If you’ll be saying ‘I do’ surrounded by the picture-perfect scenery around Lombardy, then it’s important to find out what the average cost of a Lake Como wedding is. It’s no surprise that many couples are choosing to tie the knot in front of one of Italy’s most breathtaking backdrops. The average Lake Como wedding will cost between 90,000 EUR to 200,000 EUR for 50 to 100 guests. One of the first things to consider when it comes to this popular destination is working out your budget and getting an idea of what your overall Lake Como wedding costs are. So, we’ve put together some cost breakdowns to help you get started!
While different factors will determine your final budget*, including your choice of venue, the time of year, the number of guests, and your decoration style, it’s important to start planning ahead so you know from the get-go if this stunning wedding location is for you.
Find how much to set aside for your magical day in Northern Italy with our below guide to your average Lake Como wedding costs.
Lake Como
Lake Como, one of Italy’s largest and most renowned lakes, is a beautifully idyllic location to celebrate a destination wedding. The small, picturesque lakeside towns of Lake Como and Bellagio are popular wedding spots, thanks to their beautiful scenery, charming hotels, and luxury spas. You’ll also have views of the mountains and lush green hills as a picturesque backdrop for your unforgettable photos. The Italian lakeside setting is typically ideal for outdoor ceremonies, especially during the summer months. But you can also enjoy a mild climate during spring and fall if you want to experience nature and incorporate the lake into your special day.
Key Points to Think About
When you’re organizing a destination wedding, most aspects will be similar to a wedding at home. For example, planners, coordinators, venues, food and drink, decoration, flowers, rentals, and photographers. However, the difference is you’ll be doing your planning from much further away, which can be a bit more complicated. For instance, you might not be very familiar with your dream destination so make sure to do enough research to find trusted vendors and the best costs. It’s also important to note that Lake Como is one of the most expensive and glamorous locations in Italy to get married in, but there are a few ways to cut your costs down. For example, one of the most important factors that can affect your Lake Como wedding costs is your wedding date so make sure to get an idea of a few different options you have.
Overall, Lake Como is a stunning location that brings many engaged couples, newlyweds, and tourists from all around the world, especially during high seasons. So, if you can be flexible about the time of year you choose then you’ll see a reduction in costs.
Another key factor will be the size of your wedding. Not only will you need to think of venue space and catering, as you would for local weddings, but you should also consider your choice of accommodation and guest activities which could drive your costs up significantly. After all, everyone will need somewhere to stay! Typically, couples like to host a wedding weekend if they’re celebrating an international wedding, which means having some extra wedding activities planned for your guests to enjoy. So make sure to consider your guest list when budgeting for your special day beside the Italian lake.
Wedding Planners
A wedding planner is someone who can help you plan your big day from start to finish. They’ll be your trusted advisor while you’re planning so that you know what you need and don’t face any surprises. There are many reasons why a wedding planner will be a bride’s best friend. This includes reducing stress, saving money, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. For a destination wedding in Lake Como, a wedding planner is even more essential to help you create a truly personalized experience from afar. As this area is so popular, planners are well-accustomed to working internationally and making sure brides enjoy a magical day.
Although you might not have considered this extra cost, if you don’t know the area well and aren’t able to travel often during the lead-up to your wedding, then a local planner will save you time on researching and organizing logistics. Professionals will know how to understand your vision, and they’ll have the best contacts in the area. The average cost of a destination wedding planner in Lake Como is between 6,500 – 8,500 EUR. A lot of celebrity and affluent weddings take place in Lake Como so you’re bound to find some of the best planners in the country.
Wedding Venue
The first thing to consider when planning your Lake Como wedding will be the venue. There are several hotels, manors, and villas located along the shoreline which all make the perfect venue for your ceremony and reception. Depending on how low-key or luxurious you want your wedding to be, there are different options available. However, venues around the lake typically come at a higher price. So let’s take a look at some costs you should expect to pay.
One of the most famous villas in the region is Villa Balbiano. This villa starts at 22,000 EUR per day. Another beautiful venue is Villa d’Este which starts at 14,000 EUR per day for 100 guests. Villa Erba offers a stunning botanical park and is only accessible by boat, starting at 18,000 EUR plus 22% VAT. Villa Sola Cabaiatti is perfect for a more intimate wedding starting at 10,000 EUR plus 10% VAT in low season, or 16,000 EUR plus 10% VAT and 10% VAT event fee in high season.
Transport
The nearest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa International Airport. You can take the Malpensa Express to Saronno, where you can get a train to Como. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. You can also take a 40-minute train from the Milan city center (Milano Centrale) to Como San Giovanni. There are two more airports around the Milan area, these are Bergamo Airport and Milan Linate. All 3 airports offer both domestic and international flights to many a large number of destinations on a daily basis.
