© Italian Style Weddings
ITALIAN WEDDING COST: WHAT IS THE BUDGET NEEDED FOR YOUR DREAM WEDDING IN ITALY?
Discover the factors influencing a wedding in Italy cost, from venue choices to catering. Plan your dream Italian wedding within budget.
How much does a wedding in Italy cost?
Planning a wedding in the heart of Italy is a dream for many, but turning that dream into a reality requires a clear understanding of the financial landscape. As a premier destination for romance, the Italian wedding cost is incredibly varied, depending heavily on the region, the type of venue, and your specific vision.
The total cost of a destination wedding in Italy can range dramatically. While an intimate elopement might start from €5,000 to €15,000, a full-scale on day wedding for 100 guests often falls between €100,000 and €200,000 based on the location chosen. Multi-day events will exceed €150,000-200,000.
The wedding budget in Italy is generally distributed across a few major categories:
Planning a wedding in the heart of Italy is a dream for many, but turning that dream into a reality requires a clear understanding of the financial landscape. As a premier destination for romance, the Italian wedding cost is incredibly varied, depending heavily on the region, the type of venue, and your specific vision.
The total cost of a destination wedding in Italy can range dramatically. While an intimate elopement might start from €5,000 to €15,000, a full-scale on day wedding for 100 guests often falls between €100,000 and €200,000 based on the location chosen. Multi-day events will exceed €150,000-200,000.
The wedding budget in Italy is generally distributed across a few major categories:
Venue Rental: Often the first and most significant investment if onsite accommodation is not provided.
Food & Beverage (Catering): A close second, as Italian feasts are elaborate and multi-course affairs.
The Wedding Planner: An essential investment for a seamless destination wedding in Italy.
Photography & Videography: Capturing your special moments.
Flowers & Décor: Setting the aesthetic and ambiance.
Music & Entertainment: The soundtrack to your celebration. Whether you opt for live band or a Dj to entertain your party, your budget will be allocated differently to this service.
Transport: Depending on the location you might be able to host more or less guests at the chosen wedding venue. Guests' transfers are usually an unexpected cost which has an impact on the overall budget.
Italy's diverse landscape means that the venue you choose will be the biggest determinant of your overall budget. Prices fluctuate wildly based on the region's popularity, the type of venue, and whether you require exclusive, multi-day use.
A breakdown of the venue costs in the most sought-after Italian wedding destinations
Tuscany and Umbria: Known for rolling hills, vineyards, and classic elegance. Many venues require a 2-3 night buyout which increases the price but includes accommodation for a portion of guests. Accommodation is often covered by the guests directly making it a an excellent option as it allows couples not to allocate a big part of the budget towards a venue hire. With catering costs starting at 180 Euro per person, the budget of a countryside wedding in Italy starts at 1,000 Euro per guest for one day, 1,500 Euro for two days.
Amalfi Coast: It is a luxury and glamourous Italian wedding destination. Venues are often high-end hotels or exclusive villas, often requiring a high food and beverage minimum spend. Accommodation is always charged separately. with food and beverage prices starting at 400 Euro per person, the average cost of a one day wedding on the Amalfi Coast starts at 1,500 Euro per guest, while a two days affair is between 1,800 to 2,000 Euro.
Lake Como: Synonymous with elegance and exclusivity, it is one of the most expensive areas of Italy where a great part of your budget would be allocated towards the venue itself. Venues are mostly Villas with no onsite accommodation nor other services included, and with a hire fee ranging between 40,000 to 100,000 Euro per day. Food and beverage starts at 350 Euro per per person. All other services tend to be more expensive than the average, also due to logistics, pushing the required budget starting at 1,500-2,000 Euro per guests for the wedding day only and 2,500-3,000 Euro for two events.
Puglia: It offers a unique, whitewashed, and minimalist-chic aesthetic with a countryside vibe whilst being very close to the sea. The most popular venues are Masseria which, typically, sleep between 10 and 40 guests onsite and require a 2-3 nights buyout. venue hire is not required in this case and guests can pay for their own accommodation. Food and beverage services are around 170 Euro per person. A great one day wedding in Puglia can easily be planned within a 1,000 Euro budget, 1,300 Euro for two days.
Sicily: Its affordable value makes it an excellent destination wedding location for couples seeking authenticity and a more relaxed vibe. Venues offer accommodation at very reasonable prices and all services are generically better priced. A budget for a wedding in Sicily can go from 900 Euro per guests for one day, 1,200 Euro for two days.
Note: The above are average prices and actual costs depend on the venue and suppliers chosen as well as the extent of the details required for each service.
A breakdown of the venue costs in the most sought-after Italian wedding destinations
Tuscany and Umbria: Known for rolling hills, vineyards, and classic elegance. Many venues require a 2-3 night buyout which increases the price but includes accommodation for a portion of guests. Accommodation is often covered by the guests directly making it a an excellent option as it allows couples not to allocate a big part of the budget towards a venue hire. With catering costs starting at 180 Euro per person, the budget of a countryside wedding in Italy starts at 1,000 Euro per guest for one day, 1,500 Euro for two days.
