READING TIME: 4 min 38 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/13/2026
For Rachel Birthistle, wedding planning was never about following rules — it was about breaking repetition. As the founder of The Lake Como Wedding Planner, Rachel has spent the last 16 years shaping weddings that feel expressive, design-forward, and unmistakably personal, set against one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes.
Born in Ireland, Rachel’s story is inseparable from Lake Como — the place she fell in love with and ultimately chose as home.
“I was born in Ireland, and having fallen in love with Lake Como many years ago, I decided to call it my home,” she shares.
Before entering the wedding industry, Rachel worked as a fashion designer — a background that deeply informs her approach today.
“My previous career as a fashion designer has given me an artistic background and the ability to interpret and develop clients’ ideas and vision.”
Her transition into wedding planning happened organically after moving to Lake Como and helping a friend with an events agency. Recognising the potential, she decided to set out on her own and acquired The Lake Como Wedding Planner brand through Google Ads — a decision that would define her future.
“I bought The Lake Como Wedding Planner on Google Ads 16 years ago,” she explains. “Each year the projects grew, as we created a niche for ourselves in the market.”
The first weddings Rachel planned on Lake Como were small and far simpler than today’s multi-day productions. But even then, she was intentional about one thing: design.
“I always made sure to invest whatever profit I made into the design and decor,” she says. “Even if a client didn’t want to invest in that area.”
That choice became her signature. Long before bold colour palettes and layered textures were common, Rachel was already pushing against the industry’s default.
“I guess seeing so many weddings that were just copy and paste — white flowers, roses, white tablecloths and covered chairs — inspired me to bring something different.”
Over time, her work became known for its use of colour, pattern, fabrics, statement tableware, and a strong sense of place.
After all, we are in the design district of Italy and Europe.”
Rachel has been a wedding planner for 16 years, and creativity remains the core of what she loves most.
“I am a creative, so this is what I really love about weddings — sourcing new materials, design ideas from hotels, restaurants, interior magazines that can be translated into event design.”
Seeing those ideas come to life — often months or years after the first concept — brings deep creative fulfilment. And beyond design, she values the variety.
“Every day is different. Every client has different ideas and needs, every location has its own brief — so it never gets boring.”
The philosophy behind The Lake Como Wedding Planner is rooted in listening.
“My philosophy is to really listen to the clients and understand who they are, and in turn to make events that truly represent their style and personalities.”
Rachel is most inspired when clients trust her guidance and allow the creative process to unfold naturally.
“The weddings I like to plan the most are those where the clients trust our guidance.”
The Lake Como Wedding Planner offers full planning and design or design and production-only services. There are no fixed packages — only bespoke solutions.
“We don’t have packages as we try to offer a full 360° service to our clients.”
Each couple receives a custom proposal and detailed budget, shaped entirely around their vision, priorities, and needs.
When asked about the most memorable wedding she has planned, Rachel’s answer is refreshingly human.
“I honestly don’t have a most memorable wedding — I have memorable clients!”
For her, lasting relationships are the most meaningful outcome of the work.
“I love the lasting relationships I have with many of my clients. This means a lot and makes the job so worthwhile.”
Most of Rachel’s clients plan their weddings from abroad, so the process begins with deep conversations — often online — followed by in-person meetings at the venue whenever possible.
We ask our clients to share their favourite interiors, hotels, bars, environments that inspire them, colours they are drawn to.
She intentionally avoids using other weddings as references.
“We avoid using other weddings as a benchmark or inspiration. This allows us to curate something really specific for that client.”
The goal is simple: when guests enter the space, they should feel exactly who the celebration belongs to.
While Lake Como remains central to her work, Rachel plans events across Italy and beyond. Regular venues include Villa Balbiano, Villa Erba, Villa Pliniana, Passalacqua, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and Villa d’Este.
Looking ahead to 2026, her calendar extends far beyond Como — with weddings planned in Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast (including Villa Astor, Belmond Caruso, and Villa Rondinaia), Paris, Athens, and Ireland.
If there’s one challenge that never disappears, it’s weather — especially on Lake Como.
“You can have a storm come from nowhere,” Rachel says. “Of course there’s always a plan B — and C and D.”
Behind the scenes, contingency planning is constant, even when everything appears effortless to guests.
Rachel believes budget conversations should be transparent from the very beginning.
“We like to provide our clients with very detailed budgets from the initial stages, detailing everything — including things they may not have thought of.”
Her advice is practical and personal.
“Decide what is most important to you and allocate the budget accordingly. Priorities are different for everyone.”
Her guidance to couples is clear: hire an experienced planner.
“Hotels will generally just look after the basics,” she explains. “You need someone with experience and a strong vendor network who can make the process smooth and enjoyable.”
A good planner prevents costly mistakes, manages timelines, and ensures calm execution on the day.
If Rachel were starting today, her advice would be strategic.
Stand out in the crowd. There are so many wedding planners around now.
She would focus on building a recognisable signature, investing in unique events, and learning when to say no.
“Why should clients come to you? What is different about your events?”
Rachel’s current dream venue isn’t a classic villa — it’s a dramatic, unconventional space.
A newly discovered gem in Puglia, Cava Puglia, is an old quarry transformed into an amphitheatre with sea views, sunset dinners overlooking Ostuni, and — best of all — no curfew.
“It’s vast, dramatic, and full of potential,” she says. “That’s where creativity really comes alive.”
