Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
We are based on Lake Como and Lake Lugano, in the heart of Northern Italy and the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.
IN WHAT COUNTRIES/REGIONS DO YOU WORK?
We work across Italy, Switzerland, France and Spain, with many years of experience planning exceptional events in every corner of these beautiful destinations. Our expertise and trusted network mean we are not limited to a single location - instead, we curate the perfect setting for your celebration, wherever your vision takes you.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Happy Moments Collector was founded in 2012, but long before that, our founder had been collaborating with renowned brands and leading names in the event industry.
HOW MANY EVENTS HAVE YOU PLANNED?
We have planned more than 250 unforgettable celebrations - each one a story that remains in our hearts. To ensure the highest level of attention, creativity and care, we take on only a limited number of events each season, always choosing quality over quantity.
DO YOU PROVIDE A FULL SERVICE PLANNING?
Yes, we provide comprehensive event planning and management services from A to Z. You can discover more about what we offer here
DO YOU PLAN ONLY WEDDINGS?
No, we often plan anniversaries, milestone birthdays, corporate events and other bespoke celebrations as well.
DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE IN WORKING WITH CELEBRITIES AND VIPs?
We are proud to include in our portfolio weddings and events planned for renowned singers, actors, models, designers, influencers, politicians and other high-profile clients. Some of these projects are confidential and cannot be publicly shared, but we are truly grateful and honoured to be trusted by such distinguished individuals to bring their most important celebrations to life.
WHAT IS AN AVERAGE STARTING BUDGET FOR THE WEDDING IN ITALY?
The average starting budget for a wedding in Italy is now from around €120,000 for an intimate celebration of approximately 30-50 guests. If you are planning a larger guest list, we recommend estimating an average of €2,000-3,000 per person, which will allow you to host a celebration on the level of the weddings you see in our portfolio.
For weddings of 80 guests or more, the proportion may vary and the overall budget typically starts from around €160,000 and upwards.
Please note that the total investment depends on several key factors - including the chosen venue, final guest count, entertainment, level of production and the couple’s overall vision. Some of the events in our portfolio have exceeded €600,000 and a few have even surpassed €1 million, reflecting truly bespoke, world-class experiences.
For weddings of 80 guests or more, the proportion may vary and the overall budget typically starts from around €160,000 and upwards.
Please note that the total investment depends on several key factors - including the chosen venue, final guest count, entertainment, level of production and the couple’s overall vision. Some of the events in our portfolio have exceeded €600,000 and a few have even surpassed €1 million, reflecting truly bespoke, world-class experiences.
IS THERE ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STARTING BUDGET IN THE VARIOUS PARTS OF ITALY OR IN THE OTHER COUNTRIES YOU WORK WITH?
Yes, there can be significant differences in the starting budget depending on the region or country.
In Italy, for example, areas such as Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, or Tuscany tend to have higher starting budgets due to the prestige of the venues, local logistics and demand. More remote or less tourist-focused regions can sometimes offer slightly lower starting points, though the overall investment still depends on the style, scale and vision of the event.
The same applies to other countries where we work. Celebrations in Switzerland or France, for instance, may require a higher budget due to local vendor pricing, venue exclusivity, or labour costs, while in Spain, certain regions can offer more flexibility without compromising on quality.
Ultimately, the starting budget is always shaped by location, guest count, seasonality, logistics, and the level of production - but we tailor every proposal to suit your specific vision and priorities.
In Italy, for example, areas such as Lake Como, the Amalfi Coast, or Tuscany tend to have higher starting budgets due to the prestige of the venues, local logistics and demand. More remote or less tourist-focused regions can sometimes offer slightly lower starting points, though the overall investment still depends on the style, scale and vision of the event.
The same applies to other countries where we work. Celebrations in Switzerland or France, for instance, may require a higher budget due to local vendor pricing, venue exclusivity, or labour costs, while in Spain, certain regions can offer more flexibility without compromising on quality.
Ultimately, the starting budget is always shaped by location, guest count, seasonality, logistics, and the level of production - but we tailor every proposal to suit your specific vision and priorities.
DO YOU HAVE ANY “ENTRANCE” BUDGET YOU WORK WITH?
No, we don’t have a strict minimum budget. What matters most to us is that the planned investment is realistic - aligned with the number of guests, your vision, and ideas, as well as the specific region or country where the celebration will take place.
IS THE FIRST CONSULTATION FREE OF CHARGE?
Our initial consultation is complimentary - it’s a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other and determine whether we are the right fit to create something truly special together. We are happy to arrange a Zoom call or any other format that feels most comfortable for you.
ARE YOU READY TO ORGANIZE A WEDDING/AN EVENT IN THE VENUE IN WHICH YOU HAVEN’T WORKED YET?
