Weddings in France in 2026 : the average budget rises to over €19,000

Getting married in France is becoming increasingly expensive, but in a different way than before. According to the latest figures for the wedding sector for 2026, the average wedding budget reaches €19,293, a slight decrease compared with 2024, but which conceals a more contrasted reality for couples.

An average budget down, cost per guest up

At first glance, the trend seems reassuring: the total budget allocated to a wedding falls by 3% compared with 2024. But this figure hides an opposite phenomenon at the individual level. The cost per guest, meanwhile, rises by 4% to reach €215 on average. The explanation can be summed up in one word: guest lists are shrinking, going from 97 guests on average to 90 today. Couples receive fewer people but spend more for each person present, with the bill increasing for the caterer, the venue or the entertainment.

Where the money really goes

The distribution of expenses remains highly concentrated on a few items. The caterer alone captures between 35% and 40% of the total budget, venue rental between 15% and 20%, while photography and video account for 10% to 15%. Next come the outfits of the newlyweds (8% to 12%) and music or entertainment (8% to 10%).

• More than 40% of couples spend €20,000 or more
• A quarter of couples exceed €25,000
• More than one couple in two (51%) exceed their initial budget
• Planning takes an average of 15 months

Strong regional disparities

The final amount also depends greatly on the region where the ceremony takes place. The regional gaps are significant: Nouvelle-Aquitaine tops the list with an average budget of €21,641, followed by Île-de-France (€20,794) and the PACA region (€20,333). These amounts are clearly higher than the national average, explained in particular by the higher cost of suppliers and reception venues in these highly sought-after areas.

Later and more considered weddings

Another notable development: the average age of married people now reaches 37, and 60% of couples already have children at the time of saying yes. This trend accompanies a deliberate choice for more intimate but high-quality weddings: fewer guests, but a higher level of demand on each service, from the caterer to the decoration. Rustic styles and outdoor ceremonies remain particularly popular, as does a growing focus on the event’s eco-friendliness, especially among younger couples.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average wedding budget in France in 2026 ?

It amounts to €19,293 on average, excluding the engagement ring and honeymoon, a decrease of 3% compared with 2024.

Why does the cost per guest increase while the total budget decreases ?

Because couples invite fewer guests than before (90 on average versus 97), which distributes a tighter budget over a smaller number of attendees, raising the expenditure per person.

Which French regions are the most expensive to get married in ?

Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France and the PACA region show the highest average budgets, all exceeding €20,000.

Sources

Mariages.net – Report on the nuptial sector 2026
My Little Money
Bourse Inside

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