You’ll also have to think about transport around Como for your guests. This includes going from their accommodation to your wedding venue, or between your reception and ceremony. There are several private and public options for getting around the town. One of the best ways is by bus or boat for as little as 2 EUR per ride. There are also several urban and extra-urban lines that run at regular intervals. Some reach Como Lago Trenord and Como San Giovanni train stations. You can also make use of taxis at a higher cost of around 25 EUR for 5 miles. Car rentals for your stay will usually start around 500 EUR depending on the number of days you need. Do be aware that boats don’t run in the evening. So you’ll need to be careful when selecting your venue and guest accommodation.
Photography
If you’re choosing to celebrate your nuptials in this stunning location, there’s no doubt that you’ll want beautiful photos to remember the amazing moments. As this is a popular wedding location, you’ll find plenty of options when it comes to wedding photographers. But it’s still important to do your research. The most important point is to ensure that the person you work with understands what you envisage for your special day. You’ll also want a professional that can capture the impressive beauty of your natural surroundings. The average cost of a Lake Como wedding photographer is around 5,000 EUR – 7000 EUR. This will of course depend on the number of hours you need your photographer for and any transportation costs.
Catering
An Italian wedding means that you can enjoy one of the most famed cuisines in the world. The country is known for its array of culinary delights and regional specialties. You’re bound to have dishes that all of your guests can enjoy! In the Lombardy region, you can expect hearty and healthy traditional dishes including Bresaola, Cottoletta alla Milanesa, Tortelli di Zucca, Ossobuco, Risotto ala Milanesa, Pizzoccheri, Polenta, and of course Gran Padano is one of the most symbolic cheeses in the area. The cost of wedding catering in Lake Como depends on the type of service you choose. Typically, a three-hour wedding reception with a sit-down meal can cost between 250 EUR and 300 EUR per person.
Another option might be to have a buffet-style reception. This way guests can select a variety of dishes and eat as much as they want. Catering costs will include the dishes and the drinks that will be served during cocktail hour. You should also think about how much alcohol will be consumed during the reception. Keep in mind that your venue may have a list of caterers they work with. So if you choose to work with someone outside of this list then you could be charged a fee. If you’re able to search for your own caterer, definitely look around first. Your wedding planner will be the best person to ask for tips on who fits your budget.
Decoration & Flowers
The advantage of getting married in Lake Como is the stunning lake scenery to adorn your wedding backdrop. If you’ve chosen this impressive location you’ll want to compliment it with equally gorgeous decorations and flowers. Several factors will determine the cost of decoration and flowers. This includes the type of venue and the size of the wedding party. You can cut costs when it comes to wedding flowers, by using greenery instead of flowers, using seasonal flowers, using natural or recycled materials, and selecting smaller bouquets or floral arrangements.
However, if you’re able to splurge this is the best place to do so! You can create magical floral displays, photo booths, and reception seating to match the location. Use local flowers such as lilies, Italian poppies, pink primrose, saassifraga dell’argentera, silene di Elisabetta, Chrysanthemums, and Mimosa. The average cost of a wedding florist in Lake Como can range between 5,000 EUR and 8,000 EUR. When it comes to other decor elements the average for paper goods and signs is 600-1,000 EUR, ceremony arches average around 1,500 EUR, hanging installations will start from 1,800 EUR, and rentals will be between 1500 and 3,000 EUR on average.
Extra Costs to Consider
You’ll need to factor in additional Lake Como wedding costs too. This includes accommodation for you and your guests, flights to Lake Como, additional clothes for before and after the wedding, favors, and activities. Most couples will have entertainment, DJs, or a live band during their reception which usually starts at 500 EUR.
It’s also common to prepare welcome bags to show your appreciation to your guests for traveling so far. This usually includes a bottle of local wine, a local delicacy, a guide to Lake Como, and any essentials or fun items they might need for their stay. Also, take a look at shipping costs to avoid nasty surprises. For example, taking your wedding dress to Lake Como, or sending any presents back home. Destination weddings tend to include some extra events during the week. For example, a welcome dinner, post-wedding brunch, a tour of Lake Como, or even a day trip to Milan. So you’ll need to take note and add this to your budget.
Make sure your big day is exactly as you dream by knowing what to look out for when it comes to your Lake Como wedding costs. For more wedding tips head to WedBoard. You’ll find advice for all types of planning aspects including, Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Italy, The Most Important Questions To Ask Your Wedding Venue, and The Perfect Wedding Day Timeline.
Featured image: Miss Gen
*Please note that the costs of the venues mentioned here are based on rental prices alone and do not include additional costs pertaining to guest accommodations. As some of the venues may require you and a portion of your guests to sleep onsite for a specific number of nights, which may ultimately increase the total costs of the venue.
