While wedding costs can vary depending on factors such as venue, guest count, and vendor selection, this article will provide an overview of what you can expect for a wedding at Lake Como. The prices listed are based on 2024 rates, though keep in mind that costs tend to increase slightly each year. For the purpose of this breakdown, we’ll focus on a wedding with approximately 150 guests at prestigious venues such as Villa Erba or Villa Pizzo.
How Much Does a Lake Como Wedding Cost?
The average cost of a wedding at Lake Como for 150 guests is approximately €200,000. Prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the choice of venue, vendors, and personal preferences. For example, some couples may allocate more of their budget toward live music and lighting, while others may prefer to spend more on florals or décor. Below is a breakdown of typical expenses for a wedding at Lake Como.
1. Choose the Venue
Selecting the right venue is one of the first steps when planning your Lake Como wedding. The venue should align with your guest count and overall budget. With its beautiful lakeside locations, there is no shortage of picturesque villas to choose from. Two of the most popular venues are Villa Erba (with a capacity of 450 guests) and Villa Pizzo (with a capacity of 200 guests).
For these venues, you can expect venue rental fees between €25,000 to €35,000.
2. Catering
Italian cuisine is renowned for being some of the best in the world, and Lake Como is no exception. Good catering is an essential part of your wedding, and the cost generally ranges from €200 to €300 per person. This price typically includes an aperitif, a three-course meal with wine, and a one-tier wedding cake.
An open bar usually costs between €12 to €25 per person per hour, depending on the selection.
3. Music & Entertainment
Music and lighting are vital elements for creating the right atmosphere during your wedding. Costs for these services vary depending on your choice of entertainment. For example:
- Live Party Band: Starting at €8,000
- String Quartet: Starting at €3,000
- DJ: Starting at €2,000
If you opt for a full package with both live music and lighting, expect to pay upwards of €20,000. Prices can climb even higher depending on your selection of performers and lighting setup.
4. Transport
One of the unique aspects of Lake Como is the ability to arrive at your wedding via boat. Boat rental costs depend on the number of guests and the time of day, with prices typically starting at around €5,000 for 150 guests.
If you're looking to cut costs, buses are a more economical option, with prices starting around €1,800.
5. Flowers & Décor
Floral arrangements play an important role in setting the tone for your wedding, whether it's for the ceremony, reception, or the bridal bouquet. Costs for flowers can vary greatly depending on the venue size and floral choices. The typical price range for flowers is between €10,000 and €25,000.
For couples looking for extravagant floral displays, it’s possible to spend up to €50,000, while smaller weddings can keep costs lower with simpler arrangements.
6. Photographer & Videographer
The photographer and videographer are the people who will capture your memories to last a lifetime. Finding a professional whose style matches your vision is important.
- Photographer: Starting at €3,500, but prices can go up to €20,000 depending on the photographer’s experience and package.
- Videographer: Starting at €7,000, but more experienced professionals may charge more.
7. Additional Costs
In addition to the major components listed above, there are several other costs that may arise:
- Celebrant: Starting price €500 depending on the celebrant.
- Hair & Make-Up: Starting at €500 to €700 for the bride
- Furniture & Rentals: Depending on the venue and style of wedding, this can range from €10,000 to €25,000.
Extras such as fireworks, photo booths, performers (such as caricaturists, mentalists, or dancers), and unique entertainment options will add to your budget.
Conclusion
As you can see, the cost of a wedding in Lake Como can vary greatly depending on your choices and preferences. On average, a wedding with 150 guests will cost around €200,000. However, there are options for smaller weddings and more budget-friendly venues or restaurants located by the lake.
If you’re interested in having your dream wedding in Lake Como, feel free to reach out for a personalized consultation. We will work with you to bring your vision to life while ensuring your wedding is nothing short of spectacular.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at info@idoinlakecomeweddingplanner.com to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your ideas and make sure every detail is perfect for your special day.
With love,
Zaira
Bonjourno! I wanted to inquire about a Lake Como wedding possibly staying at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio and taking a boat for a ceremony at Villa del Balbianello. We aren't sure about dinner and if we should plan that at the hotel or at the ceremony site. We'd like to explore some options. The wedding would be around 25 people next June/July 2025. Grazie!