Welcome dinner locations: the most exclusive choices for your pre-wedding in Florence
Picture a summer evening in Florence: your guests arriving from all over the world, the Renaissance city glowing under the Tuscan sky, welcoming them with timeless beauty and art at every corner. Whether your wedding celebration unfolds in a Medici villa nestled in the hills or a charming borgo in Chianti, Florence remains an essential stop — thanks to its proximity to the airport and its irresistible allure. Hosting your welcome wedding dinner here — especially if your wedding is spread across several days — means treating your guests to a cosmopolitan and authentic experience, a sophisticated prelude to your big day. Based in Florence, we at Blanc Weddings are delighted to share four of our favorite welcome dinner locations for 2025: panoramic terraces, chic interiors, and refined menus that can turn your welcome dinner into one of the most memorable highlights of your wedding.
The Westin Excelsior
Among Florence’s most iconic locations, The Westin Excelsior is a symbol of luxury hospitality. Its panoramic rooftop is truly unparalleled, offering a breathtaking 360° view that stretches from the Duomo to the Arno, with Florence’s bridges and Renaissance skyline at your feet. Following a recent restyling, the interiors now blend sophisticated design with timeless elegance, creating the perfect stage to impress international guests. The culinary experience is entrusted to Cosimo, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where impeccable service and a world-class menu transform dinner into a once-in-a-lifetime event. With its seamless mix of elegance, haute cuisine, and spectacular scenery, the Westin sets the tone for a celebration that begins in grandeur and leaves your guests speechless.
The Hoxton Firenze
Recently opened inside two Renaissance palazzi in the heart of the city, The Hoxton Florence is a boutique hotel with irresistible international flair. Its signature style merges the timeless spirit of the Italian Dolce Vita with the cosmopolitan design language that defines Hoxton hotels worldwide. The venue is incredibly versatile: host up to 50 guests on the panoramic rooftop, 120 in the atmospheric Renaissance courtyard, or create a more intimate setting in one of the private dining rooms, decorated with curated vintage pieces and artisan-made details. The result is the sensation of welcoming your guests into your own chic Florentine home. Contemporary yet soulful, The Hoxton is the perfect choice for couples seeking a fresh, modern vision of Florence for their pre-wedding celebrations.
Obicà Firenze
Located on Via Tornabuoni — Florence’s most glamorous street of luxury boutiques — Obicà is a Welcome Dinner Location that masterfully balances heritage and modernity. The interiors are sleek and minimal, offering a striking contrast to the Renaissance courtyard framed by monumental arches and columns. The menu celebrates the best of Italian cuisine with a refined twist: from Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP to gourmet pizzas and traditional dishes reinterpreted with flair. Obicà is ideal for couples who want an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for breaking the ice among guests arriving from all over the world. Hosting your welcome dinner here means immersing everyone in Florence’s lively energy, combining authentic Italian lifestyle with contemporary hospitality in one unforgettable evening.
Cibrèo
Beloved by Florentines and a testament to the creativity of Chef Fabio Picchi, Cibrèo is a legendary name in Florence and an inspired welcome dinner location. It offers two distinct settings: the historic Teatro del Sale, with warm wooden paneling and velvet drapes for an intimate and theatrical ambiance, and the stylish Cibrèo Helvetia & Bristol, housed in the iconic luxury hotel, where cosmopolitan design meets culinary artistry. In both, the cuisine is the true star: authentic flavors reimagined with personality, tradition elevated by inventive flair. Choosing Cibrèo means giving your guests more than dinner – it’s a sensorial journey into the essence of Florentine taste and atmosphere, a celebration of hospitality that feels both refined and deeply personal.
How do you imagine your welcome dinner in Florence?
Whether you dream of a panoramic rooftop with breathtaking views, a Renaissance courtyard, a contemporary dining space, or an intimate salon filled with history, selecting the right welcome wedding dinner location is the perfect prelude to an unforgettable destination wedding. With its international expertise and deep knowledge of Tuscany, Blanc Weddings will guide you in curating the setting that best reflects your style and vision. From bespoke menus to flawless event design, every detail will be handled with artistry and care – ensuring your pre-wedding dinner becomes not only the opening chapter of your celebration, but also a cherished memory shared with your loved ones in the heart of Florence.