Planning a luxury destination wedding in France is an exciting journey, but to get the most out of it, it helps to understand how things truly work behind the scenes. From timing to vendor selection and how to allocate your budget, there are a few essential insights that can elevate your celebration from beautiful to unforgettable. At Et Voila Weddings, we have spent over 13 years guiding couples through this process with elegance, precision, and deep local knowledge. Based between London and the South of France, we work with English-speaking couples from around the world to design bespoke weddings across Provence, Paris, and the French Riviera.
A Great Planner is the First Key Decision
If you are planning a high-end destination wedding in France, your wedding planner is the cornerstone of your event. Beyond managing logistics, your planner is the one who will curate the right creative team for your celebration. In France, the top-tier vendors – especially florists, photographers, and caterers -receive hundreds of enquiries each season. They tend to prioritise planners they know and trust, especially those whose work aligns with their style and standards. This is why hiring a planner whose aesthetic and process reflect what you want to create is essential. When you choose a reputable planner with strong local relationships and a clear vision, you position yourself to work with the best talents available.
Good Things Take Time
A truly bespoke event cannot be rushed. While we absolutely can plan a beautiful wedding in a short timeframe – we have done it in as little as three months – more lead time opens up far more creative opportunities. If you want custom elements such as hand-illustrated stationery, bespoke floral installations, or personalised gifting experiences for your guests, these take time to design and produce. In addition, the most sought-after vendors, particularly those known for exceptional craftsmanship, often book out early. Starting the planning process at least 10-12 months in advance is ideal if you want full access to these options.
Do Not Be Venue Poor
Your venue sets the scene, but it is not what makes a wedding feel luxurious. A breathtaking château or a 5-star hotel on the Riviera is only one part of the experience. True luxury is created through the details guests can engage with: exquisite paper goods, soft and elegant linens, refined tableware, lush floral design, curated menus, and elevated service. These tactile, thoughtful elements bring the wedding to life. For weddings with a total budget under €400,000, we recommend allocating no more than 20% of your total budget to the venue. For larger budgets, up to 30% is reasonable. This ensures that the full experience – not just the setting – is given the attention and investment it deserves.
Think Beyond the Wedding Day
More and more couples are choosing to host multi-day celebrations, and in France, the options are endless. Welcome parties in olive groves, pool or beach side brunches, classic car rallyes, a golf tournament or wine tastings in a private château cellar – these gatherings enhance the overall experience and allow your guests to enjoy the destination fully. They also give you more time to connect with loved ones in a relaxed way. At Et Voila Weddings, we specialise in multi-day events that unfold seamlessly, each with its own atmosphere, yet all part of a cohesive experience.
Be Strategic About Guest Comfort
Your guests are travelling to celebrate with you – so making their experience smooth, comfortable, and memorable should be a priority. From arranging transportation and accommodations to providing clear itineraries and thoughtful welcome gifts, every touchpoint matters. Guest experience is at the heart of what we do. We design weddings that are as enjoyable for your guests as they are meaningful for you. This attention to comfort, clarity, and flow is part of what transforms a celebration into something unforgettable.
Local Knowledge Is Your Best Advantage
Understanding the cultural nuances, vendor landscape, and regional logistics of planning in France is something that cannot be learned overnight. From navigating contracts in French, to knowing which florists can deliver in remote locations, to ensuring sound permits are in place for your party to continue past midnight – local knowledge prevents surprises and ensures smooth execution. We work across multiple regions in France and bring a deep familiarity with the venues, suppliers, and hidden gems that make each event exceptional.
Whether you are at the very beginning of the process or already have a date and place in mind, working with the right planner will make your wedding not only more beautiful, but far more enjoyable to plan. At Et Voila Weddings, we are here to guide you every step of the way, making your celebration in France as seamless, elegant, and personal as it can be. Reach out via WhatsApp now to start your wedding planning process!
