FAQ

What is the dress code?

Dress codes for each event are listed in the Wedding Events section.

For the wedding day, attire is Formal (Black Tie Optional) — elevated and elegant, perfect for an evening on Lake Como. Floor-length or midi dresses, jumpsuits, tuxedos, or tailored suits in classic tones are all appropriate. The goal is a refined look that still feels true to your personal style — elegant, effortless, and celebration-ready.

For the Welcome Party, the attire is Cocktail Attire — festive and sophisticated, with room for personal expression. Midi or shorter dresses, jumpsuits, or dressy separates are all perfect choices, as are suits or sport coats with dress shirts and trousers. Guests are welcome to dress up as much as they’d like — the setting is beautiful, and the evening will feel celebratory but relaxed.

For the Farewell Brunch, the attire is Dressy Casual / Brunch Chic — prelaxed but polished. Sundresses, skirts, or smart casual outfits work perfectly for a sunny morning gathering before heading home or exploring Bellagio.

Where should we stay?

We recommend staying in Bellagio, the picturesque village where all wedding events and transportation will take place. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio sits at the meeting point of the lake’s three branches and offers breathtaking views, winding cobblestone streets, and a walkable charm that makes it easy to explore cafés, shops, and lakeside paths.

Hotel Silvio: We’ve reserved all rooms for our group from May 20–24, 2026. To book, please email info@bellagiosilvio.com and include the reference “Lydia & Patrick.” The hotel sits slightly above the town center and offers beautiful lake views, a peaceful atmosphere, and an on-site restaurant known for its fresh seafood.
Hotel Du Lac: Located in the heart of Bellagio right on the water, this charming hotel offers a spa, lake views, and friendly staff. We stayed here and had a great experience.
Bellagio also has boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and Airbnbs for every budget and travel style.

You can find more hotel recommendations, pricing details, and booking information on the Travel Details page.

What time should we arrive for the wedding?

Please arrive at the Galli Dock in Bellagio (Imbarcadero Galli) by 2:45 PM on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
The private boat will depart promptly at 3:10 PM to bring guests to Villa Aura del Lago for the ceremony.

The dock is located just past Hotel Excelsior Splendide and Hotel Florence along the waterfront. Look for the small wooden pier marked “Galli Bellagio.”
After the reception, private bus transportation will return guests to Bellagio.

Will transportation be provided to and from the wedding?

Yes. Guests will take a private boat from Bellagio to Villa Aura del Lago before the ceremony and will return by private bus to Bellagio at the end of the night.

Are kids invited to the wedding?

We love your little ones and are excited to include them in our Welcome Party and Farewell Brunch.
The wedding day itself will be an adult-only celebration, with the exception of our nieces and nephews, who are part of the ceremony.

To help make the evening stress-free for parents, we’re providing professional childcare onsite at the wedding venue. A dedicated playroom will be set up with trusted babysitters to care for the kids, provide dinner, and keep them entertained throughout the night. Parents can bring their children to the venue and hand them off to the sitter, so they’ll be nearby during the celebration.

If you’re interested in this service, please reach out to Lydia at 301-312-9918 for details and pricing.

Can I bring a plus one?

If your invitation includes a plus one, it will be clearly stated on the envelope. Due to the size and logistics of our destination wedding, we’re unable to extend additional invitations beyond those formally addressed.
Thank you for understanding!

What’s the best way to get around Lake Como?

Ferries are the easiest and most scenic way to explore the lake and surrounding towns. Bellagio is a central hub with regular service to many nearby villages. You can check schedules and buy tickets at the ferry terminals or online at Navigazione Laghi.

Bellagio itself is best explored on foot. Just keep in mind the hills and cobblestones, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

What should we do in Bellagio or around Lake Como?

There is so much to explore and enjoy. Some favorite experiences include:

Taking ferries to nearby towns like Varenna, Tremezzo, and Menaggio
Walking the Villa Melzi gardens
Grabbing an aperitivo at sunset
Renting a private boat for a lake tour

We highly recommend Como Classic Boats. We used them during our last trip and had an amazing time seeing some of the most scenic spots on the lake, including filming locations for Star Wars and James Bond, as well as George Clooney’s famous villa. It was truly one of our favorite memories.

We’ll be adding more personal recommendations and activity ideas soon.

Do you have a wedding registry?

Your presence in Lake Como is the greatest gift! We’ll be sharing our registry link here soon for anyone who wishes to contribute.

A quick note about walking in Bellagio

Bellagio is a beautiful, walkable village, but many streets include hills and cobblestones. The Welcome Party, Wedding Day dock, and Farewell Brunch are all within walking distance of most hotels, but we recommend comfortable shoes for getting around town — or bringing a pair of dressier shoes to change into once you arrive at each event.