We usually propose venues we know well and have previously worked with, ensuring we can confidently guide you through every detail. At the same time, we are constantly exploring new locations and frequently travel to discover exceptional properties to add to our extensive portfolio.
If you choose a venue that is new for us, we will be delighted to conduct a site inspection and provide you with our professional insights. There are many critical details that should be carefully evaluated before signing a venue contract - details that couples and clients often overlook - and our role is to make sure every one of them is thoroughly considered.
If you choose a venue that is new for us, we will be delighted to conduct a site inspection and provide you with our professional insights. There are many critical details that should be carefully evaluated before signing a venue contract - details that couples and clients often overlook - and our role is to make sure every one of them is thoroughly considered.
DO YOU OFFER ALSO COORDINATION ON A DAY ONLY OR SOME PARTIAL PLANNING INSTEAD OF A FULL PLANNING?
Unfortunately, we do not offer day-of coordination or partial planning services. To ensure a seamless and flawlessly executed celebration, it is essential for us to be involved in the planning process from the very beginning. This allows us to understand every detail, every decision made, and every expectation you have - as well as to work exclusively with trusted vendors - so that no unexpected issues arise on the day of the event.
DO YOU PLAN SMALL WEDDINGS TOO?
We absolutely love intimate weddings. A smaller guest list allows us to focus on creating a deeply personal and truly unforgettable experience - with thoughtful attention to every detail and the opportunity to design a bespoke multi-day program that makes your celebration feel even more meaningful and memorable for you and your guests.
DO YOU SEND OVER SOME EXAMPLES OF THE POSSIBLE VENUES WITH THE INITIAL BUDGET SPLITS BEFORE SIGNING THE CONTRACT?
We usually begin working on a project once our contract has been signed. However, depending on your request, we are happy to share some preliminary venue suggestions and an initial budget overview before the agreement is finalized.
WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS IF WE ARE READY TO HIRE YOUR AGENCY?
We begin working on the project once the contract is signed and the initial deposit has been received.
WHAT IS YOUR PLANNING PROCESS?
We begin with venue sourcing, carefully selecting options based on the region, budget, and your preferences. Once the location is confirmed and the date is secured, we move forward step by step - from creating a preliminary budget breakdown and developing the design and concept, to selecting key vendors, organizing site inspections, tastings and preparing technical timelines.
DO YOU HAVE A FIXED SERVICE FEE OR DO YOU WORK ON THE PERCENTAGE DEPENDING ON THE BUDGET?
We work on a fixed service fee basis, which is separate from the event budget you plan to invest. We believe this is the most transparent and honest approach, ensuring clarity and trust throughout the planning process.
Our fees are structured into different packages, depending on the number of guests, the complexity of the project, and the number of events included in the celebration.
Our fees are structured into different packages, depending on the number of guests, the complexity of the project, and the number of events included in the celebration.
IS THE EVENT BUDGET MANAGED THROUGH YOUR AGENCY, OR ARE PAYMENTS MADE DIRECTLY TO THE VENDORS?
You will have direct contracts with all vendors, allowing you to see the real prices without any commissions or markups from our side. This approach ensures complete transparency, giving you full visibility into costs, specifications, and all key details. We believe it’s essential for our clients to know exactly who they are working with and what they are paying for.
Additionally, we consider it more honest and efficient to avoid unnecessary bank fees that could occur if payments were processed through us. Instead, we act as your trusted representatives, carefully reviewing and overseeing all contracts and monitoring each payment made — ensuring everything remains clear, secure, and properly managed.
However, if you prefer to allocate the full budget and make all payments through us, that is absolutely possible. We frequently work this way with our corporate clients and can manage the entire financial process on your behalf if that is more convenient for you.
Additionally, we consider it more honest and efficient to avoid unnecessary bank fees that could occur if payments were processed through us. Instead, we act as your trusted representatives, carefully reviewing and overseeing all contracts and monitoring each payment made — ensuring everything remains clear, secure, and properly managed.
However, if you prefer to allocate the full budget and make all payments through us, that is absolutely possible. We frequently work this way with our corporate clients and can manage the entire financial process on your behalf if that is more convenient for you.
WHAT IS THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR PLANNING SERVICES?
The payment is typically divided into three instalments aligned with the key stages of the planning process. In most cases, a 30/40/30% structure works best:
• 30% – due upon signing the contract to secure our services and begin the planning process.
• 40% – due approximately 7 months before the event, as we move into the main planning and production phase.
• 30% – due 1 month before the event, prior to the final execution stage.
This structure allows for a smooth planning process and ensures that all elements of your celebration are managed seamlessly.
DO YOU CHARGE EXTRA FOR TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR TEAM?
This depends on the location of the event. If the venue is situated on Lake Como, we do not charge any additional fees, as our team is based there. However, if travel beyond a 2-hour distance from the lake is required, transfer and accommodation costs may apply.
