How Much Does a Luxurious Indian Wedding in Lake Como Really Cost?

Lake Como, with its breathtaking views and historic villas, is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the world. For Indian weddings, which span multiple days and feature elaborate celebrations, costs can quickly add up. A 2–3 night Indian wedding for 250 guests during peak season (spring-summer) will typically range between €600,000–€1,000,000+ ($650k–$1.1M). Here’s a breakdown of what goes into that budget.

1. Venue Rental – €100,000–€150,000+

One of the biggest expenses is renting a luxury villa or 5-star resort. Many iconic venues, like Villa Erba (up to 450 guests), require multi-day buyouts, ranging from €100k–€150k+. Some places charge single-day rental fees (e.g., €20k–€25k for an evening at a grand villa like Villa Balbianello). Resorts might waive venue fees if you meet minimum catering or room block requirements.

Key Cost Factors: Size & Location – Larger venues with lakefront access cost more. Tenting Needs – If indoor capacity isn’t enough, adding tents can cost €20k+. Peak Season Pricing – Discounts may be available for off-season (October–April) or weekday weddings.

Cost-Saving Tip: Choose a venue that can accommodate both events and guests to reduce logistics costs.

2. Accommodation – €125,000–€260,000

For 250 guests staying 2–3 nights in luxury hotels or villas, expect room rates between €500–€700 per night. This means €62,500–€87,500 per night, or €125,000–€260,000 for 2–3 nights. A full hotel buyout may be required, especially in peak season. Some couples subsidize costs for guests, while others book room blocks at different hotels based on budget.

Cost-Saving Tip: Mix hotel categories – Offer a 5-star option for close family and 4-star hotels for other guests. Negotiate perks – Some hotels provide free upgrades or extra nights for large bookings.

3. Catering – €150,000–€250,000

Indian weddings feature multiple meals and grand buffets. Catering is priced per guest, with high-end Lake Como caterers charging €200–€300+ per person per event. With at least 3–4 major meals (Sangeet, wedding lunch, reception, farewell brunch), catering alone can exceed €150k+.

Authentic Indian cuisine may require specialty chefs, adding to costs. Many venues charge fees for outside caterers (€50–€100 per guest). Open bars and premium alcohol options further drive up costs.

Cost-Saving Tip: Use a mix of Indian & Italian cuisine – Italian catering is often cheaper and locally available. Negotiate full-package pricing to bundle meals and bar service.

4. Decor & Setup – €50,000–€80,000+

Indian weddings demand elaborate decor, including a mandap, floral installations, lighting, drapery, and reception table setups.

Floral costs for a high-end floral setup alone can range from €30k–€50k+. Mandap rental & setup: €5,000–€15,000. Dance floor, stage, seating, chandeliers: €10,000–€20,000.

Cost-Saving Tip: Reuse floral decor across events (e.g., wedding flowers repurposed for the reception). Leverage the natural beauty of Lake Como to reduce the need for excessive decor.

5. Transportation – €5,000–€10,000

Getting 250 guests around Lake Como can be challenging. Expenses include shuttles/buses from airports & hotels, boat transport (a signature Lake Como touch), vintage cars, luxury bridal entries, and a horse for the Baraat.

A private boat charter for guests can cost €2,000–€5,000 per hour. Luxury wedding cars (Bentley, Rolls Royce) start at €1,500 per day.

Cost-Saving Tip: Minimize hotel locations – Keep guests in one or two nearby hotels to reduce shuttle costs. Utilize public ferries for some guest transfers instead of private boats.

6. Entertainment – €10,000–€50,000+

Music and performances are crucial for Indian weddings. Costs depend on the type of entertainment, such as DJ / Live Band (€2,000–€10,000), Dhol Players & Baraat Music (€1,500+), Bollywood/Bhangra Dancers (€5,000–€15,000), and Celebrity Performances (€20,000+).

Cost-Saving Tip: Hire a DJ who can play Bollywood, Western, and fusion music to avoid booking multiple entertainers.

7. Photography & Videography – €10,000–€25,000

Luxury wedding photographers in Lake Como charge between €10,000–€15,000, while videographers cost another €8,000–€15,000. High-end packages include drone footage, cinematic edits, and multi-day event coverage.

Cost-Saving Tip: Fly in a photographer from your home country who offers better rates. Limit full-day video coverage to key events instead of 3 full days.

8. Wedding Planning & Coordination – €10,000–€20,000+

A full-service Lake Como wedding planner can charge between €10,000–€20,000+, or 10–15% of the wedding budget. Indian weddings require expert planners who can coordinate multi-day logistics & vendors, arrange permits for fireworks, music extensions, or special setups, and manage cultural elements like Mehndi, Haldi, and Baraat.

Cost-Saving Tip: Hire a planner familiar with Indian weddings to avoid unnecessary vendor markups. Use a partial-planning service if you have an on-site venue coordinator.

9. Miscellaneous Costs – €20,000–€50,000+

Additional expenses include Makeup & Hair Artists (€2,000–€5,000), Mehndi Artists (€500–€2,000), Fireworks & Special Effects (€5,000+), and Wedding Favors & Guest Gifts (€5,000+).

Many venues have noise restrictions after 1 AM, and extending party hours may require additional fees (€2,000–€5,000).

Total Estimated Budget: €600,000–€1,000,000+

Category Estimated Cost (€) Venue Rental €100,000–€150,000+ Accommodation €125,000–€260,000 Catering €150,000–€250,000 Decor & Setup €50,000–€80,000+ Transportation €5,000–€10,000 Entertainment €10,000–€50,000+ Photography & Videography €10,000–€25,000 Wedding Planning €10,000–€20,000+ Miscellaneous Costs €20,000–€50,000+ Total Cost €600,000–€1,000,000+

Final Thoughts & Cost-Saving Tips

While an Indian wedding in Lake Como is a premium experience, you can optimize costs by booking off-peak dates (April, October, weekdays), mixing hotel types for different guest budgets, bundling catering & accommodation for better rates, and leveraging Lake Como’s natural beauty instead of excessive decor.

In the end, an Indian wedding in Lake Como is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—whether you go all-out or find smart ways to save, it will undoubtedly be magical and unforgettable!