Venice and Veneto wedding florists

A wedding in the Veneto

The Veneto offers very different settings. In Venice you can marry in palazzi on the Grand Canal, hotels, neighbourhood churches and on the lagoon islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. In Verona there are palazzi in the centre and villas among the vineyards of the Valpolicella. Along the Riviera del Brenta and in the countryside around Padua, Vicenza and Treviso stand the Venetian villas, with their long side wings (barchesse) and parks. Further north are the Prosecco hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, Asolo and Bassano. To the west, the Verona shore of Lake Garda has its own page; to the north, Cortina and the Belluno Dolomites are on the page for Trentino South Tyrol and the Dolomites.

The list includes floral designers based in Venice, on the mainland, in Verona and in the other provinces. Each profile lists the areas covered.

Venice: everything arrives by boat

There are no vans in Venice. Flowers come from the mainland to Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, then travel on cargo boats to the quay nearest the venue and from there by hand, over bridges with steps. Every stage needs people, time and the right trolleys. Structures must be light and come apart. Some palazzi have a private water entrance, which makes things much simpler.

In autumn and winter there is a risk of acqua alta, the high tides that can flood ground floors and alleys for a few hours. Always ask for an alternative plan in those seasons. Many palazzi and churches have strict rules on fixings, candles and timings. Read the guide to a Venice wedding.

Venetian villas and the hills

In the Venetian villas, flowers work with large spaces: avenues, barchesse, frescoed halls, parks. The villas often have rules to protect frescoes and floors. In the Valpolicella and the Prosecco hills, dinners are held between the vines, with long tables and vine greenery. On the plain, summer is muggy and there are plenty of mosquitoes in the evening: ask the venue how it deals with them.

Climate and flowers

Spring and September are the most popular months. Summer is hot and humid; autumn brings mist and changing leaves to the hills. The Veneto has a strong nursery tradition, especially around Treviso and Padua, and a good supply of grown flowers and greenery. For seasonal ideas, read the guide to seasonal flowers in Italy.

What wedding flowers cost in Venice and the Veneto

Price ranges are indicative. On the mainland a bridal bouquet is often between €100 and €350, low centrepieces between €40 and €150 each. In Venice, the flowers come with boat, porterage, permits and extra hours on top: logistics can add a significant amount. Have these items listed separately and read the guide to extra floral costs.

What to ask the floral designer

• How many weddings have you done in Venice? Which boats do you use?
• Does the venue have a water entrance?
• What happens if there is acqua alta?
• Do you also work in the Valpolicella or at the Brenta villas?

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