In the growth of every brand, there are moments that go beyond daily business goals. For Arkadia, the invitation to participate in the prestigious Italy for Weddings – The Event 2025 in Palermo was no coincidence. It was a clear sign that what we do is seen, recognized, and valued.

This event marked the culmination of years of dedication. We are building a system where a luxury wedding is not just an aesthetic experience, but a meaningful, emotional, and elegant journey.

Italy for Weddings – The Event 2025 brings together the crème de la crème of the luxury wedding industry – planners, designers, hoteliers, villa owners, artists, and logistics experts. Arkadia wasn’t just invited as a guest, but as an active partner.

What Made This Event Different?

The congress was held from February 18-21, 2025, in Palermo, in venues that tell stories of their own – Grand Hotel Des Palmes, Villa Igiea, and Villa Tasca.

The hosts carefully selected locations filled with history, elegance, and soul. They reminded us that true luxury is not about volume, but about meaning.

Being part of such an event means the industry sees you as a trusted, serious partner. What moved us most was the respect and openness we received – as professionals with something to share, to learn, and to inspire. And that’s exactly what we did.

Meeting the Professionals Who Shape the Industry

Our participation offered something you can’t schedule – authentic, inspiring encounters with professionals from around the world who don’t just follow trends but actively shape them.

Through panels, workshops, B2B meetings, and informal conversations, we shared ideas, spoke openly about challenges, and built relationships that went far beyond exchanging business cards. The conversations were honest, insightful, and full of shared passion for creating events that leave a deep impression.

Meeting top-tier experts from across the globe – people who understand how crucial detail, emotion, and local character are to a successful luxury wedding – was especially valuable.

This philosophy aligns completely with Arkadia’s approach – personalization, simplicity, and authenticity as the core of every experience.

The feeling of speaking the “same language” with professionals from the most developed markets confirmed that what we do carries both a local signature and international potential.

Day by Day – A Journey of Experiences

Day one began with a gala dinner at Grand Hotel Des Palmes, styled in black and gold – a blend of elegance, strength, and discreet sophistication. It served as a perfect introduction to what followed: an environment that values refined aesthetics as much as genuine human connection.

Day two, held in the beautiful atmosphere of Villa Tasca, featured workshops with Italian partners. Meetings with local suppliers, venue owners, and logistics teams were more than formal sessions – they were the beginning of future collaborations that will enrich our offerings for clients.

Day three focused on panel discussions at Villa Tasca exploring modern luxury and the expectations of high-profile clients. The theme centered around Sicily’s growing role in the destination wedding market, highlighting the island’s potential and the challenges faced by industry professionals.

Panelists discussed branding destinations, the role of social media, the importance of local collaboration, and innovations shaping the future – including artificial intelligence and digital personalization.

According to recent data, Italy hosted over 15,000 destination weddings in 2024, with 29% held in the south and on the islands – and Sicily showing exceptional growth.

The final evening at the elegant Villa Tasca, themed Sicilian Black Tie, was not just a farewell – it was a celebration of the values and friendships formed throughout the event. The atmosphere, decor, music, and every detail paid tribute to Sicilian culture and aesthetics. It was a living example of soulful luxury.

Watch the video and feel the atmosphere from the event – HERE

What Does Luxury Truly Mean in the World of Weddings?

One of the most valuable sessions of the event featured speakers Laura D’Ambrosio and Erika Mori, who posed a vital question:
“What do clients really want when they choose a luxury wedding – and how do we deliver it?”

Their insights can be summarized in three core questions:

1. What needs must be met for luxury clients?

• Full care from start to finish – airport pickup, transfers, permits, logistics, protocol, entertainment, insurance – everything must be anticipated and handled.

• Safety and seamless organization – the client doesn’t want to ask or double-check. They want to feel everything is already managed.

• Creative execution with local character – clients often have a vision but expect it to be realized at a high level, in line with the culture and possibilities of the location.

2. How do you define luxury?

• Authenticity and simplicity – luxury is not necessarily extravagance. Often, it lies in simple but perfectly executed details (like spaghetti al pomodoro served to royal family members).

• Individuality – the experience of luxury varies from person to person. A personalized approach is essential.

• Respect for local culture – clients want to experience the destination authentically, honoring its customs and people.

3. What kind of services and experiences do luxury clients seek?

• Unique, personalized experiences – they don’t want standardized hotel packages, but meaningful moments rooted in local culture, cuisine, and atmosphere.

• Exclusivity – privatized spaces and authentic interaction with the local community (for example, involving an entire village in an after-party) create unforgettable memories.

• Professionalism and attention to detail – they expect flawless service, complete discretion, and refined execution.

Luxury today has two dimensions:

• Old money – simplicity, education, cultural depth, directness, and quality over quantity

• New money – more complex expectations, a need to impress, but still a desire for authenticity

Despite the differences, the shared foundations remain: respect, care, and impeccable service.

As Laura D’Ambrosio summarized luxury in three words:
Simplicity. Authenticity. Adaptability.

Knowledge That Stays With You

Being part of this event wasn’t just about being seen – it meant joining a movement that’s pushing the boundaries of the wedding industry.

Through every panel, discussion, and conversation with peers from around the world, we strengthened our approach – confirming the importance of a planning process that is systematic yet flexible, and a design philosophy that respects space, tradition, and the identity of each couple.

We gained valuable insights into working in international settings, cultural nuances, and the logistical specifics of Italy.

We then connected that knowledge with our experience and transformed it into a clear strategy – one that gives our clients even more confidence, control, and an experience that bears the unique Arkadia signature.

What does the client gain from all this?
A system built on knowledge, care, international expertise, and inspiration drawn from the highest level of professional practice.

More Than a Destination Wedding

Palermo, Sicily, Italy – these aren’t just locations. They are characters in their own right.

Now, with the partners we’ve met and the knowledge we’ve gained, we can translate them into experience. Into a scenario that will not only look beautiful, but carry purpose, emotion, and meaning.

Our approach to wedding design and planning remains faithful to Arkadia’s core values – now enriched with fresh insights and powerful connections from this event.

For you, this means:

• more options
• more confidence
• and more reasons to trust a team that knows exactly where it’s leading you – and why.

More Than Just an Event

Italy for Weddings 2025 wasn’t just a date on the calendar. It was a milestone – a moment when Arkadia, a brand from Serbia with a clear international vision, stepped up to the next level.

It was an invitation to contribute, grow, and learn side by side with the best in the industry.

And we did just that – with pride, focus, and a vision that continues to evolve.

If you’re looking for a partner who understands the details, anticipates your needs, and has the system and team to bring it all to life with ease – we’re here.

The experience we’ve brought back from Sicily is your assurance that Arkadia understands what you want – even before you say it.