09/25/2025
Tips & Technique
Newly Engaged? Expert Advice from a Luxury Wedding Planner in France
You just said yes, congratulations! This moment is magical, and as a Franco-Scottish wedding planner based in France, I know how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) the next steps can feel. After years of designing bespoke destination weddings for modern couples, I’ve gathered my very best advice to help you start this journey with clarity, ease, and a touch of haute couture elegance.
CELEBRATE BEFORE YOU PLAN
The first thing I tell my couples? Pause and enjoy this milestone.
Plan a romantic dinner, open a bottle of champagne, or schedule an engagement session with a photographer: Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera are perfect backdrops. Capturing this moment will become one of your first keepsakes.
And if you need inspiration, ask me! As a former fashion and beauty buyer, I have plenty of exclusive addresses to share with the couples I’m working with, from hidden photo spots to unique celebration venues.
DEFINE YOUR BUDGET WITH INTENTION
A well-planned budget is the key to making your dream a reality.
This is such an important step: I have seen too many couples mismanage their budget and end up making last-minute compromises or unexpected expenses.
Rather than starting with numbers, I encourage my couples to start with their unique priorities: guest experience, décor, entertainment, or food. Once you know what matters most, I’ll help you allocate funds strategically so your wedding feels cohesive and elevated without unnecessary stress.
DREAM TOGETHER
Before diving into logistics, take time to dream as a couple. Do you see yourselves dancing under the stars in a château courtyard, toasting at a Parisian palace, or sharing a sunset dinner overlooking the Riviera?
These are exactly the conversations we’ll have together when we kick off the planning, so we can define a clear vision for your wedding from the very beginning.
bring in a planner early
This is where I step in to make everything easier — especially budget management and vendor selection. Book your planner early, and choose one who not only speaks your language but also understands your culture and expectations.
I coordinate the timeline, secure the best vendors, and ensure that every detail reflects your story. From design to logistics, my goal is to make the process enjoyable and stress-free, so you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love. Discover my wedding planning services.
CHOOSE YOUR DATE AND LOCATION
This is a big one. The most coveted venues in Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera book up 12–18 months in advance.
Your guest count, preferred season, and dream setting will help narrow the options. Whether it’s a historic hôtel particulier or a vineyard estate, I guide my couples toward spaces that reflect their personalities and fit their vision seamlessly.
CURATE YOUR GUEST LIST
Write down every person you could invite, then refine the list to match the experience you want to create.
Intimate celebrations of 30–50 guests are perfect for multi-day weekends, while larger weddings allow for grand soirées with more elaborate entertainment.
ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY
Wedding planning should be joyful, not overwhelming.
Create a Pinterest board together, attend tastings as date nights, and turn venue visits into mini getaways. Every step can be a beautiful memory if done with intention, and, I’ll be right by your side to make sure the process stays fun, inspiring, and stress-free.
Ready to plan your luxury destination wedding in France?
Contact me today tand let’s create a haute couture destination wedding experience designed just for you.
Contact me today tand let’s create a haute couture destination wedding experience designed just for you.
#luxurydestinationwedding #luxuryweddingfrance #hauteCoutureWedding #destinationweddingfrance #weddingweekendfrance #pariswedding #provencevilla #frenchrivierawedding
#destinationweddingfrance #luxuryweddingplanner #hautecoutureweddings #parisweddingplanner #provencewedding #frenchrivierawedding #modernweddingplanning
Get in touch
Inspired haute couture destination weddings for modern couples in Paris, Provence & on the French Rivera
© 2024 BY PALOMA WOOD - IMAGE CREDITS: IN LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY, SYLVAIN BOUZAT, SMOY PHOTOGRAPHY, REMI DUPAC