Why Your Wedding Dollar Goes Further in France
1. More Affordable Venues with Built-In Charm
Photo credit Jade Sequeval
In France: Many French venues, such as chateaux and countryside estates, offer affordable rental rates compared to similar luxury venues in the U.S. The historical architecture and natural beauty mean less need for expensive decor or rentals.
In the USA: High-end venues, especially in urban areas, can cost significantly more and often require additional decor to achieve the same level of ambiance.
2. Extended Celebrations for the Same Cost
In France: Many French wedding venues offer multi-day rentals, allowing couples to host a weekend-long celebration for the price of a one-day event in the U.S. This includes options for pre-wedding dinners and post-wedding brunches.
In the USA: Most venues charge high fees for a single day, and multi-day rentals are often prohibitively expensive.
3. Built-In Accommodation
In France: Many French chateaux and estates include onsite accommodation for the couple and guests, reducing the need to book additional hotel rooms.
In the USA: Couples often have to book hotels separately for their guests, which can add significant costs.
4. Gourmet Cuisine and Wine for Less
In France: Catering often includes locally sourced, gourmet food and high-quality French wine as part of the package, at a fraction of what premium catering costs in the U.S.
In the USA: Premium food and wine services, especially for large weddings, can quickly escalate the budget.
5. Fewer Guests, More Intimacy
In France: Destination weddings tend to have smaller guest lists, reducing overall costs for catering, decor, and rentals.
In the USA: Couples often feel obligated to invite larger guest lists, which increases costs significantly.
6. No Need for Over-the-Top Decor
In France: The natural beauty of the French countryside and the charm of chateaux reduce the need for elaborate floral installations or decor, saving money on embellishments.
In the USA: Many venues require extensive decor and rentals to achieve a similarly luxurious or romantic look.
7. All-Inclusive Packages
In France: Many venues offer packages that include catering, decor, coordination, and accommodations, simplifying planning and reducing costs.
In the USA: All-inclusive options can be more expensive, and piecing together services often leads to higher overall costs.
8. Unique Experience Adds Value
In France: Couples and guests combine the wedding with a vacation, making the overall experience more memorable and valuable. Travel expenses are offset by the fact that a wedding in France feels like an adventure rather than just an event.
In the USA: While beautiful, weddings often feel less distinctive, as they don’t offer the same immersive cultural experience.
9. Fewer Licensing Costs
In France: Many venues, particularly in rural areas, have lower fees for noise permits, alcohol licenses, or late-night events.
In the USA: Licensing fees, service charges, and late-night fees in the U.S. can add thousands to the final bill.
10. Favorable Exchange Rates
In France: Depending on the exchange rate, couples from the U.S. can often stretch their dollars further, making French vendors more affordable overall.
In the USA: No such currency advantage exists when staying domestic.
