Introduction Hosting a Destination Wedding in Italy involves more than just selecting a venue; it involves curating a holiday for your closest family and friends. When guests fly from the UK, USA, or Northern Europe to Puglia, they aren’t just attending a ceremony—they are embarking on a Mediterranean adventure. This is why the Welcome Party (or Rehearsal Dinner) has become just as important as the wedding day itself. It is the official “kick-off” to your Wedding Weekend at Masseria San Biagio.

Why a Welcome Dinner is Essential for Destination Weddings

Logistics and emotions play a huge role. Your guests have traveled miles, navigated airports, and rented cars. When they finally arrive at the Masseria, they need to decompress. A Welcome Party serves as the perfect “ice-breaker.” It brings together the bride’s side and the groom’s side in a relaxed setting, allowing everyone to mingle before the formalities of the big day. By the time the wedding ceremony starts the next morning, strangers have become friends, and the atmosphere is significantly warmer and more intimate.

The “Apulian Village” Experience: Food & Style

For international couples, we suggest avoiding a formal seated dinner the night before. You want contrast. If your wedding day is elegant and structured, your Welcome Party should be rustic, loud, and fun—like a traditional Italian village festival (Sagra).

The Menu: An Authentic Culinary Journey At Masseria San Biagio, we recreate the authentic flavors of Salento right in our courtyard:

• The Mozzarella Show: A highlight for international guests. Watch our local cheesemonger hand-stretch hot mozzarella and create fresh Burrata right before your eyes.
• The Wood-Fired Oven: Nothing says Italy like pizza. We serve endless trays of rustic pizza and focaccia barese, baked with local flour and extra virgin olive oil produced on our estate.
• Street Food Station: Enjoy golden, deep-fried Panzerotti (filled with tomato and mozzarella) and Pittule.
• Farm-to-Table Pasta: Handmade Orecchiette served with fresh tomato basil sauce or turnip tops (cime di rapa).

Setting the Scene: Luminarie and Pizzica Folk Dance

The atmosphere creates the memory. We style our courtyard to reflect the soul of Puglia:

• Lighting: We use traditional Luminarie (intricate wooden structures with colored lights) and strings of bistro lights to create a magical canopy under the stars.
• Tablescapes: Long wooden trestle tables, fresh herbs (rosemary and olive branches), and local ceramics create a communal dining experience.

Entertainment: The Spider Dance No Apulian party is complete without Pizzica. This ancient folk dance, historically linked to the “bite of the tarantula,” is high-energy and infectious. Our professional dancers and musicians (with tambourines and accordions) don’t just perform; they pull you and your guests onto the dancefloor. Seeing your British best man dancing the Pizzica with an Italian grandmother is a moment you will never forget.

A Sample Timeline for Your Evening

To ensure a smooth flow, here is a typical schedule for a Welcome Party at Masseria San Biagio:

• 7:00 PM – Sunset Aperitivo: Guests arrive. Aperol Spritz, local Rosé wine, and taralli are served by the pool or garden.
• 8:00 PM – Live Food Stations Open: The Mozzarella and Fry stations begin service.
• 9:00 PM – Pizza & Pasta: Main courses are served buffet-style or on large sharing platters.
• 10:00 PM – Folk Music Starts: The Pizzica band begins to play.
• 11:00 PM – Gelato & Dessert: Fresh Pasticciotti (custard pies) and artisan Gelato cart.
• 12:00 AM – Rest: We wind down to ensure everyone is fresh for the wedding morning.

Accommodation and “Plan B”

Peace of mind is luxury. Masseria San Biagio offers on-site accommodation in our restored suites. This means your guests can drink local wine responsibly, knowing their bed is just a short walk across the courtyard. Worried about the weather? While Puglia is famous for sun, we have a foolproof backup plan. Our stunning indoor halls, featuring historic stone vaulted ceilings (volte a stella), offer a warm and atmospheric alternative that retains all the rustic charm, rain or shine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the dress code? We recommend “Casual Chic” or “Summer Smart.” Ladies should wear block heels or flats, as the historic stone floors can be uneven.
• Can we make speeches? absolutely. The Welcome Dinner is actually the best time for informal, funny, or longer speeches that might not fit the wedding day schedule.
• Do you cater to dietary requirements? Yes. Puglia’s cuisine is naturally rich in vegetables. We offer excellent vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.