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Looking for an unforgettable wedding without breaking the bank? This article reveals how to reconcile dream and reality, between emotions, organization and priorities. Essential reading for any couple ready to say "I do".
Getting married is all about celebrating love, bringing together the people you love and creating a unique moment. But behind the magic of the big day lies a very real reality:organization and budgeting. While every wedding is different, they all share one thing in common: you have to anticipate, estimate, sometimes give up, but always with the same objective in mind: to make this day an unforgettable moment without losing your savings.
The first step, even before you start contacting suppliers, is to define an overall budget. In France, the average wedding for 100 guests costs between 12,000 and 25,000 euros. This figure is a rough guide: some intimate weddings can be celebrated for less than 5,000 euros, while top-of-the-range ceremonies can sometimes cost more than 50,000 euros. The difference is based on several factors: the number of guests, the region, the season, the type of reception and, of course, the level of service chosen.
Ideally, you should set a maximum budget very early on in the planning stage. This financial framework will be the common thread running through all your preparations. It's also important at this stage to think about what you want to prioritize. For some couples, it will be an exceptional venue or a gourmet caterer. For others, it will be an intimate atmosphere with meticulous decoration or a talented photographer. These choices are at the heart of your project.
The biggest expense is often the reception venue. Renting an estate, a château or a wedding hall represents a significant expense, ranging from 2,000 to 8,000 euros depending on the standing and services included. The more prestigious the venue or the more it's located in a tourist region, the higher the rates. If the venue is rented "bare", you may also have to pay for the rental of furniture, crockery and technical equipment. It's also common to be required to pay a security deposit and to pay extra for cleaning.
Catering is a close second in terms of cost. The meal - often including a cocktail reception, dinner and sometimes brunch the following day - represents between 30 and 40% of the overall budget. On average, a wedding menu costs between 70 and 130 euros per guest, including drinks. To this can be added the cost of service, crockery and staff hire. Some suppliers offer all-inclusive packages, while others work on an à la carte basis. It's highly recommended to taste before signing a contract, because beyond the price, quality and presentation count enormously.
Another significant item is the bride and groom's attire. A ready-to-wear wedding dress can cost between 800 and 1,500 euros. Designer or made-to-measure models often cost in excess of 2,000 euros, not counting alterations, accessories, shoes or beauty treatments. For the groom, an elegant suit can run from 400 to 1,200 euros. Although it's an expense for a single day, for some, it's also an element of dream and symbolism that shouldn't be underestimated.
Unlike a dress or suit, wedding rings won't be tucked away in a closet after the wedding. They're everyday jewelry, worn for a lifetime. Their price depends on the metal (gold, platinum, silver), the fineness of the ring, the presence or absence of stones and the engraving. In general, a couple will spend between 600 and 2,500 euros on a pair of wedding rings. It's a good idea to plan a few months in advance, so you can compare models and avoid last-minute anxiety and rush costs.
Investing in a photographer is investing in memory. A good professional knows how to capture glances, gestures and fleeting details. The price of a specialized wedding photographer ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 euros for a full day. Adding a video service can raise the price, but allows you to relive the highlights with a different emotion. Some offer photo + video packages, others work à la carte. It's essential to look at their portfolio and discuss your expectations in advance.
Decoration is an item that can be modulated according to the level of personal involvement. Entrusting the entire scenography to a service provider can cost several thousand euros, while a do-it-yourself couple can achieve a magnificent result for a few hundred euros. Flowers also play a central role: bouquets, boutonnieres, decorations for the arch or hall can cost between 300 and 1,000 euros, depending on the season and the species chosen.
For the soundtrack, most brides and grooms hire a DJ, whose fees range from 800 to 1,500 euros, depending on the equipment provided and the length of the performance. If you opt for a live band, please allow for a larger budget. Other entertainments, such as a photobooth, games or performers, round out this festive part of the budget.
The cost of invitations, menus, ceremony booklets, labels and thank-you cards is often underestimated. Professionally printed, they can cost between 2 and 6 euros per guest. There are also more economical digital solutions, but they don't offer the same experience.
And let's not forget guest gifts, transport costs, car hire or accommodation for your loved ones. Taken together, these small items can easily exceed 1,000 euros if not anticipated.
Even with meticulous organization, there are always unforeseen circumstances: fickle weather conditions that force you to rent a tent, an extra guest, a service provider unavailable at the last minute. That's why it's a good idea to leave a margin for unforeseen events equivalent to 5 to 10% of the overall budget.
Another useful precaution: take out wedding insurance. For a modest fee, it protects you in the event of cancellation for serious reasons (illness, accident, extreme bad weather).
Talking about a budget isn't just a financial constraint. It's an exercise in projecting, balancing and building together. It's an opportunity to ask ourselves some essential questions: what's really important to us? Where do we want to put our energy and resources? What can we simplify, delegate or do away with without regret? Many people choose to work directly with a wedding planner to help them deal specifically with these questions.
A wedding is not measured by its price, but by its sincerity, its inner beauty, what it says about you. Whether you dream of a large-scale event or a small-scale celebration, what you build together is precious. Don't forget to make your event a reflection of you that you'll remember for the rest of your life.
Photo credits Noelle Rebekah, Chris, Ahmed Kurt & Mikhail Nilov
