Destination Weddings: Is Italy Affordable?

by Brittany McComas

Got the wedding travel bug? No worries. My fool proof plan to destination Italy will sincerely make for the coolest wedding ever. Jet set your way to one killer wedding and get ready for magical Italian moments to last a lifetime–complete with perfect sunset and a castle! header image courtesy italianlakeswedding.com

Puglia, Italy

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Puglia (Apulia) can’t be beat when it comes to affordable weddings. For a little over $400 you can get married at a castle. Yes, please. Cut costs naturally via the guest list and bon voyage people!

Flights

Even if you are going to Puglia, look at flying into several different airports from the biggest city close to you. Once you get to Italy the trains are insanely cheap. Travel light and have fun on your wedding adventure. The average round trip flight from the U.S. is $700 and that’s in the summer. Shop around and you might be able to cut that by a couple hundred dollars.

Hotel

Check out Tripadvisor’s new Flipkey. Kind of like Airbnb, with Flipkey you can grab a private apartment for as low as $39 a night. Count on having to put down a deposit, but that can go toward the total cost.

Dress

If you don’t want to drag a dress along with you through international travel, you can get your wedding dress delivered straight to your hotel or apartment in Italy with JJ’s House. All you need are your measurements and the hotel address. Just simply let reception know your plans, and ask if they can book you a local seamstress for the day you arrive just in case you need a quick alteration. JJ’s House dresses are made to order with an average cost of $200 (but as low as $99), tailoring time of 9-12 days, and 3-6 days for shipping. We haven’t personally tried this, it just sounded like it could be really interesting.  

Reception with Food

You’re in Italy. Embrace the Italian way and talk to locals. Plan to get there a day or two before your festivities and just get a good opinion about the food in the area. My experience in Italy, when you’re family–they just take care of you. Most restaurateurs will ask what you like and next thing you know there’s eight courses of crazy amazing food at your table.

For a party of six or more, you’re looking at about $300-400 including wine, sparkling water, several courses, dessert, and all the limoncello you can stomach. You’ll save money on decor if you pick a place with a killer outdoor garden. There will be flowers and Italian garden lights there, so maybe include cute place cards and a little wedding favour at each guest’s seat.

Your total Italian wedding cost with 2 flights will average about $2,500 for 5 nights. With a built in honeymoon, you can’t beat this kind of destination wedding.  What do you guys think? Could you do it?