How Much is a Wedding Planner in France?

Planning a wedding in France and wondering what you'll actually pay for professional planning services? Well, the truth is that wedding planner costs in France vary significantly based on your location, wedding size, and service level.

That said, there are general guidelines you can follow to get an idea of what you can expect to budget. So, without further ado, let’s cut straight to the numbers and run through what you might expect to pay for a wedding planner in France.

Wedding Planner Pricing Models in France

Percentage-Based Fees (Most Common)

Most French wedding planners charge 10-20% of your total wedding budget. For a €50,000 wedding, expect planner fees between €5,000 and €10,000. If you're planning a larger celebration with a €80,000 budget, you're looking at €8,000 to €16,000 in planning costs.

Flat Fee Arrangements

Increasingly popular for their predictability, flat fees typically range from €3,000 to €12,000 depending on the service level:

• Day-of coordination: €1,500 - €3,000
• Partial planning: €3,000 - €6,000
• Full-service planning: €5,000 - €12,000+

Hourly Rates

Some planners offer consultation services at €75 – €150 per hour. This works if you only need advice on specific aspects rather than comprehensive planning support.

Regional Cost Example: Dordogne Wedding Planning

Based on recent data and our experience working in this region, for a 150-guest wedding in the Dordogne region, expect full-service planning costs between €3,500 and €5,500. This would include everything, from initial venue selection through day-of coordination. If you’re planning a wedding with 200+ guests, you can expect to pay more in the region of €4,500 to €6,500+ for full-service planning. 

The Dordogne represents fairly typical pricing for rural French regions, while areas like Provence, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley command premium rates that can be 20-30% higher.

What Affects Wedding Planner Costs in France

Wedding Size & Complexity

Larger guest counts and multi-day celebrations require more coordination, pushing fees towards the higher end of ranges. It goes without saying that a 50-guest intimate celebration involves far fewer moving parts than a 200-guest weekend-long affair with welcome drinks, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunch. 

You’re also looking at higher fees if you’re planning a multi-venue wedding or one requiring extensive logistics coordination.

Geographic Location

As we’ve touched upon already, there’s some geographical disparity in wedding planner pricing. Paris and the French Riviera cost significantly more than rural regions like the Dordogne or Burgundy. 

Premium locations can also often incur increased travel/accomodation costs and more expensive suppliers. As a general rule of thumb, expect to pay 20-30% more in sought-after regions compared to more rural areas.

Planner Experience & Reputation

Established planners with strong supplier relationships typically charge more but often deliver better value through their industry connections. Experienced planners can secure better pricing, preferred dates, and enhanced service levels that aren't available to newer professionals. 

Something else to factor in is that their track record of managing complex situations also significantly reduces the risk for your celebration. Sometimes, that peace of mind is worth more than anything else. 

Additional Services & Extras

Travel expenses, accommodation during your wedding weekend, and extended planning timelines can add €500 – €2,000 to base fees. Some planners include these costs in their packages, while others charge separately. 

Extended engagement periods, multiple venue visits, or coordination with international suppliers can all impact final costs, so make sure to have all extras and additional costs laid out in writing before signing on the dotted line.

Getting the Best Value for Your Wedding Planning Investment

When choosing your wedding planner, just keep in mind that the cheapest option rarely offers the best value. Experienced planners often pay for themselves through supplier discounts, seamless event management, and the avoidance of all the mistakes you would have made if you went down the DIY route. 

There’s even more value on offer for couples planning a destination wedding in France. That crucial local expertise can be worth its weight in gold and give you that much-needed assurance that you’re going to enjoy your big day exactly as you’ve always envisioned it.  

If you're planning a wedding in Southwest France and need recommendations for trusted wedding planners, we work with many of the region's most experienced professionals through our event production services and can pass on their details. We've also compiled a comprehensive list of wedding planners covering Southwest France to help you start your research.

If you're in need of help regarding the technical side of your wedding event, don’t hesitate to give us a call on +33 (0)7 66 43 02 11 or email bonjour@fete24.com to discuss your ideas, possible venues, and dates, etc. 

We’ve been working in Southwest France for years and can give you plenty of sage advice and a bespoke quote for your technical event production requirements.