Amalfi Coast: It is a luxury and glamourous Italian wedding destination. Venues are often high-end hotels or exclusive villas, often requiring a high food and beverage minimum spend. Accommodation is always charged separately. with food and beverage prices starting at 400 Euro per person, the average cost of a one day wedding on the Amalfi Coast starts at 1,500 Euro per guest, while a two days affair is between 1,800 to 2,000 Euro.
Lake Como: Synonymous with elegance and exclusivity, it is one of the most expensive areas of Italy where a great part of your budget would be allocated towards the venue itself. Venues are mostly Villas with no onsite accommodation nor other services included, and with a hire fee ranging between 40,000 to 100,000 Euro per day. Food and beverage starts at 350 Euro per per person. All other services tend to be more expensive than the average, also due to logistics, pushing the required budget starting at 1,500-2,000 Euro per guests for the wedding day only and 2,500-3,000 Euro for two events.
Puglia: It offers a unique, whitewashed, and minimalist-chic aesthetic with a countryside vibe whilst being very close to the sea. The most popular venues are Masseria which, typically, sleep between 10 and 40 guests onsite and require a 2-3 nights buyout. venue hire is not required in this case and guests can pay for their own accommodation. Food and beverage services are around 170 Euro per person. A great one day wedding in Puglia can easily be planned within a 1,000 Euro budget, 1,300 Euro for two days.
Sicily: Its affordable value makes it an excellent destination wedding location for couples seeking authenticity and a more relaxed vibe. Venues offer accommodation at very reasonable prices and all services are generically better priced. A budget for a wedding in Sicily can go from 900 Euro per guests for one day, 1,200 Euro for two days.
Note: The above are average prices and actual costs depend on the venue and suppliers chosen as well as the extent of the details required for each service.
The Culinary Feast: Food & Beverage Costs
In Italy, the reception meal is not just dinner; it is a lavish, multi-hour culinary festival, and as such, it will be the second-largest expense. The cost is calculated per person (p.p.) and includes a spectacular range of food and drink.
The typical Italian wedding menu will include the following:
The cost of a full catering service (see above for prices depending on the different regions), typically covers the welcome aperitif, the 3 course seated dinner, and wine/water service during the meal and the wedding cake. the dessert buffet or midnight snacks are quoted an an extra - usually between 7 and 12 Euro p.p).
Whilst a small selection of drinks is included at the aperitif and wine is included at dinner (half a bottle per guest as an average quantity), the open bar served after dinner is quoted separately. Prices go from 20 Euro to 60 Euro p.p for 2/3 hours, depending on whether you require mixologists. The open bar can be extended to cover the aperitif and dinner time too.
For pre and post-wedding events couples can budget between 50 Euro to 100 Euro p.p for casual events like a pizza party or a farewell brunch.
Note: The catering average cost per person tends to decrease slightly as your guest count increases and some caterers require a guaranteed minimum number of guests.
In Italy, the reception meal is not just dinner; it is a lavish, multi-hour culinary festival, and as such, it will be the second-largest expense. The cost is calculated per person (p.p.) and includes a spectacular range of food and drink.
The typical Italian wedding menu will include the following:
- Aperitivo/Welcome Drink (1.5 hours): A mix of tray service and buffet-style, the cocktail hour is an overwhelming array of local antipasti, cured meats, cheeses, fried snacks, seafood corners, and endless Prosecco, wine, and Aperol Spritz.
- Seated Dinner (1.5 hours + speeches time): A traditional sit-down meal features three courses. Usually the cocktail hour has offered enough antipasti so at dinner you would serve two primi (you would have a choice between pasta, risotto or ravioli dishes) and a secondo (meat or fish main course with a side). Of course you can have a lighter first course and start dinner with a starter instead. Either way, guests get served all three courses and dietary requirements are catered for separately. Unlike in the US guests do not get a choice on the day but can be offered one for the second course ahead of the event. An extra charge will be applied on the f&b cost.
- Wedding Cake: The traditional Italian wedding cake is often prepared in front of the guests providing a fun show-cooking experience for guests and couples.
The cost of a full catering service (see above for prices depending on the different regions), typically covers the welcome aperitif, the 3 course seated dinner, and wine/water service during the meal and the wedding cake. the dessert buffet or midnight snacks are quoted an an extra - usually between 7 and 12 Euro p.p).
Whilst a small selection of drinks is included at the aperitif and wine is included at dinner (half a bottle per guest as an average quantity), the open bar served after dinner is quoted separately. Prices go from 20 Euro to 60 Euro p.p for 2/3 hours, depending on whether you require mixologists. The open bar can be extended to cover the aperitif and dinner time too.
