A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married in the South of France
Why Get Married in the South of France?
The South of France is one of Europe’s most sought-after wedding destinations, offering breathtaking sea views, picturesque landscapes, and a warm, sun-drenched climate. Whether you choose Provence’s authentic countryside or the French Riviera’s glamorous coastline, your wedding will be set against a backdrop of charm, elegance, and luxury. For guests travelling from afar, a wedding in France is a memorable holiday filled with exquisite cuisine, world-class wines, and endless exploration opportunities.
Et Voila Weddings is a premier wedding planning company specializing in luxury destination weddings in Provence and the French Riviera. With years of expertise in curating extraordinary celebrations, they offer seamless planning, ensuring your big day is a flawless and unforgettable experience. Anne-Laure Renaud is the company’s founder, and she works closely with clients and is involved in the wedding planning details. Below is the Et Volia Weddings, a step-by-step guide to planning the perfect wedding in Provence or on the Côte d’Azur.
Step 1: Choose Your Vibe – Provence or the French Riviera?
The South of France offers two distinct wedding settings, each with its unique character. Provence provides a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with rustic charm. Most venues are inland, surrounded by rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and historic villages. Guests can enjoy exploring traditional markets, wine tastings, countryside bike rides, and poolside lounging at a private estate or chateau. If you envision a romantic, pastoral wedding with a refined yet understated aesthetic, Provence is an ideal choice.
Photo ©Oliver Fly Photography
On the other hand, the French Riviera offers a more glamorous and vibrant setting, best suited for couples who love the sea, yachting, and a chic party atmosphere. With stunning coastal venues, from private villas to grand luxury hotels, the Riviera is perfect for those seeking stunning ocean views and a more festive ambiance, including next-day beach parties and lively soirées.
Step 2: Define Your Wedding Style
Your venue sets the tone for your wedding aesthetic, so choosing one that aligns with your vision is essential. A chateau provides a classic and elegant setting with grand forecourts, lush gardens, and timeless architecture. A Provencal farm, or “mas,” offers a relaxed yet sophisticated wedding ambiance with rustic stone walls, olive groves, and charming countryside vibes. Luxury hotels provide a seamless option for those seeking five-star service, beachfront settings, and impeccable amenities. For a more intimate and exclusive setting, private villas allow for a fully personalized event with complete privacy.
Photo ©Stepan Vrzala
The right venue will complement your wedding décor, attire, and overall experience. Consider logistics such as guest capacity and accommodation options (Explore Et Voila Weddings’ top wedding venues in Provence and the French Riviera).
Step 3: Determine Your Guest Count and Budget
Two key factors will shape your wedding planning. If you are hosting the wedding, create a guest list with close family and friends. Consult with your family and discuss whether they want to invite additional guests, such as extended family members or friends.
Understanding costs is crucial. Venue rentals in the South of France range from €6,000 for a day venue to over €200,000 for the most luxurious hotels, while catering can range from €100 to €300+ per person (excluding drinks). A general guideline is to allocate no more than 30-40% of your total budget to the venue and catering, though this can vary if your venue includes accommodation. Please read Et Voila’s guide to wedding budgets in France.
Step 4: Hire your Wedding Planner
If you plan to work with a wedding planner in Provence or the French Riviera, now is the time to reach out to potential candidates. A skilled planner will manage every detail, from venue scouting to vendor coordination, making the process seamless and stress-free. Experience is key, as seasoned professionals have the knowledge and network to execute flawless events. A personal connection matters, so choose a planner whose approach and vision align with yours. Quality over cost is essential here: your planner is the most important vendor you will hire, so invest in the best you can afford.
Photo ©Stepan Vrzala
Step 5: Find Your Venue
If you have hired a planner, they will handle venue selection. If not, research through venue directories, Instagram, and Pinterest. Inquire about pricing, capacity, services, and restrictions, and check options for pre-and post-wedding events such as rehearsal dinner and brunch. Ensure sufficient accommodations are nearby for your guests, especially if you have a large wedding requiring hotels at various price points. Whenever possible, visit venues in person. Shortlist four to five venues to see over a couple of days.
Step 6: Book Key Vendors & Start Planning Details
Your venue is booked, and now the actual planning begins! The next step is to secure your key vendors, starting with those in high demand who can only take one wedding per date. Begin with your caterer, live band, and hair and makeup artist. At the same time, start working on a mood board and floral brief to share with a couple of floral designers whose style you love so you can request initial quotes.
Save the Dates, which should be sent out at least six months before the wedding. Ideally, you will also have a wedding website, allowing guests to easily access all the essential information about your wedding celebrations, the location, nearby hotels, and travel details. Once the Save the Dates are sent, it is time to start working on your invitations.
Photo ©Adriana Klas
The next phase of vendor bookings includes securing your photographer and videographer, selecting a celebrant, and confirming the musicians for your ceremony and cocktail hour. This is also the time to finalize your floral designer and start planning the events around the wedding day, such as your rehearsal dinner and post-wedding brunch.
With these key elements, you can secure all necessary rentals through your caterer or directly with rental suppliers. If your venue has no built-in wet weather option, you should consider booking a marquee as a rain plan. If you want a tiered wedding cake, now is the time to secure a designer.
Once all the main vendors are in place, the focus shifts to refining the details. This includes putting together the timeline for the day, finalizing elements such as your wedding stationery, guest favours or welcome baskets, and planning beauty schedules for the bridal party. You can arrange additional hair and makeup artists to accommodate your bridesmaids or guests if needed. With these final touches, your wedding planning will be well on its way to a seamless and unforgettable celebration.
Some Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding anywhere, including in the South of France, requires time, organization, and a clear vision. Embrace the process and make it an enjoyable experience by setting aside one evening per week and one or two Saturdays per month for wedding planning tasks. Make it a romantic date with wine, snacks, and maybe even a movie afterward! For a guided experience, working with a trusted wedding planner like Et Voila Weddings ensures every detail is executed flawlessly.
Photo ©Adriana Klas
Above all, remember that your wedding is about celebrating love, family, and friendship. The effort is worth it, and your dream wedding in Provence or the Riviera will be a cherished memory for a lifetime.
If you want to learn more about Et Voila Weddings:
Visit their website
Send an email to contact@etvoila-weddings.com
Follow @etvoilaweddings on Instagram.
Guest Author Profile
Anne-Laure Renaud founded Et Voila Weddings more than 13 years ago. Splitting her time between offices in London and the South of France, she remains the primary contact for the agency’s clients. Anne-Laure oversees all aspects of every Et Volia Wedding. Attention to detail and a commitment to creating a flawless, magical experience are the hallmarks of this wedding planner.
A wedding is one of life’s most precious moments, a rare occasion where all your loved ones come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. If this resonates with you, Anne-Laure is the best French wedding planner you could have by your side.
Affiliate Information
Related Posts
No Comment