Intimate weddings are about more than simply having fewer guests; they are more meaningful. We seamlessly blend local authenticity with quality service to craft events that are as touching as they are beautiful. It is not just a wedding; it is a once-in-a-lifetime Italian experience…”
Veronica Giuliani, Founder, Intimate Weddings Como
Intimate Weddings Como specialises in bespoke weddings for fewer than 50 guests. The dedicated team meticulously manages all aspects of the event, from venue scouting – including exclusive private villas that are not listed online – to comprehensive wedding design, logistics, guest accommodations, and unique activities such as pasta-making with a ‘nonna’, wine tasting, and boat tours. Intimate Weddings Como transforms the celebration into a quintessential Italian experience, blending the joy of a remarkable wedding with the charm of an unforgettable Italian holiday. Here we share a conversation with founder, Veronica Giuliani…
C&B: “Veronica, couples travel to Lake Como from all over the world – where do most of your clients come from, what are they looking for from your company, and which are the most desirable venues for their wedding?”
VG: “Most of our clients do come from abroad rather than locally, predominantly from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. They seek authenticity, luxury, and a stress-free experience in Italy, and they trust us to provide exactly that. Although renowned locations such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Balbiano are beautiful, they can feel overwhelming for smaller wedding parties. Instead, we prefer to offer the intimacy of villas such as Villa Regina Teodolinda in Laglio, which is intimate, elegant, and has guest rooms. Villa Monastero in Varenna is historic, featuring lakefront gardens and a romantic atmosphere. The Writer’s Nest in Faggeto Lario is an intimate and poetic spot for elopements or micro-wedding parties of up to 20 guests; this location exudes both a sense of seclusion and romance…”
C&B: “As you’re generally planning for intimate events rather than larger celebrations, what is your specific approach to making the wedding feel special?”
VG: “We’ve always believed that ‘less is more.’ We aim to create deep emotional experiences, not just ones on a larger scale. Every guest counts, and every detail is calibrated. Ours is an intensely personal approach that is shaped by the story and values of our couples. During smaller weddings, there can be more thoughtful touches, and guests have a more intimate sense of the proceedings than is possible at larger gatherings.”
C&B: “What steps do you take to personalise each couple’s wedding to ensure it reflects their individual style and story?”
VG: “It starts with listening. Our intention is to reflect back who they are in a celebration, one that feels like it’s uniquely theirs, not a version of something they saw online. From there, we navigate our couples through a personalised online planning hub. We also venture far beyond Pinterest! When a couple shares their inspiration – a page of favourite flowers for their bouquet, for example – we don’t just mark our card. We provide a comprehensive report of data regarding each flower’s profile, meaning, blooming season, and availability. It’s that extra layer of concern that transforms an idea into an educated design decision.
Visual storytelling is a critical piece of our process. We curate customisable moodboards for every aspect of the wedding – including the colour palette, the tablescapes, the florals and the attire – to help the couple fully see and feel the vibe in advance, long before a single decision has to be made. A bride will often say she’s ‘always been a sage and ivory kind of gal’, and then when we show a mood-board, it’s like, “Mmmm, not quite …” And together, we pivot to something more true to her taste…”
For couples who wish to provide their guests with a one-of-a-kind gift, we produce personalized items in collaboration with local sartorie, such as silk foulards designed exclusively for Lake Como, complete with custom stamps. How one represents and acknowledges the past -especially one as rich as that of Como, Italy’s historic silk capital – requires careful consideration. It is a history that few are aware of, yet one that we celebrate unapologetically…”
Veronica Giuliani, Founder, Intimate Weddings Como
C&B: “Talking of unique aspects that can’t really be incorporated into larger occasions, how do you incorporate the regional culture and traditions of Lake Como into your smaller weddings?”
VG: “Inspired by chic celebrations that encourage beautiful open conversation, the gatherings cultivated here are steeped in genuine Italian tradition. We often host local musicians who perform live, and we also curate menus that are created by chefs in Como, using fresh, seasonal produce. Additionally, we take delight in integrating immersive elements wherever possible; whether through ‘show-cooking’ during the reception, where local artisans make handmade mozzarella on the spot, or interactive pasta stations that bring the joy of Italian cuisine to life. These moments are accompanied by conversation, connection, and true enjoyment of the moment…”
We also take care of celebrant-matching and planning. Civil, symbolic or religious, we have multilingual officiants and handle all administrative issues, including legal requirements for worldwide validity….”
Veronica Giuliani, Founder, Intimate Weddings Como
C&B: “It’s always fantastic when you can include as many local vendors as possible into the planning of the wedding – how do you decide who to use and what are their roles?”
VG: “Here at Intimate Weddings Como, we are five committed professionals, each with a specific role, which together cover all the main services required to organise any wedding. We serve as project manager, travel consultant, communication manager, interior designer, and private chef – a full-service planning crew that brings an amazing experience to our couples. Our team individually hand-selects and curates vendors based on their vision, style, and vibe. This collaboration among us and across teams allows us to deliver not only excellence in execution but also creative flexibility and numerous options for every aspect of the celebration – from venue and travel logistics to floral arrangements, menu planning, and guest communications…”
C&B: “Your service sounds amazing – can you share an example of a past wedding you’ve organised on Lake Como that showcases your expertise?”
VG: “One of our most memorable weddings was for Andrew and Sarah, who are a couple from Australia, with ten of their nearest and dearest in attendance at Lake Como. They pictured an intimate, unforgettable celebration that would merge romance, Italian beauty and meaningful experiences – minus the stress of planning it from halfway around the world! We coordinated everything from international flights to a three-day party in a private villa. Highlights of the day included a secret ceremony that was accessible only by boat, a symbolic handfasting rite and a private brunch cruise. They continue to send us handwritten thank-you notes every year…”
CONTACT: http://www.intimateweddingscomo.com
PHOTO & VIDEO CREDITS: The Wild Heart Studio
