This detailed breakdown includes the wedding budget, as well as pre-wedding events and other essential costs.1 The total cost for the wedding with 121 guests amounted to approximately US$220k.
The couple chose the beautiful Villa Erba on Lake Como, which has been featured in films like “Ocean’s 12” and “Murder Mystery.”
Item
Cost (USD)
Villa Erba Rental (villa only, from Friday to Sunday)
$24,000
Food and Beverage
Italian weddings are renowned for their extravagant food offerings and accordingly, this was the biggest expense.
Item
Cost (USD)
Food and Beverage
$73,000
Cocktail Hours (3 hours)
Included
Seated Dinner (3 courses, dessert bar, cake)
Included
Midnight Snack (pizza and gelato carts)
Included
Photography and Videography
Capturing special moments was crucial to the couple, so they invested in both photography and videography services.
Item
Cost (USD)
Photographer (including engagement shoot)
$5,700
Videographer (2 videographers and 2 drone operators)
$2,400
Decorations and Rentals
The venue was stunning on its own, but the couple chose to enhance it with beautiful decorations and quality rentals.
Item
Cost (USD)
Tables, Linens, Décor, Table Settings
$6,200
Decorations & Floral
$16,000
Entertainment and Audio-Visual
The couple wanted to ensure their guests were entertained with a variety of musical acts and well-coordinated audio-visual setups.
Item
Cost (USD)
Entertainment/Music, Audio, Lighting
$20,000
DJ
Free (friends of my husband)
Guest Comfort and Transportation
Item
Cost (USD)
Shuttles
$4,400
Hotel for Family
$8,500
Stationery and Favors
Item
Cost (USD)
Place Cards/Programs/Menu Cards
$2,200
Save the Dates, Invites, Thank You Notes
$1,700
Favors (magnetic frames)
$165
Photobooth
$1,350
Pre-Wedding and Post-Wedding Events
The couple hosted additional events to make the celebration even more special.
Item
Cost (USD)
Welcome Dinner and Brunch
$10,700
Attire and Accessories
Item
Cost (USD)
Bridal Gown
$5,000
Bridal Gown Alterations
$1,000
Veil and Accessories
$165
Tuxedo
$3,900
Hair and Makeup
$3,300
Miscellaneous Costs
Other important expenses included wedding planning, dance lessons, and travel costs for international caterers.
Item
Cost (USD)
Wedding Planner
$9,000
Dance Lessons
$1,650
Flights for Filipino Caterers
$3,000
Airbnb for Filipino Caterers
$500
Car Rental for Filipino Caterers
$330
Flights To/From Italy (for us)
$6,500
Trip to Italy for Tastings and Trials
$5,000
Flight for Sister
$1,000
Rings and Gifts
Item
Cost (USD)
Wedding Rings
$2,200
Ring Insurance
$330
Gifts for Bridal Party
$550
Officiant
A professional officiant led the ceremony.
Item
Cost (USD)
Officiant
$1,650
More Destination 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.
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Thank you to the bride who originally published this breakdown on Reddit. We have rewritten her forum post to make it easier to compare with other cost breakdowns on our website. ↩︎
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