When we imagined our magical fairytale wedding in Lake Bled, we wanted the experience to feel complete.
And what better way to experience Lake Bled than riding one of its traditional Pletna boats?
During our first two visits to Lake Bled, we'd always seen these beautiful wooden boats crossing the lake. But we deliberately saved our first ride for our wedding day, when we could experience it with our closest family and friends.
Talk about riding in style, the Lake Bled way!
Duygu and I boarding our decorated Pletna boat from Vila Bled’s dock. (Photo by Ana Gregorič)
Why We Chose Pletna Boats for Our Wedding
We planned our wedding across two beautiful lakeside venues: Vila Bled for our ceremony and cocktail reception, and Grand Hotel Toplice for dinner and the evening celebrations.
Rather than transporting everyone by road, we wanted the journey between venues to become part of the wedding experience.
After all, we weren't just getting married in Lake Bled. We wanted our guests to experience what makes this place so special.
And for us, that included riding a traditional Pletna boat across its silky waters.
Boarding at Vila Bled's Private Dock
One of the advantages of having our ceremony and cocktail reception at Vila Bled was access to its private dock.
We had arranged two Pletna boats to transport our 34 guests and the two of us across the lake to Grand Hotel Toplice.
We were running a little behind schedule, so there was some time pressure getting everyone ready to depart.
But before heading down to the boats, our guests lined up along Vila Bled's staircase and tossed flower petals over us as we walked beneath them.
It became a beautiful makeshift aisle and another unexpected highlight of the day.
Our guests welcoming us with flower petals as we walk down the steps at Vila Bled. (Photo by Ana Gregorič)
When we finally reached the dock, we saw our decorated Pletna boat for the first time.
Tomaž and his team from Cvetličarna Spaans had done an incredible job decorating our wedding ride. We couldn't believe how beautiful it looked.
Champagne, Music, and a Scenic Ride Across Lake Bled
Once everyone was aboard, our two Pletna boats departed Vila Bled for a scenic journey across the lake.
There was champagne, music, and plenty of excitement as we coasted across Lake Bled's serene waters.
It was everything we'd imagined.
Looking around and seeing our family and friends enjoying the experience together made it even more special.
From the kids to the adults, everyone seemed to love every moment.
While we'd designed our wedding around what we wanted as a couple, we also wanted our guests to feel like they were part of our magical fairytale, rather than simply watching it unfold.
And judging by the smiles and excitement on the boats, we'd achieved exactly that.
Champagne, music, smiles, and cheers with our wedding guests on Lake Bled’s Pletna boats. (Photo by Ana Gregorič)
Arriving at Grand Hotel Toplice
Our Pletna boats eventually arrived at Grand Hotel Toplice's dock.
Unlike Vila Bled's private dock, our arrival brought us onto a walkway filled with tourists.
But rather than feeling awkward, it became another memorable part of the experience.
We received endless congratulations from people passing by, and everyone was incredibly kind.
Once our guests disembarked, they headed straight to Julijana Terrace for refreshments before dinner.
Our second Pletna boat glides toward the dock at Grand Hotel Toplice with our guests on board. (Photo by Ana Gregorič)
Meanwhile, Duygu and I stayed behind with our photographer and videographer to take advantage of the golden-hour light.
With Bled Castle in the background and the sun beginning to disappear behind the Julian Alps, it was the perfect opportunity for a few more wedding photos.
What Couples Should Know Before Booking Pletna Boats
As magical as the experience was, there are a few practical things we'd recommend considering.
1. Plan Around the Weather
Pletna boats are very weather-dependent.
We'd seen them operating during light drizzle on previous visits, but we could only imagine how uncomfortable that might be for a wedding party dressed for a celebration.
For our wedding, we had alternative road transportation in mind if the weather prevented us from using the boats.
Thankfully, we had beautiful weather and could enjoy the experience as planned.
2. Consider the Number of Guests
Pletna boats have a maximum capacity of 18 people per boat.
With 34 guests plus the two of us, we needed two boats.
Another important detail is that you pay for the entire boat, regardless of whether you're booking it for just the bride and groom or a full group of 18 people.
For us, it was absolutely worth it.
If you're planning something similar, we'd recommend confirming the current pricing and arrangements with your wedding planner or Pletna boat provider.
3. Allow Enough Time for the Transition
Our Pletna crossing was part of a wedding day involving multiple venues, so timing mattered.
We were already running a little behind schedule when it was time to board, but everything worked out.
Looking back, we'd recommend allowing some flexibility for gathering guests, boarding the boats, enjoying the ride, and disembarking at the other end.
It's an experience worth enjoying rather than rushing through.
4. Think About Where You'll Board and Arrive
For us, boarding at Vila Bled's private dock made the departure particularly convenient.
We also knew exactly where our guests would go after arriving at Grand Hotel Toplice.
Having those details organized made the transition much easier, especially with a large group.
Our guests crossing Lake Bled in a blue-canopied Pletna with Bled Island’s church in the distance. (Photo by Ana Gregorič)
Was Booking Pletna Boats for Our Wedding Worth It?
Absolutely.
Of all the experiences we planned for our Lake Bled wedding, the Pletna boat ride was one of the most memorable.
It wasn't simply a way to transport our guests between venues. It became part of the celebration itself.
We loved seeing everyone's excitement, from the moment they spotted the decorated boats to the smiles as we arrived at Grand Hotel Toplice.
For us, it was a chance to share something uniquely Lake Bled with the people closest to us.
Would we do it again?
Without hesitation, weather permitting!
If you're planning a Lake Bled wedding and your venues and budget allow for it, we'd highly recommend considering a Pletna boat ride.
It's a beautiful way to make your guests feel like they're part of the experience, not just an audience.
Keep Reading
Our Lake Bled Wedding Day: From Ceremony to After-Party →
Follow the entire celebration, from our ceremony to the after-party.
What If It Rains on Your Lake Bled Wedding? Our Experience →
How we prepared for weather that could have changed our plans.
