How the French Are Reducing Their Wedding Budget

Intro: Faced with rising costs, the French are adapting their choices to organize simpler weddings while preserving what matters most.

How to reduce the cost of a wedding ?

Planning a wedding today involves more thoughtful decisions. Many French people are opting for more understated formats.

Thus, 69% are considering a more minimalist wedding, with simpler receptions and fewer guests. This shift reflects a return to essentials.

Several levers can help reduce the overall budget:

• Reducing the number of guests
• Simplifying the meal format
• Limiting certain services

Savings are mainly made on secondary items, such as decoration or flowers.

These trade-offs make it possible to focus spending on what truly matters. Weddings are now approached as projects to be managed. Couples plan their expenses, make trade-offs, and adapt their choices.

Rental and second-hand : alternatives gaining ground

To lower overall costs, the French are rethinking their consumption habits.

Rental and second-hand options are on the rise:

• One in two French people is willing to rent their outfit
• 44% are considering buying second-hand

These solutions help limit spending while avoiding one-time purchases.

Key takeaways

• 69% of French people prefer a simpler wedding to reduce their budget
• One in two French people is considering renting their outfit to cut costs
• 44% are turning to second-hand, a practice that is now well established

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Sofinscope mariage 2026