For pre and post-wedding events couples can budget between 50 Euro to 100 Euro p.p for casual events like a pizza party or a farewell brunch.
Note: The catering average cost per person tends to decrease slightly as your guest count increases and some caterers require a guaranteed minimum number of guests.
The Essential Services: Breaking Down Other Major Costs
Beyond the venue and the feast, several other professional services are crucial for a successful destination wedding in Italy.
Hiring an Italian wedding planner is perhaps the single most valuable investment for couples planning a wedding from abroad. A wedding planner is your eyes, ears, translator, and logistics expert, navigating local bureaucracy, time zones, and vendors. A good wedding planner saves you money by recommending trusted, budget-appropriate vendors and save you stress by managing contracts, logistics, and legal paperwork.
Full-Service Planning Cost of an expert planner is around €10,000+ (or 8-15% of the total budget).
A high-quality photo and video team is essential for preserving the memories of your beautiful day. Prices vary based on experience, coverage time, drone, and whether you opt for a package including both photo and video or individual packages. Both services can cost between 8,000 Euro and 13,000 Euro. Travel fees are often extra.
Floral design is a major category that drastically affects the look and feel of your wedding. Your budget here depends on the scale and complexity of your vision.
Ceremony and reception floral design starts from €12,000+.
Furniture rentals: Budget between €2,000 and €8,000 depending on whether couples choose the basic furniture included by the caterer when available.
Entertainment sets the mood, from the romantic ceremony to the lively after-party.
Hair & Makeup (HMUA) costs can be surprising due to the full-day service and often a trial run.
Other legal and miscellaneous costs:
Hiring an experienced Italian wedding planner is the single best decision you can make to ensure your budget is respected and your day is a seamless, magical experience.
Ready to start planning the budget of your Italian wedding? Contact us if you would you like a suggested breakdown of costs for a specific region in Italy.
Beyond the venue and the feast, several other professional services are crucial for a successful destination wedding in Italy.
Hiring an Italian wedding planner is perhaps the single most valuable investment for couples planning a wedding from abroad. A wedding planner is your eyes, ears, translator, and logistics expert, navigating local bureaucracy, time zones, and vendors. A good wedding planner saves you money by recommending trusted, budget-appropriate vendors and save you stress by managing contracts, logistics, and legal paperwork.
Full-Service Planning Cost of an expert planner is around €10,000+ (or 8-15% of the total budget).
A high-quality photo and video team is essential for preserving the memories of your beautiful day. Prices vary based on experience, coverage time, drone, and whether you opt for a package including both photo and video or individual packages. Both services can cost between 8,000 Euro and 13,000 Euro. Travel fees are often extra.
Floral design is a major category that drastically affects the look and feel of your wedding. Your budget here depends on the scale and complexity of your vision.
Ceremony and reception floral design starts from €12,000+.
Furniture rentals: Budget between €2,000 and €8,000 depending on whether couples choose the basic furniture included by the caterer when available.
Entertainment sets the mood, from the romantic ceremony to the lively after-party.
- Ceremony/Aperitivo Musicians cost around 1,500 Euro if they play for both moments or from 1,000 Euro each if you choose separate ensembles.
- DJ's cost starts from 2,000 Euro. Most would include their own equipment but if you choose a DJ from a different area, the equipment would be hired at an extra cost.
- Live Bands play a big part in the budget allocation as the starting cost is 10,000 Euro + tech rider. Most bands would come from the UK or Paris and would cost around 25,000 Euro with the equipment hire. Travel and accommodation are often an extra.
- SIAE Music Tax: A compulsory tax to play music at events (whether live or recorded). The cost is 350 Euro for the wedding day and around 180 Euro for extra events.
Hair & Makeup (HMUA) costs can be surprising due to the full-day service and often a trial run.
- Bridal Hair & Makeup: Starting from €800 – €1,500+ (often includes a trial).
- Additional Guests (Bridesmaids/Mothers): €150 – €300 per person.
Other legal and miscellaneous costs:
- Legal Paperwork & Translation Fees: For a civil wedding, budget €1,000 – €1,500 for translations, legal submissions, and registry fees.
- Symbolic Celebrant: For a non-legal ceremony, a professional celebrant costs around €1,000 – €2,000.
- Guest Transportation: The cost depends on the number of transfers (in some countryside areas roads are narrow so small minivans are required instead of bugger vans) and whether you offer a shuttle service. Budget around 2,000 Euro to 5,000 Euro for one day.
Hiring an experienced Italian wedding planner is the single best decision you can make to ensure your budget is respected and your day is a seamless, magical experience.
Ready to start planning the budget of your Italian wedding? Contact us if you would you like a suggested breakdown of costs for a specific region in Italy.
Phone: +39 391 478 8190 / +44 7515 693362
Email: info@italianstyleweddings.com
Email: info@italianstyleweddings.com