When Design Becomes Language: Inside the Third Edition of the WDC

In the world of high-end events, there is a fine line between decoration and design. From February 10 to 14, 2026, the historic city of Catania, Sicily, served as the backdrop for a profound reflection on this distinction. The third edition of the WDC – Wedding Design Course, created by visionaries Luca Melilli and Franco Cannata of Panta Rhei Wedding, has officially redefined the concept of professional education for the global wedding industry.

WDC is no longer just a course; it is an avant-garde educational format recognized for its quality of vision rather than just its curriculum. It is an immersive journey where design is treated not as a mere aesthetic choice, but as a structure, a thought process, and a deliberate intention.

Contemporary Workshop for Design-Driven Minds

For 5 days, 20 selected professionals embarked on a journey that integrated high-level theory with laboratory work and creative direction. Moving beyond the traditional concept of "styling," the WDC focuses on conscious design planning.

The sessions featured a prestigious lineup of international speakers from the luxury hospitality and events sectors, alongside practical workshops led by Franco Cannata. The goal was singular: to transform an abstract vision into a tangible, high-impact experience.

The Experiential Dimension: From "Yellow Duck" to "Mystic" Narratives

The education at WDC is validated through execution. This edition featured two exclusive "Rockstar" dinners dedicated to international planners and partners, showcasing the power of themed storytelling.

The "Yellow Duck Dinner": This event transformed an industrial truck into a sophisticated, immersive mono-pattern environment. It was a masterclass in irony and elegance, where textures and mise en place entered a coherent dialogue with culinary projects conceived by Chef Seby Sorbello.

The Mystic Dinner: Hosted at the historic Cappella Bonajuto, in Catania - Sicily, this evening explored a deeper, sensory narrative. With bronze tones, dark atmospheres, and hooded performers, the event paid homage to the memory of the venue, accompanied by a gastronomic journey designed to heighten the emotional experience.

WDC Connect: A Global Dialogue

A pivotal moment of the program was WDC Connect, a forum for direct dialogue between participants and 6 influential international planners from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Italy. This open discussion on market positioning and creative direction solidified the project’s international reach, offering participants a rare look into the requirements of the global luxury market.

The Grand Finale: A Total-White Synthesis

The program concluded with a spectacular Gala Dinner, representing the tangible synthesis of the WDC vision. Participants led the creation of a stunning "total-white" setup, utilizing organic cotton provided by SOFINE.

The evening welcomed over 100 industry leaders and editors. The atmosphere was made even more theatrical by Not Just Wedding, whose performances took place on a runway integrated into the imperial tables, turning the dinner into a performative act. Chef Seby Sorbello once again curated a conceptual menu designed to dialogue perfectly with the monochrome aesthetic.

A Vision Supported by Excellence

The 2026 edition was strategically supported by main sponsor Funivie dell’Etna, represented by Francesco Russo Morosoli. Beyond supporting the course, they provided international planners with an exclusive experience on Mount Etna—an iconic landmark that served as a majestic, authentic backdrop to the entire WDC journey.

Shaping the Future of Luxury Events

Through Panta Rhei Wedding, Luca Melilli and Franco Cannata continue to champion a couture-level approach to events. WDC does not simply train planners; it shapes design-driven minds capable of building coherent narratives and operating with a distinct identity on the international stage.