FAQs
Do people speak English in Puglia?
Many taxi drivers, waiters, and shop owners speak at least some English, especially as related to their business, but someone stopped on the street may not. Generally, the more touristy a town or town center, the more likely someone working there will speak more English. Also, the younger someone is, the more likely they are to speak some English. However, it's always a good idea to ask if if they do first!
What is Puglia/Ostuni like?
The region is very scenic, and slower paced than a big city like Rome. It's a great place for day trips, beach days, and exploring historic Old Town centers. Driving/getting around is fairly easy, people are quite nice, and the area can be as exciting or relaxing as you want it to be. We recommend looking up a few towns of interest to you in the area (some suggestions at the bottom of the page), but also leaving extra time for wandering and something like a nature walk at the coast. Keep in mind that many cafes and shops close in the late afternoon, between lunch and dinner.
The below guide is also linked on the Logistics page and has some good info.
https://www.alongdustyroads.com/posts/useful-tips-puglia-italy
What is the dress code for the wedding?
Formal
Floor length dresses/skirts (color welcome!); tuxedos; dark suits [we hope this is a great excuse to wear something glamorous]. Consider bringing a light jacket or shawl for evening, just in case.
PLEASE NOTE for footwear - the ceremony will be outdoors, and dinner will be over small stones. Please prioritize comfort when selecting shoes, and if you opt to wear stilettos, heel stoppers are a great idea!
There is no dress code for the welcome dinner or the day after.
Will I need cash?
You will not need cash during the wedding, but for the trip we advise you to have some cash for taxis or other things that might not take cards just in case.
In Italy, it is common to tip only small amounts of Euros in cash for sit down meals (no more than 10%), taxi drivers, hotel porters, etc., but it is not required. This guide has helpful details.
What will the weather be like?
Likely high 60s/low 70s during the day, mid 50s at night (Farenheit)
Where is your registry?
Your attendance at our wedding is truly gift enough, so we have not included a registry.
What is there to do in Puglia?
In Ostuni, go to Forno 31, a 500 year old bakery (their focaccia and almond cookies are great), and make time to see the 30,000 year old skeleton of Delia, "the woman of Ostuni". Also, Caffe Monna Lisa has a great aperitivo if you need a snack before dinner.
The Castellana Caves (Italian: Grotte di Castellana) are a karst cave system located in the municipality of Castellana Grotte, in Bari, with daily tours available
Check out the ceramics made in Grottaglie!
The beaches in the area are beautiful, often not too busy, and offer nature walks as well! Beaches in the southeast of Italy
Plan a day trip to Lecce or Matera! In Lecce there is a parking lot "Parcheggio Lecce" near Porta Rudiae, where you can pay to park and go through the porta to Old Town. Make sure to get a "caffe leccese" at a cafe, and see the amphitheaters and churches! Quarto Basta there has great cocktails.
Matera is of the longest inhabited cities in the world, the 2019 European City of Culture, and the filming location for the latest Bond film. Get lost in the Sassi di Matera, take a slow hike across a ravine, stay in a boutique cave hotel, marvel at the beautiful cathedral, or join a walking tour.
A Note on Coffee and Breakfast
The coffee in Italy is truly exceptional, but you will not find American drip coffee anywhere, and iced drinks only some places.
'Un caffe' is an espresso. Italians drink espressos and macchiatos (espresso with a small dollop of milk) at any time, but will only drink cappuccinos or a latte macchiato before 11AM, as they have more milk. You won't be refused one later in the day, but you might get an odd look. A caffe americano (espresso with water) or latte macchiato would be the closest to a bigger cup of coffee. 'Doppio' is for two shots. In Lecce/close areas, you should definitely order a caffe Leccese if you like iced sweet coffee drinks! A cafe might make a shakerato, which is espresso that has been shaken with ice. A caffe corretto is espresso with a small amount of liquor (literally, a 'coffee correct' or 'corrected'). Add "por via" if you want it to go.
Similarly, few places will offer an American style breakfast with eggs. Italians normally start their day with an espresso and a pastry. Try a cornetto (similar to a croissant), maritozzo, or pasticciotto! La Gilda in Ostuni does have American options.