Tips & ideas

Prices, checklists and expert advice for planning a wedding, birthday or company event in France, and choosing the right suppliers.

Long candlelit table set with flowers and wine for a celebration dinner

Wedding budget in France: what does a wedding cost in 2026?

The average wedding budget in France is €19,293, around €215 per guest. See the split by item, regional differences and how to plan your own budget.

5 min read

DJ at the decks in front of a dancing crowd, with smoke and a disco ball

Wedding DJ Cost in France: How Much to Budget in 2026

How much does a wedding DJ cost in France? Typical price ranges, what's included, the extras that push the price up, and how to read a French quote.

4 min read

Caterer's buffet with hot dishes, crêpes and white flowers at a reception

Wedding Catering Cost in France: What to Budget per Guest

How much does a wedding caterer cost in France? Prices per guest by format, what's included, hidden extras, tastings and practical ways to keep costs down.

5 min read

Friends laughing at a photo booth with hats and props

Photo booth hire cost in France: prices, types and tips

How much does photo booth hire cost in France? Indicative prices by event, the main booth types, what's included and practical tips before you book.

4 min read

Guests on an outdoor dance floor under string lights at an evening party

How to Compare Event Supplier Quotes in France: A Guide

How to compare event supplier quotes in France: what a good quote includes, red flags to watch for, and how to check a SIRET number and RC Pro insurance.

5 min read

Guests around a long outdoor table, glasses of red wine in the foreground

Getting married in France: legal rules, venues and suppliers

Getting married in France as a foreigner: the legal rules at the mairie, residency, banns and documents, the symbolic ceremony option, venues and suppliers.

5 min read

Wedding table set with roses, favour boxes and teddy bears

Wedding planning checklist: month by month for France

A month-by-month wedding planning checklist for France: what to book 12, 9, 6, 3 and 1 month ahead, the week before and on the day, plus mairie timings.

5 min read

Dance floor bathed in red light during a DJ set

Questions to Ask a Wedding DJ Before You Book in France

Experience, backup kit, playlists, MC duties, timings, insurance: the questions to ask a wedding DJ in France before you sign the quote, with a checklist.

5 min read

String lights hanging in the trees of a garden in the early evening

Milestone birthday party ideas for a 30th, 40th or 50th in France

Planning a 30th, 40th or 50th birthday in France? Themes, venues, food, DJs, karaoke and casino nights, plus a simple timeline and indicative budget tips.

5 min read

Pink ice cream van in front of a large marquee at a country reception

Food Truck Hire for a Wedding or Event in France: A Guide

Hiring a food truck for a wedding or party in France: how it works, price per guest and minimum spend, menu ideas and a practical checklist before you book.

4 min read

Photographer taking pictures of a bride and groom on a mountain top

Wedding photographer cost in France: what to budget in 2026

How much does a wedding photographer cost in France? Indicative prices by experience and coverage, what's included, questions to ask and when to book.

4 min read

Four musicians in dinner jackets and bow ties, in black and white

Deposits in France: Arrhes or Acompte When Booking a Supplier

Arrhes or acompte? A plain-English guide to deposits in France when booking an event supplier: what each means, what happens if anyone cancels, and tips.

4 min read

Bride and groom dancing in front of a live band

DJ or Live Band for Your Wedding in France: How to Choose

DJ or live band for your wedding in France? Pros and cons, cost, space and power needs, and the popular mix of both, to help you choose the right music.

5 min read

Bartender preparing a cocktail in a balloon glass in the evening

Company party planning in France: formats, budgets and timing

Planning an end-of-year party, summer party or seminar evening in France? When to book, formats, budgets per head, inclusive options and proper invoices.

4 min read

A magician's hands handling a deck of cards in close-up

Hiring a Magician for an Event in France: Formats and Prices

Hiring a magician for a wedding, company party or birthday in France: close-up or stage show, indicative prices, how long to book and what to ask first.

5 min read

Bartender pouring a pink cocktail from a shaker next to other colourful cocktails

Cocktail Bar Hire for Your Wedding in France: Formats and Prices

A cocktail bar at your wedding in France: signature drinks, open bar or mocktails, indicative prices, who supplies the alcohol, quantities and logistics.

5 min read

Magician sending playing cards flying around him

Kids' party entertainment ideas by age, with indicative prices

Magician, face painting, bouncy castle or treasure hunt? Kids' party entertainment ideas for ages 3 to 12 in France, with timings, group sizes and prices.

5 min read

Head table decorated with flowers and candles in front of draped fabric

Rustic wedding decor ideas for a country wedding in France

Rustic wedding decor ideas for a country wedding in France: colour palettes, wood and linen tables, dried flowers, festoon lighting, arches and budget tips.

4 min read