Getting married in Italy – La Dolce Vita

The ultimate guide to your dream wedding in Italy!

Italy is one of the most popular destinations for destination weddings.

Its breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, romantic beaches and delicious cuisine make it an ideal place to celebrate your big day.

If you’re dreaming of getting married in Italy, there are a few things you should bear in mind. In this blog post, you’ll find out everything you need to know about planning a wedding in Italy: from budget planning and the duration of the preparations to important tips for a stress-free process.

Why to choose Italy for your wedding?

Italy offers a variety of beautiful backdrops – from the hills of Tuscany to the picturesque villages of the Amalfi Coast and majestic lakes such as Lake Como or Lake Garda.

The mild climate, rich culture and excellent cuisine make Italy a romantic and unforgettable place to say “I do”.

Tuscany: hills, vineyards, and luxury villas
Amalfi Coast: cliffs, sea, and charming towns such as Positano
Lake Como and Lake Garda: tranquil lake landscapes, villas, and gardens
Venice: pure romance
Rome: The Eternal City offers history, architecture and impressive churches.

The budget for a wedding in Italy

The cost of a wedding in Italy varies greatly depending on the location, number of guests, season and type of event.

Here is a rough overview of the most important items: (PLEASE NOTE: this is an approximate estimate and may vary depending on your requirements.

Location: Renting a villa, castle or other exclusive location can cost between €10,000 and €80,000 euros (or even more). Smaller and less luxurious locations are often cheaper.
Catering: A wedding dinner with aperitif, several courses and wine can cost between €150 and €350 euros (or even more) per guest.
Decorations and floristry: Expect to pay between €3,000 and €15,000 euros (or even more) for elegant floral decorations, table decorations and other accessories.
Photography and videography: Professional wedding photographers charge between €3,000 euros and €8,000 euros (or more) for the day.
Music and entertainment: A DJ or band will cost between €2,000 euros and €15,000 euros (or more), depending on the duration.
Wedding planner: An experienced wedding planner will either charge a certain percentage of your total budget, have a flat fee, or charge by the hour.
Other costs: Other expenses such as hairdresser, make-up, transportation, overnight stays for guests and visits to the authorities should also be included in the budget.

In total, you can expect a budget of €35,000 euros to €50,000 euros for a wedding with around 50 guests in Italy (average value). Of course, there are also ways to save money, depending on how elaborate you want your wedding to be. The budget can also go up very quickly if you have specific ideas and want everything to be very exclusive.

How much time should you allow for planning?

Planning a wedding in Italy requires a little more time than a wedding in your own country, as there are some additional logistical aspects to consider.

Popular wedding venues in Italy are often booked up well in advance, especially during the summer months.
On-site preparations: At least one trip to Italy during the planning phase is recommended to view the location, test caterers and clarify other details.
Legal aspects: If you want to have a civil wedding in Italy, you must apply for the necessary documents in good time. Depending on your country of citizenship, this can take several weeks. You will often need birth certificates, certificates of no impediment to marriage and passports.

Important tips for your wedding in Italy

Book venues early: As many venues book up quickly, you should reserve your desired location as early as possible.
Travel planning for guests: Remember that your guests also need to plan their trip well in advance. Clarify the nearest airports, transportation options and accommodation.
Wedding planner: As weddings abroad are often associated with unforeseen challenges (language, local customs, legal regulations), it is advisable to hire a wedding planner to relieve you of this stress.
Plan B for the weather: Even though Italy is known for its beautiful weather, you should always plan for a bad weather alternative. Tents or indoor locations are a must.
Official documents: Make sure that all documents for the civil wedding are available in good time to avoid delays or problems.

Conclusion: Your dream wedding in Italy

Planning a wedding in Italy can be an exciting and challenging undertaking.

But with the right preparation and the support of an experienced wedding planner, your wedding will be unforgettable.

Italy offers everything you could want for a romantic and stylish celebration: stunning locations, hospitality and delicious food and wine.

With enough time for planning, a well-thought-out budget and professional help on site, you can enjoy your dream wedding in Bella Italia without any worries!