Wedding planning timeline: month by month

Planning a wedding often takes a year to eighteen months. The secret to enjoying the preparations is doing things in the right order. This timeline sets out the key stages, along with what is specific to a wedding in the Var.

18 to 12 months before

This is the time for the big decisions.

• Set your overall budget and how it will be split between the different items.
• Draw up a first guest list: it determines the size of venue you need.
• Choose the season and a few possible dates. Our article on the best season can help.
• Choose an area of the Var, then visit three to five venues. Use the directory filters to draw up a shortlist that matches your criteria.
• Book the venue: every other booking depends on it.
• If you are hiring a wedding planner, now is the time to choose one.

12 to 9 months before

Once the venue is signed, book the suppliers who are most in demand:

• the caterer, if the venue does not impose one;
• the photographer and the videographer;
• the music: DJ, band, musicians for the ceremony;
• the officiant for the symbolic ceremony, if you would like one;
• blocks of rooms for your guests if the venue cannot accommodate everyone.

Send your guests a save the date, especially if they are travelling from far away or from abroad.

9 to 6 months before

• Choose your outfit: making and alterations take a long time.
• Book the florist and decide on the decoration.
• Create a wedding website with the practical information: getting there, accommodation, the weekend's programme.
• Organise transport: shuttles from the stations, airports or hotels.
• Book hair and make-up.

6 to 3 months before

• Send out the invitations, around four to six months before.
• Have the tasting with the caterer and sign off the menu.
• Choose your wedding rings.
• Get in touch with the town hall to put together the file for the civil marriage (in France, the legal ceremony takes place at the town hall).
• Plan the running order of the symbolic ceremony with your officiant. Our guide to the symbolic ceremony goes through it step by step.

3 months to 1 month before

• Chase the guests who have not replied and finalise the list.
• Have your hair and make-up trial.
• Prepare the seating plan and the stationery: menus, place cards, order of service booklets.
• Confirm the schedule for the day with the venue and each supplier.
• Submit the file to the town hall within the required time: the banns are published at least ten days before the wedding.

The final month

• Confirm the final number of guests to the caterer and the venue.
• Send every supplier the detailed schedule and the useful contacts.
• Prepare the payments due on the day.
• Have the last fittings for your outfit.
• Choose someone you trust to be the suppliers' point of contact on the day.

The final week

• Check the weather forecast and agree on a plan B with the venue if needed.
• Put together an emergency kit: safety pins, plasters, sun cream, fans.
• Drop the decorations off at the venue if possible.
• Rest, drink plenty of water, and delegate.

What is specific to a wedding in the Var

• In summer, find out about the fire prevention rules: fireworks and sky lanterns are often banned.
• On the coast in July and August, allow extra time for traffic.
• On wine estates, check whether your date falls during the grape harvest.
• For guests coming from afar, give the nearest stations (Toulon, Les Arcs-Draguignan) and airports (Toulon-Hyères, Marseille, Nice) to the venue.

For an overview, our complete guide covers every stage in detail.