Planning a luxury or editorial wedding in Europe is the dream for many couples, but it’s essential to understand the financial commitment involved. While the big-ticket items like the venue and catering are the first to come to mind, it’s the smaller details that elevate the overall experience — and these little touches can quickly add up.

As a photographer who specializes in luxury weddings across Europe, I’ve seen how the costs can grow when you factor in every element. So, if you’re planning a luxury wedding in Europe, here’s a breakdown of the real costs, focusing on both the major and minor elements that will help bring your dream wedding to life.

1. Venue: the foundation of your dream wedding

The venue is the most significant expense for any luxury wedding, and for good reason. The location sets the stage for your entire event, and the right venue can transform an ordinary wedding into an extraordinary one.

• Cost: the rental cost for a luxury venue can range between €15.000 and €40.000, depending on the location, exclusivity, and popularity. Major cities and highly sought-after destinations, like Paris, Rome, or exclusive villas in Tuscany or the South of France, can be on the higher end.

• Additional fees: extra costs such as security, staff, and clean-up services are usually additional and can add €2.000 to €5.000 to the overall price.

2. Catering: gourmet dining & alcohol

Food and drinks are a vital part of any luxury wedding, and at an editorial-style wedding, the catering experience needs to be exceptional. This includes multiple courses, wine pairings, and premium cocktails.

• Cost per guest: for a luxury experience, catering can range from €130 to €350 per guest, depending on the quality and complexity of the menu.

• Total for 100 guests: catering for 100 guests can therefore cost between €13.000 and €35.000.

• Alcohol: the cost of premium wine, champagne, and cocktails can range from €3.000 to €10.000 for 100 guests, depending on the selection.

3. Wedding planner: your dream team leader

A wedding planner is a must for managing the logistics of a luxury wedding, especially one as complex as an editorial-style celebration. They take care of the details, ensure everything runs smoothly, and coordinate with all your vendors.

• Cost: for a high-end wedding planner, expect to pay between €10.000 and €18.000, depending on their experience, services, and the amount of time they’ll be involved.

4. Photography: capturing the magic

Professional photography is crucial for any luxury wedding, and for editorial weddings, it’s about telling the story of your day in stunning, editorial-style images. The photographer captures the emotions and the fine details, creating timeless memories.

• Cost: expect to pay between €5.000 and €15.000 for a top-tier wedding photographer. This includes a full day of coverage, editing, and possibly a second shooter depending on the package.

5. Videographer:the cinematic experience

A luxury wedding video is a beautiful way to relive the magic of the day. The best videographers use cinematic techniques and create emotionally charged films with custom soundtracks and editing.

• Cost: for a high-quality wedding film, expect to spend between €4.000 and €12.000. This typically includes cinematic editing, a highlight reel, and a full-length wedding video.

6. Flowers and décor: bringing the vision to life

The floral arrangements and overall décor are what set the mood and tone of your wedding. For luxury editorial weddings, florals are often grand and meticulously designed.

• Cost: for flowers and décor, expect to pay €10.000 or more. This includes everything from bouquets to large-scale floral installations, centrepieces, and other bespoke decorative elements.

7. Rentals: luxury touches

Luxury weddings often include the rental of high-end furniture, fine china, and designer linens. These rentals help complete the overall aesthetic and create a sophisticated atmosphere.

• Cost: rentals for a luxury wedding can cost between €6.000 and €15.000, depending on the quantity and quality of items like tables, chairs, linens, glassware, and flatware. Europe offers something truly unique: the perfect blend of history, elegance, and breathtaking scenery. Every detail—from the venues to the local culture—becomes part of your story.

8. Hair and make-up: perfecting your look

For a luxury wedding, the bride and bridal party’s beauty is just as important as the décor and flowers. Professional hair and make-up artists create polished, editorial looks that complement the entire aesthetic.

• Cost: expect to pay between €1.500 and €3.000 for professional hair and make-up services for the bride, bridal party, and family members.

9. Wedding attire: dressing for the dream

The bride’s gown and the groom’s attire are some of the most significant costs associated with a luxury wedding. Couture gowns, designer suits, and accessories are essential for an editorial-style wedding.

• Cost: bridal gowns typically cost between €4.000 and €15.000, depending on the designer and level of customization. The groom’s attire, including a tailored suit or tuxedo, can cost between €2.000 and €5.000.

10. Jewellery: sparkling details

Jewellery, especially wedding rings, adds a special touch to your wedding day. While the wedding rings are a necessary investment, many brides and grooms also choose additional luxury pieces to wear on their big day.

• Cost: wedding rings can range from €1.000 to €5.000 each, depending on the material and design. Bridal jewellery (earrings, necklaces, bracelets) can also add another €2.000 to €5.000 to your jewellery costs.

11. Entertainment: creating unforgettable moments

Entertainment is key for keeping the energy high and the celebration going. Luxury weddings often feature live bands, DJs, and other custom entertainment.

• Cost: for a live band or DJ, expect to pay between €3.000 and €10.000. Special performances or unique experiences like fireworks, dancers, or interactive performances can push the budget up even more.

12. Stationery: setting the tone

Your wedding invitations are the first introduction to your event. Luxury stationery sets the tone for the entire experience, and custom designs are often used for a sophisticated touch.

• Cost: high-end wedding invitations and day-of stationery (menus, seating charts, etc.) can cost between €1.000 and €3.000 depending on the level of customization and materials used.

13. Transportation: getting there in style

For many luxury weddings, transportation is more than just a means of getting from one place to another — it’s part of the experience. Think vintage cars, limousines, or even a yacht or helicopter for a grand arrival.

• Cost: luxury transportation for the bride, groom, and guests can cost between €2.000 and €5.000, depending on the type of vehicles, distance, and number of guests requiring transport.

The final total: breaking it all down

Let’s break down the estimated costs for a luxury editorial wedding in Europe with 100 guests:

• Venue: €15.000 – €40.000
• Catering + Alcohol: €16.000 – €45.000
• Wedding Planner: €10.000 – €18.000
• Photography: €5.000 – €15.000
• Videography: €4.000 – €12.000
• Flowers + Décor: €10.000+
• Rentals: €6.000 – €15.000
• Hair and Make-Up: €1.500 – €3.000
• Wedding Attire: €6.000 – €20.000 (bride and groom)
• Jewellery: €3.000 – €10.000
• Entertainment: €3.000 – €10.000+
• Stationery: €1.000 – €3.000
• Transportation (for guests): €2.000 – €5.000

Estimated total: €76.500 – €191.000+

It’s all about the details

Luxury editorial weddings are about more than just the big-ticket items — it’s the intricate details that make these events truly unforgettable. From the venue to the smallest elements, every aspect comes together to create an elegant and seamless experience. While the costs can add up, remember that these investments are what make your dream wedding come to life. So, when planning your European wedding, make sure to keep these details in mind — because they truly make all the difference.