Getting married in Paris is a dream for many couples. It’s an incredibly romantic city with its iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and chic atmosphere.
However, planning a wedding in Paris can be very expensive. In this article, we’ll break down the costs of getting married in Paris and offer some tips to help you plan your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
The Venue
The venue is one of the biggest expenses when it comes to planning a wedding in Paris. The average cost of renting a venue for a wedding ceremony and reception in Paris is around €6,000-€10,000 ($7,000-$12,000) or more depending on the season, location and type of venue. Popular venues like The Four Seasons Hotel George V or The Ritz Paris can cost up to €50,000 ($60,000) for exclusive use.
Tips:
- Consider getting married during off-season which runs from November to March as prices are cheaper during this period
- Look out for hidden fees such as exclusive use fees or corkage fees if you plan on bringing your own wine
- Consider holding your ceremony at one location and reception at another as it could save you money
The Dress and Suit
The dress and suit are also significant expenses when it comes to planning a wedding in Paris. Designer dresses can easily cost €10,000 ($12,000) or more while bespoke suits start from €3,500 ($4,200). Alterations and fittings are usually not included in these costs.
- Consider purchasing a pre-owned dress that has been worn only once
- Look out for sales from well-known designers
- Don’t forget to factor in the cost of alterations and fittings into your budget
The Catering
The catering is another major expense when it comes to planning a wedding in Paris. The average cost per person for a sit-down meal in Paris is around €100 ($120) but can go up to €300 ($360) or more depending on the menu and quality of food. Buffets or cocktails are usually cheaper options.
- Consider having a cocktail reception instead of a sit-down meal as it’s usually cheaper
- Look out for seasonal ingredients as they’re usually cheaper
- Ask your venue if they have an in-house caterer as they might offer discounts on packages
The Photographer and Videographer
The photographer and videographer are essential expenses when it comes to planning a wedding in Paris. The average cost of hiring a photographer starts from €1,500 ($1,800) while videographers start from around €2,000 ($2,400). These costs can increase depending on the number of hours you require them for.
- Consider hiring a local photographer and videographer instead of flying them in from another country
- Ask for recommendations from your venue or other vendors as they might offer discounts for referrals
The Flowers and Decorations
The flowers and decorations are also significant expenses when it comes to planning a wedding in Paris. The average cost for flowers can range from €5,000 ($6,000) to €10,000 ($12,000) or more depending on the type of flowers and arrangements you choose.
- Consider using seasonal flowers as they’re usually cheaper
- Reuse your ceremony flowers for the reception to save money
- Look out for venues that already have decorations included in their packages
The Bottom Line
A wedding in Paris is definitely a dream come true for many couples, but it comes at a cost. The total cost of a wedding in Paris can easily reach €50,000 ($60,000) or more depending on your choices and preferences. However, with proper planning and budgeting, you can still have your dream wedding without breaking the bank.
Remember to consider off-season dates, pre-owned dresses or suits, cocktail receptions instead of sit-down meals, local photographers or videographers, seasonal ingredients and flowers. These are just some of the ways you can save money while still having an unforgettable wedding in Paris.