Planning a wedding is an exciting but also challenging task, especially when many guests are expected. In Switzerland, a country known for its breathtaking scenery and high cost of living, there are specific challenges and financial aspects that need to be considered. Here we take a look at the main difficulties and costs that can arise when planning a wedding with many guests in Switzerland.
Wedding location
Choosing the perfect wedding venue can be one of the biggest challenges, especially when many guests are expected. Although there are numerous picturesque locations and venues in Switzerland, the capacity for large events is often limited.
A major challenge arises if the location does not offer enough rooms. In such cases, a room may have to be quickly converted during the wedding (for example, during the aperitif). This can be very time-critical and time-consuming, especially for a large party. It can also happen that guests have to be seated in separate banquet rooms for dinner because there is not enough space for everyone in one large room. This should be carefully considered before making a final decision on a location.
Finding a suitable location for an inexpensive and uncomplicated welcome dinner with many guests can also be difficult. Large venues are often associated with high rents or minimum consumptions if you want to book them exclusively.
Accommodation for guests
Accommodation often needs to be organized for guests arriving from out of town. This is particularly challenging in tourist regions during the high season, as many hotels can be fully booked. It is also challenging to find a hotel that has enough capacity to accommodate all guests together. It is even more difficult to find a hotel that is within walking distance of the wedding location or in a certain price segment.
Transportation
The transportation of guests to and from the wedding location, especially if it is remote, requires careful planning. Shuttle services or rental buses need to be organized to ensure a smooth process. If many guests have to move around, this takes time, which also needs to be taken into account when planning. Something else that needs to be taken into account in Switzerland with guests from abroad is the issue of child seats and baby carriers during transportation. These are difficult to find or hire in large numbers. The distances within the location must also be considered. Even short walking distances can take time with large groups.
Costs
Of course, a large party also has an impact on the budget. The costs for the location and food & beverage account for around 50% of the total wedding budget. This means that the more guests, the higher the budget needs to be. The decorations also become more expensive when you have a wedding with many guests. More tables require more table decorations to create a festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding with many guests in Switzerland is associated with considerable challenges and costs. From choosing the right location, to catering and accommodation for guests, to decorations – every aspect requires careful consideration and budgeting. Overall, the total cost of a large wedding in Switzerland can easily be CHF 50,000 to CHF 100,000 or more. Depending on which costs are covered. However, good planning, prioritizing and getting quotes from different providers can help keep costs in check and make the wedding an unforgettable experience.
Are you looking for a suitable location for your wedding with lots of guests? We are happy to help and are available for a non-binding introductory meeting.
