Alessandra, Villa Dolceacqua is located in an area where the lake and mountains are an essential part of the landscape. How important is the setting when choosing a wedding venue today, and what are couples looking for when they decide to get married on this part of Lake Como?
The setting plays an incredibly important role today because it gives a wedding its identity and soul.
Lake Como, with its unique balance between water and mountains, offers a setting that evokes emotions and makes every celebration special.
Couples who choose this part of the lake are primarily looking for authenticity, beauty and an experience that truly reflects their personalities. They want a place that is not simply beautiful in photographs, but one that creates a feeling, welcomes their guests and offers an intimate, memorable atmosphere.
At Villa Dolceacqua, this connection with the surrounding area becomes an integral part of the experience. The landscape, the light, the natural surroundings and the character of the villa all contribute to creating harmony between the venue and the occasion being celebrated.
I believe that the true value of a wedding venue lies precisely in this: not simply providing a backdrop for the wedding, but becoming part of the story the couple wishes to tell.
Increasingly, weddings extend beyond the ceremony itself, especially when guests are travelling from other cities or abroad. How important is it today to create an experience that brings guests together over an entire weekend?
Today, a wedding is increasingly an experience to be enjoyed and shared, rather than simply a single day of celebration.
This is particularly true when guests travel from other cities or countries. The time spent together becomes especially valuable, and couples want to turn their wedding into an opportunity to reconnect, discover a destination and create memories that extend well beyond the ceremony.
Planning an entire wedding weekend allows everything to unfold more naturally, without the pressure of fitting every emotion and experience into just a few hours.
An informal welcome dinner, the wedding day itself and a brunch the following morning all become different opportunities to spend time together and strengthen relationships.
Hospitality and logistics therefore become an important part of wedding planning, from accommodation and transfers to activities before and after the celebration. How much do these aspects contribute to the success of an event, and how important is it to have a wide range of accommodation options nearby?
Hospitality and logistics have a significant impact on the success of a wedding because they help transform a single day into a complete experience that guests can enjoy and remember.
The attention to detail goes beyond the ceremony and reception to include everything guests experience before, during and after the event: accommodation, transportation and opportunities to get together for drinks or brunch the following day.
Having a wide range of accommodation options nearby is therefore a major advantage. It means being able to meet the needs of different guests, from families to younger friends, from those looking for a charming boutique property to those who prefer simpler, more affordable accommodation.
The proximity of hotels and other accommodation to the wedding venue also makes transfers easier, reduces organisational stress and allows everyone to enjoy the celebration without unnecessary worries.
A well-organised destination thus becomes an integral part of the wedding experience. It is not simply the setting for the event, but an element that enriches its identity and overall atmosphere.
When hospitality, accommodation and local services work together, a wedding also becomes an opportunity for guests to discover the destination, its distinctive qualities and its welcoming spirit.
And it is precisely these details, often less visible but absolutely essential, that make the difference in the memories guests take home with them.
How are weddings on Lake Como changing? Are couples still looking for large, traditional receptions, or are you seeing a growing preference for more personal celebrations, spread across several occasions and designed around the guest experience?
I believe weddings on Lake Como are evolving towards increasingly personal and authentic experiences.
Large, traditional receptions still have their charm, but today many couples want to go beyond a single lunch or dinner, creating a celebration that genuinely reflects their story and the way they value their relationships.
In my opinion, this is the real change: we are moving from organising a wedding reception to designing an experience to be shared.
Couples are paying more and more attention to the quality of the time they spend together, the care given to every detail and the comfort and enjoyment of their guests.
If a couple wanted to turn their wedding into a complete Lake Como getaway, what experiences would you recommend for their guests beyond the wedding day itself?
I would suggest thinking of the wedding as a short journey to be shared, an experience that allows guests to discover Lake Como not only through the beauty of the venue, but also through its atmosphere, flavours and lifestyle.
The celebrations could begin the day before with a welcome aperitivo overlooking the lake, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. This would give guests the chance to get to know one another and allow the couple to spend time with everyone, without the rush of the wedding day.
The following day, I would recommend organising an experience that showcases the destination: a boat trip to admire the historic villas and lakeside villages from the water, a stroll through the streets of Bellagio or Varenna, or a tasting experience featuring local products and traditional cuisine.
For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a brunch at the villa can be the perfect way to bring the celebrations to a close.
