7 Top Tips for a Wedding in Italy on a budget

Feeling the pinch? Here are some ideas about how to save a little bit of money 

while still having the perfect wedding in Italy…

1. Weekend weddings are usually far more expensive than weekday ones. If you get married in the week, you’re likely to pay much less for your venue, and also have a better chance that your dream venue will be available! Couples usually plan a weekend wedding so that guests will definitely be able to come, but seeing as you’re getting married abroad, chances are that your guests will take a few days off anyway, so the day of the wedding shouldn’t be a big problem.
2.  On a smaller level, you can save a little by choosing your flowers carefully. Seasonal flowers will be your best bet – if you want peonies in December, it’s going to cost you! Ask your Wedding Planner or florist to give you some guidance on which flowers are seasonal or in any case less expensive – they may provide you with lovely ideas that you’d never considered.
3.  You can also make some little savings with your choices of food. Consider a buffet option instead of a sit-down meal for instant savings.
4.  Obviously, the main reason for a higher or lower budget is the number of guests. Destination weddings tend to be a lot smaller than weddings at home (although this is not always true!) and keeping the numbers down will clearly save you money, particularly if you’re planning on contributing towards accommodation or flights.
5.  If you’re crafty and creative, DIY elements can also help you save the pennies. When done well, things you’ve made yourself don’t have to look cheap, and your Wedding Planner will be able to advise you and give you ideas. Cake toppers, hair pieces and guest books are easy to DIY and also fit neatly into your suitcases. If you have a friend who’s fantastic with makeup, getting her to do yours for the big day is an ultimate DIY shortcut!
6.  Go off the beaten track. This tip will certainly save you money! Getting married in the most popular regions can cost an arm and a leg, but this is simply because the demand has influenced the prices. If you’re willing to have your wedding in a lesser-known region, your purse will thank you and your guests will get to see somewhere truly Italian. The same goes for the venues themselves. The most popular venues have the biggest price tags, so let your Wedding Planner guide you to less famous venues which will be just as spectacular but with less of a hit to your bank account!
7. Avoid peak times. In Italy, the summer months are the most popular, and prices tend to reflect that. If you can, organise your wedding outside of May-September. October and early November still have very pleasant temperatures, and April is a beautiful month when all the flowers start to come out. Although rain is more likely in early spring, you can be prepared and even if it happens, it won’t ruin your day. Although rarely considered by foreign couples, Italian winter weddings can also be incredibly beautiful, particularly in the little Alpine towns in the far north.

Photo Credit: David Pullum Photography via bridalmusings.com