How much does a destination wedding in France cost?

As experienced luxury wedding planners, this is a question we struggle with.

In France, a wedding budget can widely vary depending on the region, the number of guests, the venue and all the vendors involved. For a destination wedding, a good starting point is 30,000 €. It is worth noting that 54% of couples exceed their initial budget. 

1. Venue hire - from 6,000 € 

After catering, the venue hire cost is usually the most significant expense in a wedding budget. It should include the rental fee for the ceremony and reception spaces, the chairs, tables, linens, and venue decorations.

The cost of your wedding venue depends on multiple factors, including:

• The type of venue: Opulent Châteaux, historical landmarks, vineyard estates etc…

• The region: Côte d’Azur, Provence, Paris etc..

• The number of guests

• The date and season

• The accommodation need

• The inclusion of furniture or not

Choosing a venue comes with perks like accommodation and in-house services, but it might limit vendor choices. Some venues allow flexibility but may charge extra for outside vendors. Consider these factors when making your decision for the ideal wedding venue.

You can expect venue costs to range from 6,000 € and go upwards to 60,000 € or even more.

It is best to compare the same type of venue in different French regions and at different dates,as prices can vary greatly.

2. Catering - from 100€ per person

One of the highlights of the day is the food - especially if you’re getting married in France. Whether you go for a buffet-style dinner or a sit-down meal, it's crucial to have enough food to soak up all that alcohol – a good meal can prevent any embarrassing dance floor moments!

You can expect to spend from 100 € per person. This includes the tableware.

For the wedding cake, 2,000 € is a good starting point.

Of course, the final price will depend on the caterer you choose and the menu you decide on.

3. Drinks: from 50 € per person

This is an expense very often minimised as we tend to think of it as being part of the catering cost. Drinks are their own expense category.

More than any other expense, the drinks cost will depend on the profile of your guests. Do you need to order more spirits or is wine and beer enough? Do you plan on having signature cocktails? Will you use the catering company or a bartending company?

The answers to these questions will determine the drinks’ cost.

4. Decor and Florals - from 2,000 €

Crafting a captivating ambiance at your wedding venue involves thoughtful decor and beautiful floral arrangements. The costs for flowers, table centrepieces, lighting, and other decorations will depend on your preferred style, the intricacy of designs, the overall style of the venue and which flowers are in season. In France, decor and floral costs start around 2000 €.

By considering these factors, you can create a delightful atmosphere that perfectly complements your vision and adds a touch of magic to your special day.

5. Photography & Videography - from 3,000 €

It's really important to capture all the magical moments of your wedding day. So, you'll probably want to hire professional photographers and videographers to document the whole celebration.

The costs can vary based on what's included in the package, how long they'll cover your event, how many photographers and videographers they'll bring, and any extras like engagement shoots or albums.

As a rough starting point, you might be looking at around 3,000 € to cover the day.

6. Entertainment - from 2,000 €

A wedding isn’t a celebration without entertainment. The cost of entertainment, be it a live band, DJ, or cultural performers, varies depending on factors such as the type of entertainment, their level of experience, and the duration of their performance.

For instance, if you opt for a band or DJ, the costs may start from 2,000 €. On the other hand, hiring a musician specifically for your ceremony or drinks reception could cost around 1000 €.

7. Wedding attire and beauty - from 500 €

If you wish to shop in France for your wedding attire, there is a diverse range of boutiques from high end designers to more affordable options.

For hair and makeup, you might spend around 500 €. As a Black bride it might be more expensive. If there’s no available Make-Up Artist and hairstylist in the region, you’ll need to add to transport and accommodation costs for bringing them in.

8. Transportation and accommodation

Because you live outside of France, it's essential to consider transportation and accommodation requirements for your guests and yourself. This includes factoring in the costs of flights or local transfers for transportation, as well as the expenses for hotel accommodations. Taking these factors into consideration will help ensure that you all have a smooth and enjoyable experience during your special celebration.

9. Other expenses

As you plan your wedding, it's crucial to allocate a budget for other additional expenses such as legal requirements, insurance, wedding favours, stationery, and other miscellaneous items.

Being prepared for these costs will help you stay on top of your finances and ensure a smooth and stress-free planning experience.

Underestimated expenses

Decor and florals are the most underestimated expenses. From experience, most couples tend to underestimate how much material and labour goes into transforming their venue into their ideal decor.

The team might need to start working the day before and overnight to deliver your dream wedding.

As a luxury wedding planner, I have also noticed that our planning services are also disregarded by clients. Depending on the size and complexity of your wedding, the cost of the staff needed on the day might quickly add up.

It seems that the categories that you might deem not essential are the ones we tend to underestimate.

It is worth remembering that almost 1 in three couples do not stick to their wedding budget.

Example of budgets

The cost of planning a wedding in France is, without a doubt, influenced by various factors. From the time of year and venue to the choice of caterer and the region you opt for, everything plays a role – whether you're aiming for a low-key affair or a lavish celebration. To offer a realistic glimpse of expenses and cater to couples out there, we'll cover different wedding budgets for a hundred guests, set on distinct locations in France.

With these varied examples, we hope to paint a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of costs for planning your dream destination wedding in France.

The cost of a destination wedding in France can vary significantly depending on various factors like the region, guest count, venue, and vendor choices.

Essential expenses include venue hire, catering, beverages, decor and florals, photography & videography, entertainment, wedding attire, and guest transportation & accommodation. Additionally, it's crucial to consider underestimated costs, such as decor and planning services, which may have a substantial impact on your budget.

Staying flexible and mindful of potential expenses will help you plan your dream wedding in France without compromising on creating cherished memories.

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