1. Define your vision and your budget
Before contacting a single vendor, take the time to ask yourselves the right questions as a couple:
- What kind of wedding do you want? Intimate (30-50 guests), classic (80-150), or large scale (200+)?
- What atmosphere? Country, elegant, bohemian, multicultural, minimalist?
- What overall budget? In France, the average wedding budget falls between 12,000€ and 30,000€. Set your realistic range.
Tip: split your budget by category. Here is a common breakdown:
- Reception venue: 30 to 40% of the budget
- Caterer: 20 to 30%
- Photographer / videographer: 8 to 12%
- Music / DJ: 5 to 8%
- Florist / decor: 5 to 10%
- Attire (dress, suit): 5 to 10%
- Miscellaneous (stationery, transport, contingencies): 5 to 10%
With a tool like the NUPLY Budget module, you can track every expense by category and see your budget breakdown in real time.
2. Set a realistic timeline
Planning a wedding generally spans 12 to 18 months. Here is a reference calendar:
12 to 18 months before
- Set the date and the number of guests
- Visit and book the reception venue
- Choose your caterer
- Start looking for key vendors (photographer, DJ)
9 to 12 months before
- Book the photographer and the videographer
- Choose your officiant (town hall, secular ceremony, religious)
- Start the dress / suit fittings
- Send out the save-the-dates
6 to 9 months before
- Select the florist and define the decor
- Choose the DJ or the band
- Arrange the logistical details (guest accommodation, transport)
- Order the stationery (invitations, menu, seating chart)
3 to 6 months before
- Send out the invitations
- Finalize the menu with the caterer
- Organize the bachelor / bachelorette party
- Prepare your vows if you are having a secular ceremony
The final month
- Confirm all vendors and schedules
- Prepare the final seating chart
- Gather all the administrative documents for the town hall
- Plan a minute-by-minute schedule for the day
3. Choosing the right vendors
Choosing the vendors is the most decisive step. Here is how to go about it efficiently:
- Compare at least 3 quotes for each service
- Check reviews and portfolios before committing
- Meet them in person or over video call to gauge the connection
- Read the contracts carefully (cancellation terms, deposit, deadlines)
On NUPLY, you can search for verified vendors by profession and by location, send them quote requests directly, and track the status of each exchange from your integrated messaging.
4. The administrative formalities
Do not overlook the administrative side. Here are the mandatory steps in France:
- Collect a marriage file from the town hall of the place of celebration or residence
- Provide the required documents: identity documents, proof of address, birth certificates less than 3 months old, information about the witnesses
- Publish the banns: the town hall posts the banns at least 10 days before the wedding
- Marriage contract: if you opt for a regime other than the reduced community of acquisitions, consult a notary at least 2 months in advance
5. Do not forget the wedding day itself
On the wedding day, a few good practices to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- Delegate: entrust the coordination to a loved one or a wedding planner
- Prepare an emergency kit: tissues, pins, painkillers, a phone charger
- Eat and stay hydrated: many newlyweds forget to eat on the day
- Enjoy every moment: the day goes by very fast
6. Multicultural weddings: a few specifics
If you are organizing a multicultural wedding, certain aspects deserve particular attention:
- Combining traditions: ceremony, outfits, music, dishes from each culture
- Providing translations if some guests do not speak the same language
- Adapting the menu to cultural or religious dietary requirements (halal, kosher, vegetarian)
- Choosing vendors experienced in multicultural weddings
NUPLY is specially designed to support couples in planning weddings that celebrate the diversity and richness of every culture.
In summary
Planning a wedding is a project in its own right. With organization, a well-managed budget and the right vendors, you can turn this period into a calm and enjoyable adventure. The important thing is to keep in mind what truly matters: celebrating your love surrounded by your loved ones.
Also read: 2026 wedding budget: how much does a wedding cost in France? · The ultimate wedding-day checklist · How to choose your wedding photographer