8 ways to save money on your Italian wedding
Photo/Video: Klassen Weddings x Tobi Films
Full disclosure….an Italian wedding does cost money…..sometimes a lot of money! This all comes down to your own taste and requirements.
The majority of La Lista couples report back that hosting an Italian wedding across 3 days of celebrations comes in on par what one day in their own country would be but offers more events for the price of one.
Our best advice? Don’t compare your wedding blueprint to anyone else’s, but handpick elements which you love and see if they fit within your own budget. It is no secret that everything is more expensive these days, so be realistic from the start as to whether you can afford one. What are your non-negotiables?
1. Rent a venue that has accommodation
Renting somewhere that some of your guests can stay and charging back for that stay can almost eradicate a venue fee line in your budget. When booking, make sure to check that you can host events at the property and whether there is a fee for multiple events.
Venue: Masseria Borgo Mortella
2. Really consider your guest list
Believe us when we say, intimate weddings seriously rock! Having your truest nearest and dearest around you for your wedding day is meaningful and overall, more chill for you as an experience. Couples have told us first-hand how much pressure they felt dissipate as soon as they reduced their wedding guest numbers. It can save you some cash, too.
Photo: Daina Hazel Photography
3. Rent décor
Lots of couples end up buying decorative items for their wedding – this can be a huge waste of money and time. All items can be rented locally through your planner, florist, equipment companies or your caterer.
Better still, join our Couples Community and find a couple hosting their wedding nearby to share decor. It isn’t as hard as it seems and it will certainly save the pennies and promotes sustainability.
Photo: Benjamin Wheeler
4. Recycle your flowers
Plan your décor using flowers that can be recycled through parts of the day or even for the day after if you’re having another event. Best to find a florist who’s up for this before booking them!
Amazing tablescapes aren’t always full of flowers, minimal is on trend and with a few other clever touches you can create an incredible atmosphere.
If you are asking your florist to move flowers during your day, be clear with the timings as this may well affect their hours quoted.
Florist: Caterina Ruggieri
5. Consider a photographer and videographer duo
Sitting top of many couple’s post-wedding regrets is not having a videographer. Luckily, we know many incredibly talented duos who work to exceptionally high standards in each area. Not only do they tend to come in at a lower price than a separate photographer and videographer, they have the same style and are used to working together which usually maximises the content they can get on your day and keeps a consistent style.
Video/Photo: ManiSol Wedding
6. Get a pre-loved Dresses
Rent your wedding week looks, your jewellery and even your wedding dress. There’s also some great preloved dress sites out there. Charity bridal shops often have designer dress samples donated and look out for sample sales too. Lucy got her designer dress from Oxfam (right).
Photo: Ed Peers
7. Work with a local, flexible caterer
Instead of working with the larger organisations, hunt out smaller, local caterers. They have lower overheads and operations which can mean they can offer more flexibility and lower prices overall, whilst still being comparable on the quality and volume they offer.
Caterer: Lodovichi
8. Do fewer things and do them well.
Be budget-clever when you are deciding on the elements of your wedding. Recognise when to narrow down and prioritise guests experience along with your priorities and you will thank yourself down the line!
Photo: Lato Photography | Musicians: Zagor Street Band
Want more ways to save money? Our membership, The Club offers wedding planning but with the confidence you’re doing everything right. Experienced wedding planner, Lucy White will provide you with all the tools and knowledge she has learnt over 10 years of delivering weddings in Italy. You don’t have to do this alone.
