A Studio 54-inspired villa wedding

The plan

At the end of February, this couple had a date less than four months away, a clear wish for something far from a traditional wedding, and no plan that was going to get them there. They made a phone call on a Saturday, and the work started from zero: concept, logistics and styling. Planned by Bliss Ibiza Weddings, the church paperwork was in hand by the Monday, and the following weeks were filled with venue visits, drawings and long evening planning meetings. Three and a half months later, the wedding took place.

The ceremony

The day began in the hills at the church of Sant Agustí, a small white chapel that set a classic tone. Guests arrived to shade, parasols and a water station, which mattered in the Ibiza heat. The church door was framed by a large arch of flowers for the bride's entrance. After the ceremony came congratulations and champagne outside, and a pause before the evening. Nobody knew yet what was coming.

An hour later, minivans collected every guest and took them to a private villa. For the paperwork behind a church wedding, see church and religious ceremonies; for moving a full guest list between venues, see transport.

Dinner and party

The villa was the frame; inside it, the team built a full Studio 54 production, with chandeliers, theatrical lighting, a stage and decoration to match. Performers were part of the evening from the first minute, more than 30 artists over the day, and the dinner itself was staged as a show with acts inspired by Cirque du Soleil, given a subtle Studio 54 twist.

The catering was Michelin-star quality, flown in from Italy, and needed around 40 catering staff alone to serve at that level. After dinner came the cake, speeches and dancers, then the live big band from Lake Como on a custom stage. A designed bar and projections across the walls of the house kept the atmosphere up. The band played until 1.30am before handing over to a DJ; staying outdoors after midnight was something the couple would not give up, and it took careful coordination to make it possible.

The details

• A floral arch over the church door
• Minivans for every guest between church and villa
• Chandeliers, stage and lighting built into a private house
• Performers throughout, from welcome to the dance floor
• Projections on the villa walls during the party

Good to know

A short timeline is workable if decisions are quick and the paperwork starts immediately, especially for a church wedding. At a private villa, a production on this scale means staff, power, transport and sound all have to be brought in. Late outdoor music is the hardest thing to arrange on Ibiza, so raise it at the start; the rules and permits page explains why.