Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time, but it can also feel overwhelming as you start thinking about planning your wedding. With so many details to consider, it’s essential to approach the process in an organized and thoughtful way. To help, we’ve created a guide to the first 10 steps you should take. These steps will set you up for a smooth, enjoyable journey to planning your dream wedding in France—or wherever your heart desires.
1. Discuss Location with Your Fiancé(e)
The location sets the tone for your wedding, so it’s a crucial first decision. Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in France, a countryside celebration, or a city affair, take time to agree on what feels meaningful to you both.
2. Talk About Dates
Decide on a general time of year or specific date. If your dream location has seasonal constraints or if certain dates have sentimental meaning, factor these into your discussion. Keep in mind that some venues book up far in advance, so flexibility can help.
3. Choose the Type of Ceremony
Would you like a religious service or a symbolic ceremony? This decision impacts venue choices and logistical planning, particularly if you are after a religious ceremony as it means that on top of sourcing a venue you will need to source a place of worship. To note that religious ceremonies in France cannot be held outside of a place of worship…
4. Discuss the Overall Vibe You Want
Is your vision a luxurious château wedding, a casual vineyard celebration, or something entirely unique? Your preferred vibe should align with the location you’ve chosen. This ensures the style you envision complements the setting seamlessly.
5. Decide on Guest Numbers with Your Families
Work with your fiancé(e) and, if applicable, your families to agree on the size of your guest list. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration, this number will influence your venue options, budget, and planning decisions.
6. Set an Initial Budget Bracket
Have an honest conversation about your budget. Discuss what you feel is reasonable for the celebration you envision and how much flexibility you have for potential extra costs. It’s essential to plan realistically while remaining open to expert advice. We’ve written more about typical wedding budgets in France in this blog post.
7. Research Wedding Planners
If you’re considering a destination wedding, hiring a wedding planner with local expertise is invaluable. Ideally, your planner should be local or have extensive experience in the area. While some planners handle weddings worldwide, a planner who specializes in destination weddings in France will have the local network, resources, and understanding to manage all the details of your event and your local vendors. They’ll also have the support system in place to handle unforeseen issues effortlessly, ensuring your day is nothing short of seamless.
8. Shortlist 3–4 Planners
Select a few planners whose work aligns with your style and budget. Check their portfolios and client reviews to ensure they have experience with weddings similar to what you’re envisioning.
9. Speak with Planners and Review Proposals
Arrange calls with your shortlisted planners to discuss their approach, process, and how they would bring your vision to life. Pay attention to how well they understand your needs and their ability to handle the logistics of a destination wedding. Request proposals and contracts for review before making your choice.
10. Book Your Planner and Start Venue Selection
Once you’ve selected your planner, they’ll guide you through choosing a venue that matches your style, guest count, and budget. If you’re handling this step alone, ensure you ask venues about key details like accessibility, catering facilities, and restrictions on decor or music. A general rule: for budgets under €300,000, your venue cost should not exceed 15% of your total budget.
11. Plan Venue Visits
If you don’t have a planner, visiting venues in person is crucial. Aim to visit no more than three venues per day to allow time for thorough reviews and travel. However, if you’ve hired a local planner, they can provide invaluable insights into the venues, even if you can’t visit yourself. Their expertise and experience with the spaces will ensure you make a confident, informed decision. You can find our preferred venues selection in Paris, Provence and the Riviera on our website.
Planning a wedding in France is a wonderful journey. By following these few steps, you’ll be well on your way to a celebration that feels authentically yours!
If you’re looking for an experienced French wedding planner to guide you through this process, we’d love to help. At Et Voila Weddings, we’re passionate about creating exceptional experiences for couples and their guests. Let’s bring your vision to life—contact us today to begin your journey.
