D-12 Months: Laying the Foundations
In France, a wedding is prepared on average 14 months in advance. Starting at D-12 months is the minimum for high-season weddings (May-September). For a Saturday in June or July at a popular venue, some venues are booked 18 to 24 months in advance.
In France, the average wedding budget is €35,000, but the range extends from €8,000 (intimate wedding for 30 people) to over €80,000 (150 people in a castle). The region plays a huge role: the same services cost 30 to 50% more in Île-de-France than in the provinces.
The key figure
73% of couples exceed their initial estimate. Be sure to set aside 10% of the total for unforeseen expenses - it will be used. Anticipating this risk already reduces it by half.
Recommended budget allocation
| Item | Budget share |
|---|---|
| Caterer | 30-35% |
| Venue | 15-20% |
| Photo / video | 10-15% |
| Attire | 8-12% |
| Flowers and decoration | 6-10% |
| Music | 5-7% |
| Stationery and gifts | 3-5% |
| Contingency | 10% |
The impact of the day of the week on price
| Day / Season | Impact on venue price |
|---|---|
| Saturday high season (May-Sept.) | Maximum rate |
| Friday or Sunday | -10 to 20% |
| Tuesday or Wednesday | -20 to 40% |
| Low season (Oct.-March) | -20 to 30% additional |
The calculation that changes everything
A Tuesday in November at the same venue as a Saturday in July can cost €3,000 to €6,000 less. This single decision can fund your photographer.
Town hall documents to prepare
- ID cards of both future spouses
- Proof of address
- Birth certificates less than 3 months old (6 months if born abroad)
- Names and contact details of your 2 to 4 witnesses
D-10 Months: Booking Key Vendors
This is the critical period. The best vendors for summer Saturdays go fast - very fast. Do not postpone these bookings.
What you evaluate during each venue visit
Practical aspects:
- Exact seated capacity (not just for cocktails)
- Freedom to choose your own vendors
- Kitchen access, parking, setup times
- Nearby accommodations
- Amplified music cut-off time
- Other weddings planned for the same weekend
Contractual aspects:
- Cancellation and postponement policy
- What is included in the price (furniture, sound system, lighting, cleaning)
- Deposit amount and conditions
What your caterer's quote should detail
- Price per person including tax, drinks included or not
- Number of servers (recommended ratio: 1 per 8-10 guests)
- Special menus: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher
- Wedding cake or croquembouche included or extra
- Tableware, glasses, tablecloths rental - included or not
- Guaranteed presence hours and cost of overtime
Photographer: 2026 price ranges
| Package | Price range |
|---|---|
| Photographer only | €1,500 to €3,500+ |
| Photographer + videographer (2 vendors) | €3,000 to €7,000+ |
| One photo + video vendor | €2,500 to €5,000+ |
25 mistakes that ruin wedding budgets
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D-8 Months: Launching Communications
D-6 Months: Attire
What to bring to dress fittings
The underwear you'll wear on D-Day, shoes with the final heel height, and a trusted person - but not too many people. Conflicting opinions paralyze decision-making.
D-4 Months: Stationery and Decoration
Wedding flower price ranges
| Service | Range |
|---|---|
| Bridal bouquet only | €150 to €400 |
| Full package (bouquet, boutonnière, arch, centerpieces) | €1,500 to €5,000+ |
Flower budget tip
Seasonal flowers cost 2 to 4 times less than the same off-season flowers. Discuss with your florist seasonal alternatives that match your aesthetic. Peonies in June cost €3 a stem. In December, it's €12.
D-3 Months: Logistics
Golden rules of the seating plan
- Wait until you have at least 90% of RSVPs
- Prioritize affinities, not family etiquette
- Elderly people near the entrance and restrooms, away from speakers
- Plan 2 "buffer" seats for last-minute contingencies
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The complete emergency kit
The Big Day schedule should include
- Arrival time of each vendor
- Civil and religious/secular ceremony timing
- Cocktail hour duration and schedule
- Grand entrance and dinner plan
- Planned speeches and indicative durations
- End time
The Big Day: the ultimate checklist
The most important advice
Delegate. On your wedding day, your only role is to enjoy every second. Everything else - emergencies, logistics, delays - should be managed by your witnesses and your designated trusted person.
Wedding checklist FAQ
When should you start planning your wedding?
Ideally between 12 and 18 months before for a wedding in high season (May-September). The reasonable minimum is 9 months. Under 6 months, you'll need to significantly simplify your initial vision as the most sought-after vendors will often be unavailable.
Is it possible to organize a beautiful wedding in 6 months?
Yes, but with constraints. The most in-demand vendors will often be unavailable. Prioritize the venue, caterer, and photographer - these have the longest lead times. Consider a weekday or off-season wedding to maximize your chances.
What's the first thing to do when you get engaged?
Define your overall budget and your guest count range. Everything else directly stems from this: the type of venue, the choice of caterer, the style of decoration, and the number of vendors.
How to not forget anything in wedding preparations?
By using a centralized checklist accessible from your phone, that you and your partner consult regularly. The Nupty app offers a complete wedding checklist integrated with planning and budget, for 89€ lifetime access.
Do you absolutely need a wedding planner?
No. A professional wedding planner costs between 2,000€ and 8,000€. Applications like Nupty allow you to centralize all planning for 89€ lifetime access, keeping control of every decision. A wedding planner remains relevant for very ambitious weddings or if you completely lack time.
Conclusion
Organizing a wedding is one of the most complex projects of your life - and one of the most beautiful. The key: start early, be methodical, and centralize everything in one place so nothing gets lost.
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More than 1,800 couples are already organizing their wedding with Nupty: complete checklist, real-time budget tracking, guest management, interactive seating chart and timeline - all in one, accessible from your phone.
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