Which season to choose for a wedding in the Var?

The date you choose shapes almost everything else: venue availability, prices, what your guests will wear, the light in your photos and even the menu. In the Var, where the climate allows you to marry outdoors for much of the year, each season has its strengths and its drawbacks.

Spring: April and May

Spring is the season of gardens in bloom and greenery that is still lush. The days grow longer and temperatures become pleasant, but the evenings stay cool, especially inland: plan for dinner indoors or under a marquee, and blankets for the drinks reception.

April is still a quieter time for reception venues, with more availability. May is already in high demand, particularly around the long bank holiday weekends.

Early summer: June

June is often considered the ideal month: long days, a sun that sets after 9pm, temperatures that are warm but rarely overwhelming, and greenery still looking its best. Lavender starts to flower inland. It is also one of the most sought-after months: book your venue early.

High summer: July and August

The evenings are warm and the nights mild, perfect for dancing outside until the early hours. On the other hand, the afternoon heat can be hard on guests, especially during a ceremony in full sun. A few tips:

• hold the ceremony at the end of the day, around 5 or 6pm, in the shade of plane trees or pines;
• provide water, shade and fans for your guests;
• adapt the menu to the heat, with chilled dishes at the drinks reception;
• choose light outfits for the wedding party.

Venues in the Haut-Var or the Sainte-Baume massif, at higher altitude or in the forest, often feel cooler in the evening. On the coast, traffic is heavy: plan your guests' journeys ahead.

Good to know: in summer, fire prevention strictly regulates the use of fire in the Var. Fireworks and sky lanterns are often banned or require permission. Check with the venue and the town hall.

Late summer: September

For many couples, September is the best compromise: the sea is still warm, the light lower and more golden, temperatures milder than in August, and the roads quieter. On wine estates it is harvest time: a superb setting, but a very busy period. Ask the estate whether it hosts weddings at that time. Our selection of winery châteaux will help you choose.

Autumn: October

In October the vines take on their autumn colours and the light is beautiful for photos. The sun sets earlier, around 7pm at the start of the month: plan for dinner indoors or under a heated marquee. Prices are often gentler than in high season, and there is more availability.

Winter: November to March

Few venues stay open for weddings in winter, but those that do often offer attractive prices. A château with beautiful rooms and fireplaces is perfect for an intimate winter wedding. The days are short: hold the ceremony in the early afternoon to make the most of the light.

Saturday, Friday or Sunday?

Saturday is still the most popular day, and often the most expensive. A Friday or a Sunday makes it easier to find a date at a sought-after venue, sometimes at a reduced rate, as at Château de Nans, whose prices vary with the day. The trade-off is that some guests will need to take a day off work.

How to choose your date

To set the date, work in this order:

• list the possible periods for you and your most important guests;
• check French public holidays, long weekends and school holidays, which push up the price of travel;
• ask several venues about their availability on those dates;
• confirm with the town hall for the civil marriage;
• book the venue, then the key suppliers.

Our wedding planning timeline sets out what comes next, step by step.