What does lighting really cost in Italy?
Photo: Bayleigh Vedelago
Lighting has been hugely popular at weddings the last few years, with couples investing more in this area of decor than ever before. We’ve all seen gorgeous inspiring images of warm lights overhead a gorgeous banquet table, as the sun goes down on a stunning Italian landscape.
Lighting really adds to the atmosphere of the wedding and quite literally enables people to see each other and what they’re eating! It’s got to be right.
But like with most things in weddings, there’s more to know that just which lights to choose and sadly, they often cost more than expected. In bowl the La Lista team to give it to you straight!
1. Take advice on what lighting will work best, from a designer, planner or lighting expert. Your photographer might have some advice to share too. For example curtains of lights can look great but too many lights or the wrong bulbs can make areas too light and ruin the atmosphere rather than adding to it.
2. Have someone experienced there on the day responsible for lighting, even if it's an extra charge. Lights going out half way through dinner isn’t a good look!
3.“A back lit couple is a photographers nightmare”, says photographer Benjamin Wheeler. Having lighting strung behind you at dinner, or the first dance may seem a good idea but as Benjamin says, “it can ruin the photos"
450-700 euro
Photo: Studio Chloe David| Lighting: Central House
250-500 euro per chandelier.
Not all chandeliers are created equal! Be sure to check the size and shape of the chandliers themselves as well as how they will be mounted.
Photo: Ciznia Bruchini | Florist: Evelina Florence Flowers | Lighting: Pagani | Planning & Styling: Angela Mugnai
Always more expensive than expected; this often takes hundreds of metres of lights and hours of work.
Starting at 1000 euro up to 10,000 euro. The photo below was approx 3000 euro + 22% tax.
Photo: Harry Michael
These work nicely to accentuate buildings, trees, fountains or other focal points: 100 euro each
Photo: Sara Lincoln
Why is lighting so expensive, I hear you cry. On top of the cost of renting the lights and accompanying equipment, to do a good job requires a site inspection before the wedding. With most venues quite spread out that could be a 3-4 hour round trip. On the wedding day itself, the team could work from 3-5 hours and have to return the following day to take them down.
Compliments with minimal lighting to add to the location, not over take it (and reminder that too much lighting really is too bright and ruins the atmosphere!)
If you want your dinner to blow your guests away, invest here and peel back on the party.
Some venues (not many) have lighting in place permanantly. You can either use this or add your personal touch to it. Some venues do charge for the pleasure of renting their permanant lighting so be sure to clarify this.
This can save the venue and the lighting supplier time and hassle and potentially save you a percentage of the cost, too.
If you’re looking for more expert advice, supported by Q&As directly with the planners behind La Lista, check out The Club - our membership - launching soon.
You won’t want to miss it.
Written by Lucy White, Founder of La Lista & Wiskow & White, with over 7 years and 150 weddings worth of experience.
