Before touring venues, you need a ballpark. Mariages.net's 2026 report, based on 1,304 surveyed couples, puts the French average at €19,293 for the full wedding.
That figure covers venue, catering, photo, attire, and part of decor. It does not tell you what you should spend: it shows where the market median sits in 2026.
Key numbers from the report
•
€215 per guest on average (meal, drinks, share of fixed venue costs)
•
90 guests on average in the survey
•
51% of couples exceeded their initial budget
•
Regional spread stays wide: provinces vs Paris area, summer vs winter
How to use this benchmark
1. Set a ceiling, not a vague range.
2. Compare your cost per guest to the €215 benchmark: if you are above, dig into catering and drinks.
3. Keep 5 to 10% contingency: half of couples overshoot.
Our budget calculator applies these ratios to build a first split by category. Disclaimer
Please be advised that the contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and not professional advice. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. The content reflects the opinions of the author and/or the Drakkar Software team. Drakkar Software does not guarantee any particular outcome.