Your other half has proposed and you've said yes. Congratulations! But before you celebrate your marital union, there's still a long way to go, as the list of preparations is long! That's why most couples start planning their wedding at least a year in advance. But where to start? That's the question we answer in this article.
Start by thinking ahead to the big day. What are the ingredients that will make your wedding weekend absolutely magical and unforgettable? Here's some food for thought.
Most couples aim for the high season, so they can enjoy the long summer evenings outdoors. But if you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, consider a winter wedding. What could be better than a large banquet in front of an open fire, for a convivial atmosphere? And why not choose a reception venue in the mountains, with a breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks, and spas and Nordic baths at your disposal?
The reception venue also has a strong impact on the atmosphere of the festivities. In a château or villa, your guests will be transported into a grandiose and enchanting universe that will leave a lasting impression. For a more intimate atmosphere, choose an inn, restaurant or family home.
Looking for inspiration? Take a look at our selection of estates in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie and Normandie. Winnie Mariage unearths the most beautiful reception venues (châteaux, manor houses, farmhouses, hamlets...) and makes your search easier thanks to a system of advanced filters, detailed descriptions and the ability to generate automated quotes.
France abounds in exceptional and incredibly varied landscapes. So you can get married :
Do you have a particular wish?
You can also choose a region for its symbolic value: the place where you met, a place where you were particularly happy, the village where you grew up, a vacation destination... Bear in mind that if you choose to celebrate your union abroad, you expose yourself to a greater risk of withdrawal.
Do you want to surround yourself exclusively with those closest to you, for an intimate or ultra-festive wedding? Or would you prefer a grand wedding that respects family expectations and traditions?
Would you like to bring your guests together for a single, fast-paced evening?
Or would you prefer to extend the festivities over several days, giving your guests time to get to know each other and rest between highlights? For example, you could invite :
Of course, the further away your wedding venue is from your guests' homes, the longer you'll need to keep the festivities going!
First, set your budget envelope, clarifying who from you, your family and your guests is paying what and how much. The price of your wedding will vary according to :
Based on your ideal vision, you'll need to identify the criteria that are absolutely essential to you, vs. those you could do without, and define the main expense items. By way of illustration, here are a few orders of magnitude:
Your guest list is absolutely crucial. Firstly, because your guests will have a huge impact on the atmosphere on the big day. And secondly, because you'll need to have a very precise idea of the number of people present in order to reserve your reception venue and request quotes from your suppliers (caterers, decorators, photographers, invitations, etc.).
We can only advise you to draw it up carefully. There's a lot to say on the subject, which is why we've devoted an entire article to it, which you can read here.
At this stage, you should have a clear idea of the type of venue, the booking period, the number of guests, and the budget range. You now have everything you need to start your search.
There are many platforms specializing in wedding venues, such as Winnie Mariage, Chateau Bee and 1001 Salles. Thanks to their filter systems, you can access results that match your criteria in just a few clicks.
List the 4 or 5 venues that appeal to you most, then contact the owners to arrange a visit. Once there, you can ask them any questions you may have:
➡️ Read more on the subject: Choosing your wedding venue: 9 essential criteria.
And trust your intuition! Because it's important to choose a place where you feel perfectly at ease, in harmony with yourself and your fiancé(e).
Before confirming the booking of your reception venue, make sure that the town hall and the place of worship are available on the desired date. You should also enquire about nearby accommodation, in case there are insufficient beds on site.
Once you've decided on the venue, date and guest list, you can send Save The Date messages. Don't forget to specify that you're expecting confirmations, and until what date.
For ladies, we recommend choosing your wedding dress or suit no later than 10 months before the ceremony. And don't rush: the new collections usually come out at the end of summer! Here again, use your imagination and compare your dream outfit with the criteria defined above: your budget, the season, the type of venue, the ambience you're looking for...
At Winnie's, we've fallen under the spell of the Les Filles Fidèles brand, whose designs we find absolutely sublime. There's a boutique in Bordeaux and Nice, and temporary showrooms in Paris. Take a look at their collections, then book your in-store fitting!
Now you know where to start planning your wedding. Once you've booked your reception venue, blocked a slot for the civil and religious ceremonies, and bought your wedding dress, you'll have peace of mind. Congratulate yourself and breathe a sigh of relief, before moving on to the next stage: the search for suppliers and the organization of each day's events.
