How to start planning a wedding in France

Planning a destination wedding in France is one of the most exciting journeys you can embark on — but before you start contacting venues and vendors, it’s worth taking a moment to pause, align, and lay the right foundations.

Here are the key things to think about before you begin planning your French wedding, so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and joy.

💍1. Start With an Honest Conversation: Define Your 5 Ws

Before you browse venues or dream up color palettes, take time to sit down together and talk through the five essential questions that will shape everything to come:

• Who: Who do you want to celebrate with? Sketch a rough guest list — even a ballpark number helps. A wedding for 40 guests feels entirely different from one for 140, and affects every aspect from venue size to catering costs.

• When: Do you have a specific date in mind, or simply a general season? Being flexible on timing can open doors to more venues and better rates, especially in high-demand regions like Provence or the Riviera. Being flexible on the year might allow you to spend a little more by spreading costs of the wedding.

• Where: Is there a specific region or atmosphere that draws you in — vineyards, seaside, château gardens — or are you open to your planner’s recommendations? Do you want to make sure your guests don't have to fly two planes and a train to get there?

• How: What kind of celebration do you envision? A symbolic outdoor ceremony, a chic Paris soirée, or a multi-day countryside experience? Think also of how you want the planning expereince to feel: how involved or hands off do you want to be?

• How much: How much do you want (and are able) to spend on the full experience?

Why it matters:These conversations aren’t just logistical — they help define your priorities and flexibility. You might have a fixed budget but be open about location. Or perhaps the region is non-negotiable, but you’re flexible with the date or guest count.Knowing which factors are most important — and where you can adapt — will make every decision afterward more aligned and less stressful.

When it comes to budget, clarity is essential. Decide early on who will contribute and how much — whether it’s just the two of you or if family members will help. This ensures everyone is on the same page before you make any commitments.

Think of this as setting your compass before the journey begins — it’s not about perfection, but direction.

🌿2. Define the Guest Experience and Celebration Style

Before diving into logistics, think about how you want the celebration to feel. Is it an elegant long weekend with relaxed meals and wine tastings? A one-day event full of glamour and dancing? Or a small, heartfelt celebration focused on intimacy and connection?

Why it matters:Your guest count and event structure influence your venue choices, budget, and design approach.

Ask yourselves:

• How many guests will realistically attend?

• Do we want a multi-day celebration or a single event?

• Should the experience feel formal, relaxed, or somewhere in between?

France offers a setting for every atmosphere — grand château soirées, rustic Provençal dinners, modern vineyard celebrations, or stylish Parisian fêtes.

💶 3. Set a Realistic Budget (and Understand French Pricing)

France offers exceptional quality — from cuisine and wine to service and aesthetics — but costs may differ from what you expect.

Key considerations:

• Venues: Many rent for multiple days or require exclusive use.

• Catering: Expect roughly 25–35% of your budget for fine French dining and service.

• Planner: Luxury planners typically charge a flat fee or a percentage of the total budget.

At Bonjour Weddings, for example, budgets usually start around €1,500 per guest, with most couples spending between €2,000 and €3,000 per guest for a fully serviced, multi-day event.

Setting a budget early — and understanding how it breaks down — allows your planner to allocate resources strategically while maintaining a luxurious experience.

📍 4. Choose Your Region Before You Choose Your Venue

Each region of France tells a different story. Before falling in love with a single venue, consider which setting resonates most with you.

Regional highlights:

• Provence & Riviera: Golden light, olive groves, lavender, and vineyards.

• Paris & Île-de-France: Chic urban elegance and grand historic estates.

• Loire Valley: Fairytale castles and manicured gardens.

• Southwest France: Gastronomic countryside charm.

• Haute-Savoie & the Alps: Lakeside views and mountain serenity.

Think beyond looks — consider accessibility for guests, local vendor availability, and weather during your preferred season.

🕊 5. Understand the Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremony

Many couples don’t realize that legally marrying in France requires at least one partner to reside in the commune for 40 days before the wedding — a logistical hurdle for most destination couples.

The solution: Have a symbolic ceremony in France and complete the legal paperwork at home before or after.

Symbolic ceremonies allow for complete freedom — blending traditions, languages, and cultures in a way that feels deeply personal and authentic.

💌 6. Bring a Planner Onboard Before Contacting Vendors

It’s tempting to start emailing venues and photographers right away — but having a local planner in place first will save you enormous time, stress, and potential missteps.

A bilingual French planner will:

• Recommend vetted venues that fit your vision and budget.

• Handle communication and contracts across time zones.

• Prevent costly misunderstandings.

• Curate a team of trusted vendors who work seamlessly together.

The best venues and suppliers in France are often booked 12–18 months in advance — and many work exclusively through experienced planners.

✨ Final Thought

Planning a destination wedding in France should feel inspired, not overwhelming. By starting with honest conversations, defining your priorities, and partnering with an experienced planner early, you’ll build the framework for a celebration that feels effortless, meaningful, and beautifully French.

At Bonjour Weddings, we guide couples from those first planning questions all the way through to their multi-day celebration. If you’re just beginning to dream about your wedding in France, we’d love to help you start in the right direction. Get in touch to begin planning your French wedding →