A venue that works with the water
On Lake Garda weddings almost always take place outdoors: gardens running down to the lake, terraces on the water, jetties, lemon houses. It is a stunning setting, but the lake adds variables you do not have in a country villa: wind, damp, reflections and often narrow spaces between the house and the shore.
The afternoon wind
Anyone who knows Garda knows that in the warm hours, especially in the northern part of the lake, a steady wind picks up. For an outdoor ceremony that means two things: microphones need windscreens, and anything tall, such as stands, truss and lights, must be weighted properly.
The voice changes too: wind disperses it, so for the ceremony several small speakers close to the guests work better than one big one far away.
Guests from all over Europe: speeches in several languages
Many Garda weddings have guests from Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Speeches are often in two or three languages, with different friends taking turns.
It is worth preparing a run of show with the order of speeches and having at least two wireless microphones, one with the speaker and one ready for the next. That way there are no awkward pauses while the mic travels from table to table.
Volume and timings
Lakeside villas almost always have neighbours close by, and sound carries far across the water. Many venues set a time after which music has to be turned down or moved indoors.
A system aimed at the dance floor and tuned to the space gives you a full party without disturbing those living across the bay. It is something to clarify with the venue and the wedding planner before choosing the DJ.
Lighting at sunset
On the Verona shore the sun sets over the lake, and it is the moment everyone wants to photograph. That is why the dinner lights should already be on, warm and low, while the sky is still bright: the shift from daylight to artificial light becomes soft, without the moment when “the lights go on”.
Battery uplights work well on garden trees and façades: they need no cables on the lawn and move easily if the table layout changes.
Logistics: access and loading times
Many historic centres around the lake, such as Sirmione, have restricted traffic, and some villas can only be reached by narrow roads. Before the wedding you need to know where you can unload, at what time and with which vehicles.
We always ask the venue during the site visit, along with the power points and the rain plan.
How we work on Lake Garda
We work on every shore of the lake, with the same team and equipment we use in Rome, and coordinate with the wedding planner on timings, volume and access. For a first idea of costs you can use the configurator and choose “Wedding”: transport and travel are shown in the final quote.
