Georgia Louise Weddings
Photography: Matteo Coltro, David Bastianoni
Few planners understand the nuances of a wedding in Italy quite like Georgia Louise Weddings. Led by Founder & Creative Director Georgia Louise Brescia, the team is known for orchestrating some of the country's most inspiring and unforgettable celebrations. With a deep understanding of the country’s wedding landscape, they craft experiences that are as seamless as they are stunning. But behind the beauty—and the effortless feel of it all—lies a reality few talk about: hidden costs. Here, Georgia Louise unveils the often-overlooked expenses of planning a destination wedding in Italy, and how to navigate them with confidence.
Georgia Louise Weddings
Photography: Matteo Coltro
Choose a Local or
Well-Connected Planner
One of the most effective ways to avoid hidden fees is to hire a local wedding planner—or at least one with extensive experience and strong vendor relationships in your chosen destination. A local expert can flag potential pitfalls early on (such as seasonal rate hikes or tricky venue logistics) and negotiate better deals thanks to their established rapport with trusted suppliers. They’re also more likely to be familiar with local regulations, event permits, and any regional quirks that could affect your plans. This level of insight can save you both money and stress.
Georgia Louise Weddings
Photography: Andrew Bayda, David Bastianoni
Read the Fine Print:
Venue Contracts Often Include Extra Fees
Keep in mind that many villas and venues in Italy include additional charges, from room cleaning fees to staff overtime, power usage, or exclusivity clauses. As wedding planners, we always review every contract in detail, ensuring our couples understand what’s included and what’s not before signing.
It’s easy to fall in love with a venue’s charm and overlook the fine print, but small details can have big financial implications. For example, fees for extending music after midnight or additional power for catering equipment can come as surprises later on. We help couples clarify these terms during the selection phase and, when possible, negotiate more favorable conditions upfront. Understanding these terms early allows you to plan wisely and avoid budget blowouts.
Be Prepared for Security Deposits
It’s pretty common for Italian venues to require a security deposit. These costs can be significant and should be factored into your overall budget early on. The deposits are refundable but must be paid in advance—sometimes months before the event. We help our couples keep track of all deadlines and ensure deposits are properly documented and returned on time. Knowing when, and how much, you’ll need to provide helps avoid unexpected cash flow issues during the planning process.
Georgia Louise Weddings
Photography: Matteo Coltro, Vangelis
Book Nearby Accommodations in Advance
Destination weddings often involve large groups, so it’s crucial to secure hotel rooms near the venue early. Waiting too long can lead to limited availability and higher rates—something we always help our couples manage proactively. In peak season, hotel availability around popular venues can drop fast, especially in smaller towns or lake regions. Reserving early allows you to negotiate group rates and block rooms for guests, making travel more convenient and cost-effective.
Plan Transportation Early for Better Rates
Organizing guest and vendor transport is often underestimated. Booking in advance not only ensures smoother logistics but also helps secure more competitive pricing. We coordinate all transfers to align with the wedding timeline. Whether it's shuttle buses, private cars, or water taxis on Lake Como, demand tends to spike during wedding season. Early coordination helps avoid last-minute costs and ensures vendors and guests arrive on time.
Georgia Louise Weddings
Photography: Kir & Ira, Matteo Coltro
Build a Precise Timeline to Avoid Overtime Fees
Venues, photographers, videographers, and musicians going over time can lead to costly extras. Even 30 minutes over schedule can trigger overtime charges across multiple suppliers. We create detailed timelines not just for the ceremony and reception, but also for setup, deliveries, and breakdown. Aligning everyone, from florists to lighting techs, is crucial to avoid bottlenecks. A tight, well-communicated timeline helps your day unfold effortlessly and keeps your budget intact.
Understand What’s Needed for Larger Setups
Elaborate installations or production-heavy designs may require earlier access to the venue or more time for setup and breakdown, often at an extra cost. We liaise with all suppliers to confirm what’s feasible within the venue’s access hours and advise couples accordingly. Some venues, in Italy and beyond, have strict rules on when vendors can enter and must exit, which can affect your design possibilities. We evaluate your creative vision against the venue’s technical and time limitations early in the process. This helps balance beauty and feasibility without risking additional fees or delays.
Georgia Louise Weddings
Photography: Andrew Bayda