For events taking place in Southern Italy, France, or other destinations further afield, travel and accommodation expenses are charged separately. We always ensure these costs remain reasonable and transparent, and they are communicated and approved in advance before any bookings are made.
For events taking place in Southern Italy, France, or other destinations further afield, travel and accommodation expenses are charged separately. We always ensure these costs remain reasonable and transparent, and they are communicated and approved in advance before any bookings are made.
HOW MANY EVENTS DO YOU PLAN PER YEAR?
Each year, we accept a limited number of weddings to ensure the highest level of attention, creativity, and personalised service for every couple. As a rule, we take on no more than 15 weddings per year in total, allowing us to devote our full focus and care to every celebration we plan.
HOW EARLY SHOULD WE START WEDDING PLANNING?
We recommend starting the planning process 12 to 16 months before the wedding date. This timeframe ensures greater venue availability and significantly increases the chances of securing your preferred vendors and creative partners.
Of course, we have successfully planned remarkable weddings for celebrities and VIPs in under two months, but beginning early allows you to make decisions calmly and confidently - without unnecessary pressure. This way, you can truly enjoy the process and trust that your special day will unfold exactly as you’ve envisioned it.
Of course, we have successfully planned remarkable weddings for celebrities and VIPs in under two months, but beginning early allows you to make decisions calmly and confidently - without unnecessary pressure. This way, you can truly enjoy the process and trust that your special day will unfold exactly as you’ve envisioned it.
WILL YOU BE SUPERVISING MY WEDDING?
Absolutely. Your dedicated wedding planner - together with our team of experienced coordinators - will manage and oversee every aspect of your event.
HOW MANY PLANNERS AND COORDINATORS WILL BE PRESENT ON THE WEDDING DAY?
A lot depends on the nature of the event - including the flow of the day, level of production, number of guests, and overall program. As a starting point, there will always be at least two senior planners and two coordinators on-site. For more complex or large-scale celebrations, our team can expand significantly, with 12 or more planners, coordinators and production specialists ensuring that every detail is flawlessly managed.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU'RE SICK OR OTHERWISE UNABLE TO BE THERE ON THE DAY OF OUR WEDDING?
Other members of our professional planning team would seamlessly take the lead. We work as a cohesive, highly experienced team, constantly collaborating and exchanging ideas to discuss the progress, design, and timeline of every event we plan. We are all deeply involved in each project and follow the same meticulous planning approach, ensuring consistency, excellence, and a flawless result - no matter who is leading on the day.
DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO MY WEDDING LOCATION BEFORE THE WEDDING?
We always encourage our couples to visit their chosen location - first and foremost, you deserve to experience all the excitement, and secondly, it helps you visualise the spaces, flow, and atmosphere of the event, which is essential for confident decision-making throughout the planning process.
At the same time, because we specialise in destination weddings and work extensively with international clients, we understand that visiting in person isn’t always possible. That’s why we expertly organise the entire process online. In fact, many of our couples have seen their venue for the first time on the wedding day itself - and were absolutely delighted.
We are true professionals when it comes to virtual planning, seamlessly managing every detail - including site inspections, tastings, and vendor meetings - all remotely.
At the same time, because we specialise in destination weddings and work extensively with international clients, we understand that visiting in person isn’t always possible. That’s why we expertly organise the entire process online. In fact, many of our couples have seen their venue for the first time on the wedding day itself - and were absolutely delighted.
We are true professionals when it comes to virtual planning, seamlessly managing every detail - including site inspections, tastings, and vendor meetings - all remotely.
ARE SITE INSPECTIONS COMPLIMENTARY?
Yes, all of our packages include our presence during site inspections. We believe it’s essential to accompany our clients throughout the property and discuss every detail together on-site.
The only additional costs that may apply are travel expenses, if the location requires us to travel beyond our usual base.
The only additional costs that may apply are travel expenses, if the location requires us to travel beyond our usual base.
WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A DESTINATION WEDDING AMID THE COVID PANDEMIC?
We strongly recommend ensuring that COVID-related terms and cancellation clauses are clearly stated in all your contracts with vendors. As planners, we always pay close attention to these details to make sure your deposits are protected in the event of a forced cancellation or postponement.
It’s also essential that only trusted and reputable vendors are involved in your event - this provides an additional layer of security and peace of mind throughout the planning process.
It’s also essential that only trusted and reputable vendors are involved in your event - this provides an additional layer of security and peace of mind throughout the planning process.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY FOR YOUR SERVICES?
We work with non-refundable deposits. In the event of a cancellation, a fee of up to 100% of the agreed planning package will be applied. The closer the cancellation is to the event date, the higher the charge will be.
