THE LAKE COMO WEDDING EXPERIENCE
como on!
AN INSIDER'S GUIDE
I DO
to saying
in Lake Como
When it comes to luxury weddings, Lake Como has rightfully earned its cult status.
More than a destination for the elite, Italy's most famous body of water is a hyper-real universe of epic grandeur, and effortless, time-honored beauty. Whether you envisage a Lago di Como luxury microwedding, or a more elaborate Lake Como affair, I've created this guide to help you navigate through venues, portraiture, planning agencies and more.
WEDDING IN COMO 101
BOOK THE DREAMIEST LAKE COMO VILLAS & VENUES
You've probably ogled the splendor of Villa Erba on Hollywood production Ocean's 12. Perhaps you've fallen head over heels with Anakin & Padme's Villa del Balbianello balcony scene in Star Wars, or thought of playing out your wildest 007 wedding fantasies ala Casino Royale on the very same grounds. It could be John Legend's wedding at Villa Pizzo that fuels your dreams, or maybe you're in for a House of Gucci- kind of scene, so Villa Balbiano beckons.
The dreamy list goes on with Villa d' Este where you might discover your neighbor is actually Leonardo di Caprio, while Grand Hotel Tremezzo & Villa Carlotta the two spectacular nearby estates can fit both your wedding parties, and your Lake Como ceremony... Have I mentioned the beauties of Villa Passalacqua, Villa Sola Cabiati, Villa Cipressi, Villa Gastel the Mandarin Oriental or Villa Pliniana? Not that the list is over with these.
The thing with these ah-mazing locations, however, is that because of their immense popularity with luxury affairs, they also happen to book before you can say "walk down the aisle". If you're interested in getting prepped someplace away from your ceremony & reception area, also consider Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio. Note that Bellagio is one of the few Como villages that come with little cafes and restaurants for your friends to have fun throughout their stay and it's closer to the most important Villas by boat
(but, more on that below).
You've probably ogled the splendor of Villa Erba on Hollywood production Ocean's 12. Perhaps you've fallen head over heels with Anakin & Padme's Villa del' Balbianello balcony scene in Star Wars, or thought of playing out your wildest 007 wedding fantasies ala Casino Royale on the very same grounds. It could be John Legend's wedding at Villa Pizzo that fuels your dreams, or maybe you're in for a House of Gucci- kind of scene, so Villa Balbiano beckons.
The dreamy list goes on with Villa d' Este where you might discover your neighbor is actually Leonardo di Caprio, while Grand Hotel Tremezzo & Villa Carlota the two spectacular nearby estates can fit both your wedding parties, and your Lake Como ceremony... Have I mentioned the beauties of Villa Passalacqua, Villa Sola Cabiati, Villa Cipressi, Villa Gastel the Mandarin Oriental or Villa Pliniana? Not that the list is over with these.
The thing with these ah-mazing locations, however, is that because of their immense popularity with luxury affairs, they also happen to book before you can say "walk down the aisle". If you're interested in getting prepped someplace away from your ceremony & reception area, also consider Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio. Note that Bellagio is one of the few Como villages that come with little cafes and restaurants for your friends to have fun throughout their stay and it's closer to the most important Villas by boat (but, more on that below).
HOT TIP ON LAKE COMO VENUES
Contact the properties you're interested in as early as possible to secure there is an available date, because some couples book them for more than the day of their wedding. That said, it is possible for some to offer you premises just for the ceremony, or give you a day pass for portrait shooting (the same happens with Villa Cimbrone, and Villa Ruffolo for some Amalfi Coast weddings), but never on the same day as any other bride and groom.
Which brings me to the next tip ...
CONTACT A LOCAL WEDDING PLANNER FIRST
Or at least, one who has been doing A LOT of Lake Como
Wedding work.
HERE'S WHY
Getting wed here is not for the faint-hearted. And I'm talking about the planners. You must ensure your wedding planner knows all venue owners, or has at least collaborated with most, that their vendors know their logistics (you'll be surprised how many florals can get boil waiting inside a boat to get transferred across the lake - because in Como almost all carrying is done in speedboats). What is more a Lake Como wedding planner has already a great rapport with other services (concierge or traveling) and have studied the history and elements of each location, all of them super important to render a gorgeous wedding theme.
GREAT LAKE COMO WEDDING PLANNERS
to put under your radar
Some of the top agencies include
You're in Lake Como and it's
PORTRAIT TIME
Don't get me wrong, when your photographer is one who knows their Lake Como, one of the first things they'll do is let you in on the perfect locations to have your images taken. And I don't mean a generic we'll find a great looking terrace, or a romantic hotel suite, or simply your venue's gardens, not to mention why don't you book a Riva. All of the above are pretty common in all Como weddings. But it's a different thing for your photographer to say Villa Emilia's palette at Grand Hotel Tremezzo matches your bridesmaids' gowns so better pick this one for your bridal preps.
OUT & ABOUT
Although Lake Como may seem like a microcosm, compared to other vast places in Europe, let me assure you it isn't. Transportation around the lake is not the easiest if you don't own a car (done by boat is faster too), plus parking spaces may test you. And while this is quite acceptable for your Lake Como wedding photographer, it is not what I'd want for you and your guests. If you'd like to explore around and have your pre-wedding portraits taken at the gardens you will need plenty of time, and a good set of choices on which gardens are worth to spend time in. Another good idea for your pre-wedding or post wedding session? Milan on one side, or Lake Lugano on the other!
TO THE NINES
attire
portrait session
Especially if you plan on visiting gardens and villas, now IS the time to get dressed to your absolute nines. Blacktie, and that cascading Oscar de La Renta gown may have looked too much in any other location (not counting Paris or the Met Gala) but not in Como. If a wedding proposal is in your plans, definitely go ALL couture. Don't forget Rita Hayworth walked these grounds before you...
ENTER
THE LIGHT
Before you know it, all is ... emerald blue. It is the mountains you see. They cast quite the shadow, and while in the mornings the light falls on one side so stark and bright, in the afternoon, there are very specific hours to get your portraits done before everything is enfolded in a magical but better preffered for terrace cocktails light.
