planning a wedding in France –
5 Things to know Before you start 

Congratulations on your engagement! I can imagine your excitement and eagerness to dive into planning your wedding in France.

But, let’s acknowledge that this is likely a novel experience for you. Even if you’re familiar with the events industry, planning a personal event overseas adds a different perspective.  The process is meant to be exciting and enjoyable, but in today’s world of constant information bombardment from the internet and social media, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with options and others’ opinions, before you even start.

As an established Wedding and Events Planner I have witnessed this scenario frequently, as couples, whether just starting out or midway through planning their wedding in France, often find themselves struggling to cope.

The good news is, with over 25 years of experience organizing weddings and events, there’s very little I haven’t encountered and I know how to make it easier.

I firmly believe that being forewarned is being forearmed.  So, before you eagerly jump into the world of destination wedding planning—scouring the internet for dream venues, pinning countless dress photos, and seeking supplier recommendations on Facebook—let’s take a moment for you and your partner, to delve into these essential points.  This reflection will grant you a clearer vision for the next steps.

You have chosen France to host your destination wedding, and it’s a fabulous choice with so much to offer.  But, it isn’t the same as your home country.  So, my first tip is…

There are some differences that you are going to need to consider…

Language

Let’s state the obvious first—they speak French. While there are numerous English-speaking suppliers in France, the majority are French. Not being versed in the language might mean missing out or paying more than necessary.

Business Etiquette follows a different tune.

Renowned for their bureaucracy and a somewhat rigid approach to business discussions, negotiations can be a bit challenging. However, with preparation and a genuine effort, many French suppliers are willing to accommodate you where possible.

Legal Marriage

Legally, marriage is only recognized when conducted at the town hall and there are a number of pre-requisites. However, having connections in France can open up possibilities. And by connections, I don’t mean anything shady!

Church Weddings

Churches are reserved for religious weddings. The surge in destination weddings to France has led to an uplift in requests from foreign nationals to marry in a French church. While possible, using churches for ‘wedding tourism’ (or having a church wedding solely for picturesque photos) is strongly discouraged. If you desire a religious service, there are diverse options depending on your faith, and you will have to meet the requirements.  Also keep in mind that a church wedding can impact your choice of wedding reception venue. If these are a commitment you can’t make or a risk you can’t take, there are alternative avenues to explore.

When you reach out to any wedding venue or supplier, they’ll be eager to gather key details such as the number of guests, your chosen date, the duration of the event, and more. Taking a deeper dive into your requirements beforehand not only streamlines your search but also ensures faster responses. Consider factors like the specific needs of your guests, including children and any special requirements. Break down your accommodation preferences and get into the nitty-gritty of your style, needs, wants, likes, and dislikes. While it’s okay for these preferences to evolve, kicking off with a best-case scenario sets the tone.

When deciding on the date for your destination wedding in France I strongly advocate for selecting a date that suits you best and not worry about the weather. Neither you nor I can control its unpredictable nature, so the smart move is to plan for it. It’s the least stressful route.
Naturally, there are other practical factors to consider too, which could influence your options. Take into account the region’s characteristics including significant local events, guest availability, transportation calendars and associated costs. While some flexibility may be necessary, start with what dates align with your preferences and have some backup alternatives. Then, see what unfolds.

With over 10,000 wedding venues in France, avoid getting overwhelmed with options and streamline your search by picking your town or region first. Each region has its unique style and pros and cons, so research them before venues.  Infrastructure and supporting services are also key elements to considering location. This upfront investment will pay off in the smoother planning of your wedding. If you lack a strong connection to an area, knowing your requirements and dates will help guide your location choice.

Budgeting can be a challenge, but understanding your financial landscape is crucial. France may not be the cheaper option it’s perceived to be, especially with recent price hikes due to global factors. Consider what your budget needs to cover, contributions from various parties, and prioritize your expenditures based on their value to you.  Also set your wedding day budget before your venue budget then you will be sure you can have the day you want.  See our blog on Setting your wedding budget

Invest time in thorough background research to grasp your requirements and pinpoint your ideal location for planning your wedding in France. This groundwork will significantly ease the subsequent steps of finding your venue and selecting your suppliers. Use it as your compass, staying focused and deviating only when necessary or when you wish to redefine. While it’s an evolving process, starting with this approach will keep you on the right track. Resist the temptation to be a magpie—being drawn to everything will only add confusion and consume more time.