This policy exists because the majority of the planning and coordination work is typically completed well in advance - often at least three months before the event. Therefore, the deposits paid throughout the planning process are non-refundable, as they cover the time, expertise, and services that have already been provided.
This policy exists because the majority of the planning and coordination work is typically completed well in advance - often at least three months before the event. Therefore, the deposits paid throughout the planning process are non-refundable, as they cover the time, expertise, and services that have already been provided.
WHAT HAPPENS IF OUR GUEST NUMBERS CHANGE FROM THE INITIAL ESTIMATED NUMBER?
The most important thing is to start with the minimum guaranteed guest count, as this is crucial for both the catering arrangements and the per-person pricing. It’s also essential to ensure that the venue can accommodate a potential increase in guest numbers.
Typically, the final guest count should be communicated to the catering team about two weeks before the event. However, if you anticipate an increase of more than 10%, it’s best to inform us and the catering service as early as possible to ensure smooth adjustments.
Typically, the final guest count should be communicated to the catering team about two weeks before the event. However, if you anticipate an increase of more than 10%, it’s best to inform us and the catering service as early as possible to ensure smooth adjustments.
WILL YOU HANDLE THE INVITATIONS? DO YOU HANDLE GUEST LIST COORDINATION AND RSVP MANAGEMENT?
We can certainly offer this service at an additional fee, but we truly believe that communicating with your guests and sending them a beautifully crafted invitation feels far more personal and meaningful when it comes directly from the couple.
ARE YOU IN CHARGE OF CREATING A WEDDING WEBSITE FOR US?
WWe are always happy to assist our couples with ideas and guidance for creating a personalised wedding website, and we can recommend useful tools and design templates to get you started.
If you prefer to have a custom-designed website, we can also connect you with our trusted partners, who will create a bespoke design under our guidance and management, ensuring it perfectly reflects the style and vision of your celebration.
If you prefer to have a custom-designed website, we can also connect you with our trusted partners, who will create a bespoke design under our guidance and management, ensuring it perfectly reflects the style and vision of your celebration.
DO YOU OFFER GUESTS’ CONCIERGE SERVICES?
We provide a dedicated guest relations manager when the Concierge package is included. This service offers comprehensive assistance with accommodation and flight bookings (including hotel room blocks or B&B arrangements), as well as transfers, restaurant reservations, guided tours, and any other guest-related requests to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.
ARE YOU FREE TO MEET UP OR TALK IN THE EVENING OR AT WEEKENDS?
Our planners are usually on-site almost every weekend during the high season, overseeing events. During the planning stages, we aim to schedule calls Monday to Friday during standard working hours.
However, we understand that many of our couples are based in different time zones, including the USA and Australia, so we always do our best to accommodate alternative time slots, including evening calls when necessary. And of course, we are always available for any urgent matters or emergencies.
However, we understand that many of our couples are based in different time zones, including the USA and Australia, so we always do our best to accommodate alternative time slots, including evening calls when necessary. And of course, we are always available for any urgent matters or emergencies.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS?
We are truly passionate about what we do - event planning is not just our profession, it’s our vocation. We feel incredibly fortunate to have turned something that brings us so much joy, love, and happiness into our life’s work. “Collect moments, not things” is more than just our motto - it’s the philosophy behind everything we create. With every celebration, we pour our heart and soul into crafting meaningful, unforgettable experiences.
Our multilingual team has worked with clients from all over the world, embracing diverse traditions, cultures, and perspectives, which allows us to design events that feel deeply personal and globally inspired.
When you explore our portfolio, you’ll notice that our designs are carefully curated to enhance the natural beauty of each location - from the overall concept to the smallest, most thoughtful details. We believe every element should feel harmonious and intentional, creating a perfect visual and emotional narrative - from the very first Save the Date to the final flourish of the wedding cake décor.
Our multilingual team has worked with clients from all over the world, embracing diverse traditions, cultures, and perspectives, which allows us to design events that feel deeply personal and globally inspired.
When you explore our portfolio, you’ll notice that our designs are carefully curated to enhance the natural beauty of each location - from the overall concept to the smallest, most thoughtful details. We believe every element should feel harmonious and intentional, creating a perfect visual and emotional narrative - from the very first Save the Date to the final flourish of the wedding cake décor.
Contact us
Thank you for reaching out to us!
We handle each enquiry with the utmost care and aim to respond as quickly as possible - typically within a short time. Should our team require additional time to prepare a tailored reply, you can expect to hear from us within 3-5 business days.
Please remember to check your spam or junk folder, just in case our message lands there.
We handle each enquiry with the utmost care and aim to respond as quickly as possible - typically within a short time. Should our team require additional time to prepare a tailored reply, you can expect to hear from us within 3-5 business days.
Please remember to check your spam or junk folder, just in case our message lands there.