How Much Does a Wedding in Italy Cost?
Better budget for your Italian destination wedding with this wedding cost breakdown.
Italy is the country of pizza, pasta, vino, and most importantly, amore. Many couples from abroad dream of celebrating their wedding in Italy. However, weddings are also often an expensive affair, so before turning your dream into reality, one essential question arises: How much does a wedding in Italy actually cost?
Tp answer this question, reading real-life stories of those who have been through an Italian destination wedding can be extremely helpful! Here’s a detailed cost breakdown of a stunning destination wedding in the picturesque Umbria/Tuscany region of Italy. This intimate Italian destination wedding had 32 guests and spanned multiple days. It was filled with special touches, such as a private gelato truck, beautiful florals and live music.1
If you are considering a destination wedding in Italy, this breakdown will give you a clear idea of how much you may need to budget to make your dream wedding come true.
Italy: The Perfect Country for a Destination Wedding
Italy offers breathtaking scenery for your special day. From Tuscan hills to Lake Como’s sparkling shores, every corner is picture-perfect. Its rich history and cuisine make it ideal for romantic celebrations.
Whether you want a rustic villa or a glamorous lakeside estate, Italy has world-class venues to fit every style. With charming architecture and stunning backdrops, it’s a top choice for couples worldwide.
The best time for a wedding in Italy is from April to October. The weather is warm, and the landscapes are lush, making it perfect for outdoor events.
Wedding Cost Breakdown: Italy
Wedding Overview
| Guests | 32 guests |
| Cost | Approx. US$70,000 |
| Wedding | Symbolic |
| Venue | Tenuta di Casa Bruciata |
| Duration | 5 nights at the venue |
| Region | Umbria |
| Country | Italy |
| Wedding Planner | None (the venue had an onsite coordinator) |
| When | July 2023 |
Destination Wedding Cost Breakdown for Italy
Here is the full cost breakdown for a wedding in Italy (Umbria).
| Expense | Cost (US$) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Venue + Food, Drink, Planning | $23,390 | Includes accommodation, food, and drink for multiple days, olive oil favors, and event signage |
| Second Venue (Guest Accommodation) | $8,195 | 5 nights of accommodation to ensure guests had plenty of space |
| Florals (Wedding + Rehearsal Dinner) | $4,330 | Wedding florals and decor; added decor for the Rehearsal Dinner with an Italian trattoria theme |
| Photographer | $4,070 | 4 hours for the rehearsal dinner + 10 hours on the wedding day |
| Videographer | $4,070 | Full 9-hour wedding day coverage |
| Ceremony/Aperitivo Music | $750 | Harp and violin performances during the ceremony and cocktail hour |
| Reception Music | $1,540 | Duo that performed live music and DJ’d during the reception, keeping the dance floor busy |
| Gelato Truck for Pizza Night | $440 | Gelato served during the pizza night, offering 6 flavor options |
| Gelato/Beer Carts for Pool Party | $1,380 | A fun addition with gelato and beer taps at the pool party |
| Rehearsal Dinner at Vineria del Carmine | $4,230 | A highlight of the wedding experience; private al fresco dinner at a local winery, including wine and a 4-course meal |
| Rehearsal Dinner Band | $1,190 | Acoustic folk band for a fun and lively rehearsal dinner |
| Menu/Welcome Sign Design | $200 | Custom watercolor menus and signs designed for the rehearsal dinner |
| Hair & Makeup (Trial + Wedding Day) | $900 | Includes a trial session and wedding day services; added services for moms/friends |
| Stationery (Save the Dates, Invites, etc.) | $2,170 | Custom-designed stationery with unique watercolors of the venue and their dog |
| Bride and Groom Attire | $3,720 | Two suits for the groom, the wedding dress, a second dress for dancing, accessories, and shoes |
| Transportation for Guests | $1,660 | Arranged transportation for all events to ensure guests could easily get around the hilly region |
| Officiant | $550 | Professional officiant who personalized the ceremony perfectly |
| Welcome Bags | $590 | Filled with local goodies, portable fans, custom cookies, and wine from the rehearsal dinner winery |
| EUR → USD Fees | $4,500 | Exchange fees for EUR payments made throughout the trip |
| Total | Approx. $70,000 |
Wedding Highlights and Tips
One key to planning a destination wedding is being flexible with guest expectations. The couple initially sent save-the-dates a year in advance and received feedback on who could attend shortly after. As the wedding date approached, they adjusted their accommodation plans based on more accurate guest confirmations. Even with a few surprise attendees, their early estimates were fairly accurate.
Smaller weddings, especially for a destination event, offer a more intimate and meaningful experience. Surrounded by their closest loved ones, the couple could focus on celebrating without the pressure of entertaining a large group.
Hosting a wedding in Umbria, known for its authenticity and affordability, made the entire experience more special. Although it’s a bit harder to reach than other regions like Tuscany, it’s well worth the effort, particularly for a close-knit group.
More Wedding Cost Breakdowns
While the costs of a destination wedding can add up quickly, the result is an unforgettable event for you and your guests. To help you better budget for your destination wedding, check out our collection of wedding cost breakdowns here.
Learn more about the cost of a wedding in Italy in our other cost breakdowns for Villa del Balbianello or Villa Erba at Lake Como. For a cost breakdown of a French chateau wedding, visit our blog post here.
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