Managing your wedding budget is one of the great challenges of planning. How much should you set aside? Which categories cost the most? How can you avoid surprises? In this guide, I help you build a fair, coherent and serene budget to celebrate your 2025 wedding.
The goal: to give you a simple, realistic and inspiring vision so you can move forward with confidence.
How much does a wedding cost in France?
In 2025, the average wedding budget depends mostly on the number of guests, your region and the style you want to give your day.
- €12,000 to €25,000 for a classic wedding (80–120 guests)
- €25,000 to €40,000 for an upscale wedding
- €8,000 to €15,000 for a intimate wedding (30–50 guests)
These variations depend mainly on six factors: the venue, the caterer, the season, the décor, the photo/video vendors and of course… the number of guests.
✨ Gentle tip: If you'd like to track your spending easily, our Wedding Budget Manager automatically calculates your totals and percentages — perfect for keeping a clear picture at every stage.
Setting a realistic wedding budget
1) Set an overall envelope
Commencez par définir un budget global, en prévoyant une marge d’environ 10 % pour les imprévus. C’est cette enveloppe qui guidera vos choix tout au long de l’organisation. Pour relier cette enveloppe à un calendrier réaliste, le chapitre de notre guide consacré au budget et au rétroplanning passe en revue les postes que l’on sous-estime le plus souvent.
2) Identify your priorities
Every couple has their own world, desires and dreams. Identify your priorities:
- A dream venue?
- A gourmet meal?
- An immersive décor?
- A talented photographer?
These choices directly shape how the budget is split.
3) Break your budget down by category
Here is a realistic estimate for a 100-guest wedding:
| Item | % of budget | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Caterer | 45–50% | €6,000 – €12,000 |
| Venue | 20–25% | €3,000 – €5,000 |
| Photo & video | 8–10% | €900 – €2,400 |
| Décor & flowers | 8–12% | €800 – €2,500 |
| Outfits | 5–8% | €500 – €1,500 |
| DJ / entertainment | 5–8% | €500 – €1,500 |
🌼 Gentle suggestion: You can structure these categories in Wedding Budget V2 — each one is colour-coded and collapsible for a clearer view.
Costs broken down line by line
Caterer
This is the biggest category. Count on €60 to €120 per guest. The price depends on the service style, the menu, the number of waiters and culinary entertainment.
Reception venue
Depending on the region and standing, prices range from €1,800 to €6,000. Fridays and Sundays are often more affordable.
Décor & flowers
A highly variable budget: €800 to €2,500. To save, favour seasonal flowers, candles and equipment rental — for example our floral centrepieces from €75.
Photo & video
A professional photographer costs on average €1,200 to €2,400. Video adds €900 to €2,500 depending on length and style.
Outfits
Count between €800 and €2,500 for the dress, and €200 to €900 for the suit.
DJ & entertainment
Depending on the equipment and duration, prices range from €600 to €1,400.
How to avoid nasty surprises?
- Plan a 10% margin for the unexpected.
- Ask for detailed quotes (travel, overtime, equipment included).
- Limit the number of guests : this is the best way to keep the bill down.
- Choose another season : October to April can bring the cost down by up to 30%.
✨ Little extra: Real-time budget tracking can help you make the right decisions. Wedding Budget automatically records every category and shows your remaining balance or overspend instantly. You can then print it as a PDF and/or share it easily.
Full sample budget (100 guests)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue | €3,200 |
| Caterer | €9,500 |
| DJ | €900 |
| Photographer | €1,600 |
| Dress + accessories | €1,200 |
| Suit | 500 € |
| Decoration | €1,300 |
| Invitations | €250 |
| Wedding rings | €900 |
| Beauty | €250 |
| Transport | €150 |
| Contingencies | €900 |
FAQ – Wedding budget
What is the average wedding budget?
Between €12,000 and €25,000.
How can I reduce my budget?
Reduce the guest count, choose another season, simplify the décor.
What are the hidden costs?
Overtime, vendor travel, alterations, stationery, accessories.
How can I track my spending properly?
With a clear spreadsheet, or a tool that automatically calculates your totals category by category
