Planning an Italian Lakes wedding? You need to know this
Venue: Villa Lario
Before you embark on your planning adventure for an Italian wedding in the Lakes, you need to understand why weddings this region are different to others in Bella Italia. Each unique area of Italy has its own rulebook, that’s why you really must work with planners who know the area.
The Lakes
Lake Como is up there as one of the most well-known lakeside wedding location, but accompanying its fame comes a higher price bracket.
Lake Garda is another stunning option, but weddings operate in similar ways to Como.
Lake Maggiore has become increasingly loved to secure the lake vistas, and with a lesser known name comes a more ‘welcomed’ price.
The Venue
Venues are limited. Unlike other Italian regions, there is not an expansive list of options; especially if your vision is actually on the lake.
Many venues operate on day rental basis, with very clear ‘in’ and ‘out’ times for set up. Extend beyond these times and extra fees will be required.
Separate accommodation must by organised and booked, which might involve transport for guests. Consider these costs when comparing.
Many venues have exclusivity relationships with vendors. The pro of this is vendors fully understand the venue and its challenges. The con is that you cannot ‘shop around’ on price or on style.
With limited vendors operating in The Lakes, prices tend to be inflated - no competition means they can set a price and stick to it.
Venue: Relais Villa Vittoria
Guest Experience
This requires very good planning, we would recommend planning as far in advance as possible if you are looking for a particular date.
Hotels are the most common and used accommodation option for guests, however they are the most expensive and rather limited. Consider that you might not be able to sleep everyone in the same hotel.
Transport is complex. It is important to consider the location of all your guests if you are organising shuttles, whilst considering the smaller roads and limited access.
When planning a Lakes wedding, you really do have to do organise everything for your guests – all events, all transport, reserve and book hotels.
Guests need to be fully informed on their costs and agree far down the line to enable you to book transport and accommodation. If you’re lacking this, then you will find this part the most stressful!
The Logistics
It is always fun to include a boat shuttle as part of your and your guest entrance/exit to one of the events. However, consider what happens if they cannot operate on that day - weather and lake height can affect this. Think of your plan B and be happy with it in advance.
Roads are not as tricky to drive around as those of Amalfi but always work with a trusted transport operator, well-experienced in navigating The Lakes, as it is likely the majority of your guests will not book their own car hire for this region.
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