Wedding planning checklist: month by month for France

The short answer: start 12 to 18 months before the date. Book the venue and caterer first, then the photographer and DJ (9–12 months ahead for a summer Saturday), and deal with the paperwork at the mairie (town hall) a few months before. This wedding planning checklist walks you through what to do and when, with tick-box lists you can follow step by step.

If you have less time, don't panic. You'll simply need to be more flexible about the date or the day of the week.

The checklist at a glance

12 months or more: the foundations

This is the stage that shapes everything else.

• Set an overall budget, with 10% kept aside for the unexpected. Our guide to the wedding budget in France gives average costs by item.
• Draw up a first guest list. It decides the size of venue you need and the catering quote.
• Pick two or three possible dates. Saturdays from May to September go fast.
• Book the reception venue. Visit if you can, and ask about capacity, how late the music can run, on-site accommodation and whether you must use their approved caterers. Browse reception venues in Bordeaux or the region you have in mind.
• Book the caterer straight after the venue, or at the same time if the venue has a list. Ask for a tasting.
• Consider a wedding planner, especially if you're organising from abroad. Event planners in Nice, for example, know the local venues and suppliers well.

9 to 12 months: the in-demand suppliers

For a summer Saturday, the best suppliers are often booked almost a year ahead.

• Photographer: compare styles and ask to see full galleries, not just highlights.
• Videographer, if you want one.
• DJ or live band: meet them and talk through your taste in music and the atmosphere you're after.
• Celebrant for a symbolic (non-legal) ceremony, if you're having one.
• Send save-the-dates, especially to guests travelling from abroad.
• Reserve accommodation for guests near the venue.

On Eventéo, one request brings you up to 5 quotes from verified suppliers, free and with no commitment. We check each supplier's business registration (SIRET number) and professional liability insurance (RC Pro) before their profile goes live.

6 months: outfits, decor and details

• Choose the dress and suit, leaving time for alterations.
• Order the invitations and send them around 3–4 months before.
• Book the florist and decoration, plus furniture or tableware hire if the venue doesn't provide it.
• Think about extras: photo booth, cocktail bar, children's entertainment.
• Book hair and make-up, with a trial.
• Arrange transport for the two of you and, if needed, a shuttle for guests.

3 months: the mairie and the menu

Paperwork for a legal wedding

In France, only the civil ceremony at the mairie is legally binding. The banns (publication des bans, the public notice of your intention to marry) must be posted at least 10 days before the wedding, but the file has to be submitted well before that, because the mairie needs time to check it and arrange the hearing with the registrar. Timings differ from one commune to another, so ask your mairie as soon as your date is set and follow their deadline. Watch document validity too: birth certificate copies must be under 3 months old if French, or 6 months if issued abroad. The official list is on service-public.fr. If you're not French or not resident, read our guide to getting married in France first.

The rest of the list

• Finalise the menu with your caterer and confirm approximate numbers.
• Buy the rings.
• Choose your witnesses and send their details to the mairie if you're marrying there.
• Plan the music with your DJ: entrance, first dance, and any do-not-play songs.
• Chase guests who haven't replied.

One month, the week before, the day and after

One month before

• Confirm final numbers with the venue and caterer.
• Do the seating plan.
• Write an hour-by-hour timeline and send it to every supplier.
• Check what balances are due and when. For direct bookings, pay each supplier as agreed with them. With protected payment on Eventéo, the balance is charged automatically 7 days before the event, and suppliers confirm their attendance 14 days and again 48 hours beforehand.
• Final fitting for outfits.

The week before

• Contact each supplier to confirm times, access and who to call on the day.
• Pack an emergency kit: safety pins, plasters, phone charger, tissues.
• Appoint a point person (a witness or friend) to be the suppliers' contact on the day.
• Set up the decoration the day before, if the venue allows.

On the day

• Hand your phone and any problems to your point person.
• Keep any envelopes (tips, final payments) somewhere safe.
• Enjoy it: everything is ready.

After the wedding

• Send thank-you notes to guests.
• Review your suppliers. On Eventéo, only clients who booked through the platform can leave a review, so every review is verified.
• Collect photos and video, and deal with any admin, such as the livret de famille (the French family record book) or a change of name if you wish.

In short

Remember the order: budget and guest list, then venue and caterer, then photographer and music, then everything else. Contact the mairie as soon as the date is set, and keep a margin for surprises.

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