It’s a question I hear all the time: “So… how much does a wedding really cost?”
The truth is, there’s no single answer. Every wedding is unique but understanding your wedding budget is the key to planning calmly and avoiding costly surprises.
As a wedding planner, my role is to bring clarity. Many couples start their planning with a single overall figure in mind, without realizing how it breaks down across each category. That’s often where things get tricky: one emotional choice a dream venue or a favorite vendor can suddenly throw the entire budget off balance.
The Main Categories in a Wedding Budget
Every part of your celebration has a cost and its own impact on the wedding budget.
Here’s what to expect when planning a wedding in France or anywhere.
The venue is usually the first major decision. In France, prices range from €6,000 to €33,000, depending on the region, season, capacity, and whether accommodation is included. High season (June to September) is naturally the most expensive, while spring and autumn often offer better value.
The caterer is another cornerstone of the event. For a complete culinary experience including the cocktail, wine, champagne, open bar, and possibly live food stations expect between €150 and €500 per guest. Below that, options tend to be basic, often without beverages or customization. From €150 upwards, you enter the world of more refined, tailored gastronomy.
Floral and wedding design give the wedding its visual identity. Between florals, furniture, and scenography, this budget usually starts around €6,500.
Music and entertainment are crucial elements in any wedding budget. A professional DJ usually starts around €2,500, covering both the ceremony and reception, including sound and lighting equipment.
For a live performance, prices depend on the type of act: a gospel group, live band, or string trio/quartet typically starts around €2,200. As always, the experience level, duration, and reputation of the performers affect pricing. Music and entertainment are crucial elements in any wedding budget.
Wedding Stationery (whether digital or printed) is another detail that brings elegance and coherence. Expect €2,500 for a digital version and €3,500 or more for a printed suite, including invitations, menus, signage, and day-of details.
Photography and videography typically start at €3,000 for 6 – 8 hours of coverage. Prices increase for longer coverage (10–14 hours) or more experienced professionals. What you pay for isn’t just time it’s the artistic eye, technical precision, editing, and post-production work. A seasoned photographer or filmmaker ensures a cohesive narrative and lasting emotional value through every frame.
The other Categories in a Wedding Budget
A secular ceremony officiant generally starts around €1,200, and around €3,200 for highly personalized ceremonies with an experienced professional. Beyond that, reputation and bespoke writing can elevate the cost.
Hair and makeup services usually range from €700 to €1,500, depending on duration, trials, and number of people to prepare. For larger bridal parties, having multiple stylists is key to keeping the morning relaxed and enjoyable.
Transportation starts at €600 per trip, with additional charges for on-demand or multi-hour availability.
Guest gifts often range between €7 and €15 per person, depending on the choice from local artisan products to gourmet treats like La durée sweets.
Cake design has become an essential part of modern weddings much more than just dessert. A wedding cake today is a design element in itself, often reflecting the theme, colors, and overall atmosphere of the event. For a custom, made-to-measure cake, expect prices starting from €15 to €20 per slice. For a 100-guest wedding, the total budget is therefore around €2,000, depending on the complexity of the design, flavors, structure, and decorations. A true cake designer doesn’t just bake a cake they create a visual and culinary centerpiece that perfectly complements your wedding’s identity.
And of course, the honeymoon is a major part of the journey generally around €5,000 for two people, depending on the destination and the time of year.
The Plan B and Hidden Costs
A truly well-planned wedding also means being ready for anything.
Weather, logistics, or technical issues can all affect the big day. That’s why it’s essential to have a Plan B (and sometimes even a Plan C) : a tent, heaters, indoor ceremony backup, or additional logistics. These precautions typically represent 5–10% of the total wedding budget, but they provide priceless peace of mind.
Then come the hidden expenses: vendor meals, overtime fees, next-day brunch, local taxes, cleaning services, signage… They might seem small at first, but together they can significantly affect the overall budget.
Heart Decisions and Budget Balance
I often see couples fall in love with a venue, a gown, or a photographer and I completely understand!
But each choice has a financial ripple effect. Keeping perspective helps maintain balance.
Book Your Wedding Planner Before the Venue
Many couples rush to book their wedding venue before hiring a wedding planner, thinking it’s the first logical step. Yet it’s often the opposite.
My best advice: book your wedding planner first.
Why? Because a beautiful venue can hide logistical challenges: no Plan B options, limited access, few nearby accommodations, strict noise curfews, or additional rental needs.
Without expert guidance, a “love-at-first-sight” decision can cause the wedding budget to skyrocket due to unexpected add-ons.
By being involved from the start, I help you choose a venue that aligns with your budget, your vision, and your technical needs ensuring every euro is spent wisely, without losing the magic.
Full Wedding Planning: For What Budget?
A full wedding planning service covers everything from vendor selection to event design, coordination, logistics, and on-the-day management.
To ensure quality and consistency, this level of service requires a minimum budget of €45,000 to €50,000, based on around 60 to 80 guests.
Below this range, couples may prefer à la carte planning or day-of coordination, which provide professional support in a more flexible, budget-conscious way.
Our Agency’s Approach and Positioning
At our agency, the starting point for a full, bespoke, and personalized wedding planning service is €1,000 per guest.
This reflects our experience, expertise, and the level of attention we provide to each couple.
Every agency has its own pricing philosophy, but this is the level that allows us to deliver truly seamless, high-quality experiences without compromise.
Finding Harmony Between Dreams and Reality
A wedding isn’t just about numbers, it’s about balance.
Every couple has their own dreams, priorities, and story to tell. Some want a grand château celebration; others prefer something intimate and refined. There’s no right or wrong way only the one that feels true to you.
Understanding the wedding budget and all its variables helps you make informed decisions, align your expectations, and enjoy the process with confidence.
My role as a wedding planner is to guide you through that process with transparency, care, and professionalism so that every decision makes sense and every moment feels effortless and unforgettable.
