The question that is often asked by couples planning a Italian Lake wedding, ‘How much will it cost?’ and I’m sorry to say the answer is…ekkk…’how long is a piece of string?’
The purse strings can be a concern for any couple planning a wedding anywhere, throw in a foreign country and the question becomes even more important.. The answer is not simple, every wedding is different. Regardless of your budget, a clear idea of the costs involved in having an Italian Lake wedding is a huge help, get in touch and let me know your budget and I’ll happily suggest venues and ideas to suit you. So without any further delay, here is a rough guide to the costs involved in an Italian lake wedding…
The Wedding Ceremony
In Italy, you can have a civil (legally binding), symbolic or religious wedding. The prices vary tremendously depending on the venue, check out a few out the venues available in Lake Garda. If you have a civil ceremony, in addition to the venue hire, you will need to get legal documents done in your country (don’t worry your wedding planner will guide you through the process) It costs around £100 per person in the UK. After that, the documents will need to be translated and sworn in Italy, this costs around €800. Having a symbolic ceremony is a lot less costly, around €300 for a celebrant. Get in touch for more information about costs and procedures for your situation and nationality.
Wedding Flowers
You can pick and choose what flowers you would like for your wedding. Here are some tips on reducing the cost of your flowers. The prices below are approximations as it will depend on the flowers that you pick,
| €90 | Bridal Bouquet |
| €60 | Bridesmaids’ Bouquets |
| €8 | Buttonholes |
| €50-80 | Table Centre Pieces |
| €250-700 | Decorated Arch – depending on how many flowers there are |
| €100- €150 | Carpet Aisle Runner – depending on length |
There may also be delivery costs
Wedding Photography
Photographers’ charges vary a lot, at My Italian Lake Wedding we suggest a number of trusted wedding photographers with prices from €800- €2600. You can then look at their work and see who suits your style.
Wedding Music
There are many options here, musicians, bands, DJs or an ipod docking station if you wanted to prepare songs back home. Some venues request that certain music agencies are used which means the prices can be higher.
Here is just a sample of possibile options
| €300 | Solo musician such as a violin/cello/flute for 2 hours |
| €450 | Harpist for 2 hours |
| €1200 | String Quartet for 2 hours |
| €550 | DJ – usually 5-6 hours |
| €1800 + | Band for 5 hours (prices vary considerably) |
| €100 | Ipod docking station, sometimes free of charge depending on the venue |
In Italy, a music licence (SIAE) is required for all music that is played, the price of this changes but is approximately €400.
Wedding Hair & Make Up
Some brides choose to do their hair and or make up alone, others choose hair, make up, nails and massages for both her and her bridesmaids.
| €350 | Bridal hair and make up |
| €50 | Hair for bridesmaids |
| €50 | Make up for bridesmaids |
Boats to transport the Wedding guests
These are really difficult to price as they can be drastically different depending on the guest numbers, locations and even petrol prices. Get in touch with your specific requirements for an accurate quote.
Wedding Catering
This generally costs between €80 – €140 per guest for an aperitivo with drinks, three main courses (seated) and a buffet of desserts, wedding cake and wine during the meal. These prices depend on the venue and the menu choice.
Wedding Venue Hire
This varies enormously, get in touch for clear prices for individual wedding venues.
