glasses, and those tall vases with baby’s breath. And it was beautiful.
Here in Sicily, you have the possibility to do different combinations for the table setting. We decided for the classic and did not make a lot of modifications here.
When the sun started to set and the lights turned on, it was kind of magical in the quietest way. The whole garden just glowed. I didn’t need to stress about centerpieces or elaborate place settings. Everything felt right without trying too hard.
For us was important our guests to have fun and enjoy the wedding.
The Favors: Something People Would Actually Keep
I didn’t want to spend money on things people would throw it in the garbage the next day, so we gave guests little potted succulents in white ceramic cups. We also had our traditional confetti wrapped in ivory cloth and tied with deep green ribbons — both elegant and personal.
They looked beautiful on the table, but more importantly, they felt like something meaningful.
What It’s Like Organizing a Wedding in Sicily
Honestly? I really enjoyed it. I would do it all over again, although initially i was against big wedding.
Weddings here already have a strong sense of tradition and elegance, especially when they’re held in historical venues. You don’t have to invent much — just go with the natural beauty and quality that’s already there.
Of course, organizing a bigger wedding does come with its costs, even here. But we were thoughtful about what we spent on. Nothing wasteful, nothing flashy — just things we really cared about.
When we were preparing the wedding we knew we do not want to be just for us, but also the guests to have fun. That is why we also decided to pay rooms for the people coming from outside so they can feel more comfortable and save them extra headache to look for a B&B.
What Actually Made It “Old Money”
It wasn’t the dress. Or the flowers. Or the villa.
What made it feel old money was how calm and grounded it all felt. We weren’t trying to impress anyone. We just wanted our wedding to feel timeless, honest, and real. We were present, we laughed, we danced, we spent time with the guests and we let the day carry us — and I think that’s what makes a wedding unforgettable.
If You’re Planning Your Own…
Start with the things you really care about. Don’t worry about copying trends. Find a venue that already feels beautiful. Choose a dress that makes you feel like you. Keep the colors natural and soft. And don’t be afraid to say no to extras you don’t really want.
And if you’re still choosing your ring, you might love our full guide to old money engagement rings — it’s filled with simple, elegant styles that last.
Questions and Answers about Old Money Wedding
What is an old money wedding?
An old money wedding is all about quiet elegance. It skips anything flashy or trendy and focuses on timeless choices — like simple dresses, soft color palettes, meaningful venues, and thoughtful details. It’s more about feeling grounded and graceful than showing off.
What are the colors for an old money wedding?
You’ll usually see colors like white, cream, green, navy, and soft pastels — tones that don’t fight for attention but instead create a clean, refined backdrop. We went with white and green, and it couldn’t have felt more natural.
In my wedding, we chose white and green naturally, inspired by the beautiful outdoor garden of the villa where the reception was held. The combination felt fresh, elegant, and timeless — perfectly capturing the old money aesthetic.
