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You said "yes"? Congratulations! The champagne has flowed, the tears of joy too, but now... the euphoria has passed, a tsunami of questions overwhelms you: where do we start? How do we manage service providers? What if grandma refuses to eat vegan?
Don't panic. Planning your wedding can seem like a reality TV challenge, but with a little planning, a lot of humor, and a dash of common sense, everything will go smoothly. Here's how to do it, step by step, without selling a kidney or losing your mind.
Before booking a castle or choosing the sugared almonds, start with the basics: the date and the style.
Choosing the right date is all about laying the foundation. And be careful, not just any date: avoid exam dates, long weekends when everyone goes away for the weekend, and think about the weather (an outdoor January wedding is for Vikings, not you, especially when you have to show off your wedding dress in freezing temperatures).
Next, the wedding style : rustic? chic? seaside? minimalist with three cacti and a food truck? There's no wrong choice, as long as it suits you.
Do we want a big wedding or something intimate?
More of a picnic atmosphere on bales of hay or crystal chandeliers?
Do you want a theme or do you prefer to avoid the hassle?
No need to go overboard on Pinterest. The idea is for guests to think, "Oh yeah, that's them , 100%."
Let's not kid ourselves: a wedding costs an arm and a leg. And sometimes a leg. But it's entirely possible to have a sublime wedding, with a bohemian wedding dress , without selling your vinyl collection or your PlayStation.
Budgeting is everything , and you need to set it right away. The sooner you know how much you can afford to spend, the more confident you'll be in the future.
On average (and it's still an average, eh), here's how it breaks down:
Location and catering: 50%
Photographer/videographer: 10%
Dress, suit, beauty treatment: 10%
Entertainment (DJ, band): 10%
Decoration and flowers: 10%
Announcements, stationery, small gifts: 5%
Miscellaneous and unforeseen: 5%
Obviously, every couple is different. If you're dreaming of a private concert but don't care about flowers, adapt. And leave a little room for contingencies (spoiler: there will be some).
Ah, the infamous guest list... The ultimate diplomatic exercise. Between the cousins you haven't seen since 2003, the nice colleague who invites herself, the mother-in-law who insists on adding her next-door neighbor, and the princess wedding dress that feels like it came from a fairy tale but only adds to the pressure, it can quickly turn into a headache.
Ask yourself one question: Would I want to have a drink with this person in a completely relaxed setting? If the answer is no, that's a signal.
The trick: make three lists.
A : the essentials (close family, witnesses, best friends)
B : the nice but optional ones
C : those you are encouraged to invite but who leave you lukewarm
And most importantly, remember: it's YOUR wedding. Not some county garden party.
You've got the date, the budget, the list... It's time to find the venue. It'll be the setting for your dream day, so there's no rush.
Capacity: Can it accommodate everyone seated without turning dinner into human Tetris?
Access: will Grandma be able to get there without a Sherpa or GPS?
Accommodation: Are there any accommodation options nearby?
Options included: furniture, dishes, clean bathrooms... it counts.
Flexibility: Can we bring in an external caterer? Do we have to finish by midnight?
Take the time to visit several locations, ask questions (even the silly ones), and trust your instincts. Just like choosing the perfect mermaid wedding dress , if you feel comfortable there, your guests will too.
A good marriage is also a good team. And like in football, it's better to have professionals who know how to play together.
The caterer : because guests can forget the decorations, but not the overly dry lasagna.
The photographer : You will see these photos all your life (even 20 years later, in slippers).
The DJ/band : because the atmosphere is 70% of the success.
The makeup artist/hairdresser : to shine even after 15 hours on your feet.
Request quotes, compare, read reviews, meet them. If you feel a connection, go for it.
Decor is the icing on the cake. And it can quickly become an obsession, much like choosing a short wedding dress can quickly turn into indecision. A word of advice: set yourself a simple guideline.
The ceremony : a beautiful backdrop to say "I do" is a must.
The tables : because we spend a large part of the day there.
The photo corner : a few accessories, a fun background = guaranteed memories.
And no, you don't have to have 46 candles, hanging pom-poms, and string lights everywhere. Less is sometimes more. And most importantly: breathe.
The dress and the suit: often a source of excitement... but also of headaches. Between the "it has to be unique" and the "I have to lose 8 kilos," the pressure quickly mounts.
The secret? Start early (ideally 6 to 8 months before), try on different styles, like a simple wedding dress that can be just as elegant, and listen to yourself. You don't need to raid a luxury boutique to look stunning.
And above all, make sure you're comfortable. We're here to party, not to fight with a stubborn zipper or shoes that cut into your toes.
Whether you choose a religious, civil or secular ceremony, you must take care over the ceremony.
Who comes in when? With what music?
Who is speaking? Speeches, readings, songs?
Are there any rituals? (candle, sand, magic ropes, etc.)
A well-thought-out ceremony is one that reflects you, not one that ticks all the boxes.
No one wants a wedding where guests are yawning at 8 p.m. A few well-placed entertainment options can help keep the party from dragging on.
Bride and Groom Quiz
Treasure hunts in the area
Photo booth with wacky props
Audio or video guestbook
How about a surprise food truck at midnight? Hungry guests will bless you forever.
On the wedding day, you shouldn't be cooking or checking the timing of the entrance song. You have to delegate .
A trusted person (friend or professional) to manage unforeseen events
A clear schedule (with margins, always)
An SOS kit: pins, bandages, tissues, bottle of water, chewing gum
And above all: let go. If Cousin Jean-Luc spills his drink on the tablecloth, no one will remember. Except him. Discover more tips on stress-free wedding planning here.
Did you survive the planning, dance the night away, or cry at your best friend's speech? Well done!
Send thanks (quickly, well, with a smile)
Sort the photos (and make an album for your parents, they're just waiting for that)
Getting back to normal life (spoiler: it feels weird)
And then why not… plan the honeymoon?
Planning your wedding is a bit like cooking a festive dish: it requires ingredients, a little technique, a lot of love, and a pinch of gentle madness.
But I promise: with a bit of method, a good dose of laughter and the desire to make this day yours, everything will go well.
And if you really do break down at some point... take a deep breath and remember: in the end, what matters is that you're marrying the person you love.
Everything else is a bonus. Even the sugared almonds.