23 Details We’d Like to See at George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin’s Wedding

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin’s relationship may only date back 12 months, but we’ve fallen for the two lovebirds as quickly as they have fallen for one another. As they prepare for their nuptials this month (we hope!), we couldn’t help but try a hand at designing a day filled with all the poise and panache that is sure to flow from Venice, Italy, where the pair is expected to exchange their I do’s. Even if your celebration is far from the Floating City, you can inflect your décor and menu with the spirit of the historic port town and get inspired by the future Mr. and Mrs. Clooney.

The isolated and scenic Giudecca island is a three-minute ferry ride from Venice that offers multiple high-end accommodations within its small radius, making it a prime spot for George and Amal to celebrate. With Belmond Hotel Cipriani, a luxury hotel on the island, as the venue, guests could enjoy cocktails and water views from the building’s Fondamenta Terrace and later dine and dance in the Tiziano Ballroom. Reserving hotel blocks at nearby establishments, like The Gritti Palace and The Locanda Art Deco, would ensure each guest is comfortable, no matter the price point or next-day agenda (breakfast in bed vs. day at the spa). 

Often seen in botanical prints and rich shades, Amal is likely to appear at her rehearsal dinner in a ladylike but statement-making number, such as this silk-crepe gown by Nina Ricci. Because rumors are swirling that the bride-to-be might be working with Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton on her wedding dress, it’s only fitting that a crystal-embellished flower ring from the label would complete the look.

With some saying that George and his fiancée will hold a civil ceremony to exchange vows (whether at Chelsea Hall or upon arriving in Italy), it’s only fitting that the bride would have an ensemble dedicated solely to that occasion. Pairing a Dolce & Gabbana lace mini dress and embellished patent heels taps into Amal’s sensible and stylish aesthetic and has a timeless quality for the couple’s first kiss (and picture) as husband and wife. A bouquet of richly hued ranunculus, calla lilies, hypernicum, and wild grasses could add a splash of fall color to the sweet look.

This Carolina Herrera gown with a modified sweetheart neckline and satin embellishment is a chic update to a classic cut. The ladylike silhouette would flatter Amal’s tall, lean figure without limiting dining, dancing, and congratulatory hugs and kisses. Chandelier earrings, like these Oscar de la Renta pavé teardrop sparklers, were made for loose and voluminous locks, suiting the barrister’s signature hairstyle. An Oscar de la Renta box clutch could hold her essentials, while Manolo Blahnik satin pumps would add an eye-catching touch to the big-day ensemble. For the bouquet, an understated arrangement of white poppy anemones with inky centers would be a fitting choice. 

While George spent an estimated $750,000 on the emerald-cut stunner gracing Amal’s left hand, we would anticipate a more modest (ethically-mined) band, like this vintage diamond baguette ring sold by Brilliant Earth, would be added to her finger once the pair says, “I do.”

With Giorgio Armani tapped to outfit George for his wedding, the A-lister is bound to look as dapper as he did at the 2012 Academy Awards, when the Italian designer also dressed him. 

US Weekly reported the bride-to-be’s younger sister, Tala Alamuddin, will be Amal’s maid of honor; with ceremony details in flux, so are her duties. Regardless, we know the equally stylish Londoner would need a showstopper for reception circling and picture snapping, which is why we chose this Dolce & Gabbana lace peplum gown. 

While it has been estimated that the guest list will only include 60 invitees, the names of the attendants has remained hush-hush. Some say the Oceans cast, Matt Damon, and Damon’s wife, Luciana Barroso, will join the celebrations, as well as George’s tequila business partner and friend, Rande Gerber, who may be his Best Man, and Gerber’s wife, Cindy Crawford.

Sure, 100 cases of George’s Casamigos Tequila may be headed for Italia, but rather than serving the libation on the rocks, we would recommend a signature sipper trademarked by Los Angeles-based Craig’s. The bar first mixed the Skinny Amiga, combining Casamigos Blanco Tequila, pomegranate juice, and lime juice, in honor of the Oscar winner, who has become a loved regular at the establishment. 

