Liguria wedding florists

A wedding on the Italian Riviera

Liguria is a thin strip between sea and mountains. On the eastern Riviera (Levante) are Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, Rapallo, Sestri Levante, the Cinque Terre with Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, and the Gulf of Poets with Lerici and Portovenere. In the middle is Genoa, with historic palazzi and villas on the heights. On the western Riviera (Ponente) is the Riviera dei Fiori, with Sanremo, Bordighera and Alassio.

You can marry in villas on headlands, hotels with terraces, churches overlooking the sea, terraced gardens and small harbours. Couples from abroad mostly choose Portofino and the Cinque Terre. The list includes floral designers based in Genoa, the Tigullio gulf, the La Spezia area and the Ponente.

Tight spaces and tricky access

Flat ground is scarce in Liguria. Many venues are on terraces and stepped paths, reached by narrow roads or only on foot. Portofino is closed to traffic and vehicles stop before the village. In the Cinque Terre the villages are reached mainly by train or ferry: materials go by small vehicle as far as possible, then by hand along the carruggi (narrow alleys) and stairs. Some seaside villas are easier to reach by boat.

That means light structures, bigger teams and long set-ups. Always ask the floral designer whether they know the venue and how they bring the flowers. Read the guide to a Liguria wedding.

Flowers grown on the doorstep

The western Riviera is one of Italy's main flower-growing areas, with a large flower market in Sanremo. Ranunculus, anemones, carnations, daisies, broom, mimosa and foliage are grown here, and many Italian florists buy their stock from this area. On the eastern Riviera you find olives, lemons, bougainvillea, agaves and Mediterranean scrub. These materials keep designs close to the landscape, but they remain a choice. Read the guide to Italian flower markets and the one on ranunculus and anemones.

Climate and seasons

The climate is mild all year, with gentle winters by the sea. The wedding season runs from April to October. In summer the sun on the terraces is strong and a breeze can pick up in the evening: low arrangements, candles in lanterns, secured arches. Spring and early autumn are the easiest months for flowers.

What wedding flowers cost in Liguria

Price ranges are indicative. A bridal bouquet is often between €100 and €350, low centrepieces between €40 and €150 each. In Portofino and the Cinque Terre, porters, boats, extra hours and the team's overnight stay add to the cost. Have these items listed separately and read the guide to budgeting flowers for a destination wedding.

What to ask the floral designer

• How will you get the flowers to the venue?
• Have you worked in Portofino or the Cinque Terre before?
• Do you use flowers grown on the Riviera?
• How do you secure arrangements on terraces in the wind?

Once you have a date and a venue, request up to 3 quotes.