Can a Wedding in France Be More Affordable Than a Wedding in the UK?
One of the reasons we see so many English couples choosing the South of France for their destination wedding is the opportunity to get more for their wedding budget.
At My Chic Event, we work with couples from the UK who often tell us that when they started comparing the cost of getting married at home with the cost of a wedding in France, they were surprised by what their budget could offer in France.
From our experience, this is particularly true when couples compare not only the venue hire but the overall cost of the wedding, including catering, flowers, entertainment and other wedding suppliers.
While French wedding venues vary considerably in price, many couples find that beautiful châteaux, Provençal estates, private villas and countryside properties can offer excellent value compared with similar venues in the UK.
What Our English Couples Tell Us
Many of our English couples come to us after researching wedding venues in the UK and feeling that they would need to compromise on their venue or the number of guests they could invite because of the cost.
When they begin looking at venues in the South of France, they are often pleasantly surprised.
A beautiful French estate with gardens, outdoor spaces and accommodation can sometimes provide a completely different experience for a similar, or even lower, budget than a comparable wedding venue in the UK.
We regularly hear from our UK couples that they love the idea of being able to have more of the things they dreamed of for their wedding — a beautiful venue, delicious food, wonderful wine, elegant styling and a relaxed wedding weekend with their family and friends.
Of course, every wedding is different, and France is not automatically cheaper in every situation. Luxury venues in popular areas such as Provence and the French Riviera can be expensive, particularly during the most popular summer dates.
However, there can be very good value to be found in France, especially when you work with a wedding planner who knows the local venues and suppliers and understands your budget.
Why Are Couples Choosing the South of France?
The South of France is particularly popular with our English couples because it combines everything they are looking for in a destination wedding.
Imagine arriving at a beautiful Provençal property surrounded by olive trees, vineyards or lavender fields, enjoying a relaxed welcome dinner with your guests, followed by an elegant wedding day and a leisurely brunch the following morning.
For many couples, this is much more than simply getting married abroad. It becomes a wedding weekend and holiday shared with the people they love.
The region also offers an incredible choice of venues, from intimate countryside estates to grand château properties and elegant villas. This variety means that we can often help couples find a venue that fits their style and budget rather than asking them to build their wedding around a venue that doesn't feel right.
French Wedding Suppliers Can Also Offer Great Value
It isn't only the venue that can make France attractive from a budget perspective.
Many of our English couples are also surprised when we introduce them to local French suppliers. From florists and caterers to photographers, musicians and hair and makeup artists, there are many talented wedding professionals offering beautiful services at different price points.
As a planner based in France, we can help you understand where to spend your budget and where you may be able to save.
We know that when you're planning a wedding from the UK, it can be difficult to understand whether a supplier's price is reasonable or what is normally included in a French wedding package. Having someone locally who can explain the options can make the planning process much easier.
More Wedding for Your Budget
For couples looking for an elegant and romantic celebration, France offers an appealing combination of beautiful venues, exceptional food and wine, stunning scenery and a relaxed European atmosphere.
Rather than simply asking:
"Is getting married in France cheaper than getting married in the UK?"
We encourage our couples to ask:
"What kind of wedding can I create in France for my budget?"
This is often where the real value of a French destination wedding becomes apparent.
From our experience at My Chic Event, many of our English couples come to France because they want a beautiful wedding without feeling that every element has to be compromised because of the budget. They want an elegant setting, wonderful food, beautiful flowers and an unforgettable experience for their guests — and France can make that possible.
With the right venue and suppliers, your 2028 wedding in the South of France could give you the romantic and elegant celebration you've always imagined, while offering excellent value compared with a similar wedding in the UK.
Planning Your Wedding in France From the UK?
You don't need to organise everything from thousands of miles away on your own.
At My Chic Event, we help English and international couples find the right French wedding venue based on their budget, guest numbers, wedding style and vision. We visit venues for you while you are abroad and we help you with the venue contract until you are happy to sign the contract and to secure the most romantic venue for your big day. We also work with trusted local suppliers to help create a beautiful wedding while keeping your budget in mind. We work with suppliers with different budgets so you can easily choose the supplier based on the level of importance for you and budget.
If you're considering a 2028 wedding in the South of France, contact us HERE — My Chic Event to check your date availability and start discovering what your wedding budget could create in France.
We work with any budget making sure you can celebrate your wedding in France with our help and expertise.
Xoxo
Arpi