The bride-to-be deserves a cocktail-hour drink tailored to her taste, too. Inspired by the muddled cucumber in an English Pimm’s Cup, we turned to Craig’s again for its recipe for The Cooler: muddled cucumber and mint combine with Absolut Citron, peach schnapps, and fresh lemon juice to make for a tasty toast (or two). 

Sighted vacationing everywhere from Seychelles to Tanzania, the future Mrs. and Mrs. Clooney are travel enthusiasts. Compasses that double as escort cards, similar to these designed by Easton Events, would help guests navigate to their tables (if only they could also keep track of the jet-setting pair!). Plus, the take-home item would provide friends and loved ones with a wedding-weekend memento, in lieu of a physical favor. Amal and George are likely to donate to a humanitarian relief organization, rather than to send guests home with goodies. 

Autumnal centerpieces filled with colors authentic to the Floating City would brighten reception décor, bringing warmth to each table at the intimate celebration. 

An eclectic mix of gilded, patterned, and textured dinnerware reflecting the couple’s elegant style could be divided among the place settings to give each course a dose of glamour. 

Per Italy’s dining custom, we would recommend a leisurely, seated four-course dinner served with sparkling water, chilled Pinot Grigio, and a regional red wine. Grilled tomato bruschetta, prosciutto-basil crostini, stuffed piquillo peppers with goat cheese, and crostini with ricotta, honey, and lemon zest would complete the antipasti course. 

A dish of classic spaghetti puttanesca would mark the next primo course of the Italian-styled meal.

Tables would be cleared for the secondi and contorni—main courses and side dishes—with gourmet choices of balsamic-marinated skirt steak seasoned with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, rosemary, and garlic; grilled branzino (known as the “European sea bass”) seasoned with thyme and bay leaves; orange, fennel, and olive salad with red-pepper flakes dressed in lemon juice and olive oil; and stewed baby artichokes with fava beans. 

To round out the meal, dolce—the sweet and final course—would arrive. Here Gorgonzola dolce, cream cheese, ruby port sauce, honey, black peppercorns, and cloves top warm, rustic white bread. Fresh figs and Mâche garnish the pastry for a photo finish. 

With travel being important to the couple, we would recommend boxed dinners for child celebrants packaged in crafty luggage containers—especially if Angelina and Brad arrive with their six children or if George’s two nephews make the trip from Kentucky with their mom. Kiddos can pack their suitcases and travel back for bedtime once the sun sets.

That the bride’s side is footing most of the bill isn’t the only wedding tradition we believe the couple will observe. For the twosome’s cake-cutting moment, we would choose a three-tier millefoglie, the customary wedding dessert of Italy made by alternating stacks of flaky puff pastry and rich Chantilly cream.

A dessert table piled high with sentimental sweets would give guests energy to dance all night. Transparent Pie and Derby Tart, Mason county specialties baked from secret family recipes, could be flown in from Magee’s Bakery (25 miles from George’s hometown of Augusta, Kentucky, and a rumored favorite café of his family’s). These could be offered along with baklava, a nod to Amal’s Lebanese roots, and Chelsea Buns, a historically British pastry (and simpler version of hot-cross buns). 

In an ode to the celebrity’s late aunt, Rosemary Clooney, George and Amal could perform their first dance to “I Only Have Eyes for You,” which appeared on four of the cabaret singer’s albums. Perhaps Andrea Bocelli could perform his own rendition, as US Weekly reported the couple booked the Italian tenor for reception entertainment.

With a couple this hot, a surprise after-party performance by a Grammy winner like Lorde wouldn’t surprise us one bit. 

What’s better for two avid travelers than a staycation? We would recommend some post-wedding R&R at George’s Lake Como home for a mini-moon with a plan to honeymoon during the winter holidays. Guests can linger in Venice for the next day or two or head home with colorful memories.