FAQs
Who is Best Events Co.?
Best Events Co. is a luxury destination wedding planning and design company founded in 2009 by Samantha and India Bottomley, a mother-daughter team based in France. We specialise in full-service wedding planning across France and Italy, working with international couples, primarily from the US, UK, and Australia. We have planned over two hundred weddings and are commission-free, meaning we never accept financial incentives from the vendors we recommend. Our work has been featured in BRIDES, The Knot, Business Insider, The Lane, Together Journal, and Magnolia Rouge, and we have been recognised as one of the best wedding planners in France and Europe by The Wed, Loverly, and Wed Vibes.
What makes Best Events Co. different from other wedding planners in France?
Our name is our family name. We have been planning weddings under it since 2009 and we intend to be planning weddings under it for decades to come. That kind of permanence changes how you approach every decision. We are a mother-daughter team: one of us in client care and flawless execution, the other in creative direction with a background in ultra-high-net-worth property law. We are bilingual, bicultural, commission-free, and based in France for over two decades. Over two hundred weddings delivered personally. Multiple families have returned for a second sibling's wedding. Everything we do is in service of one thing: earning and keeping your trust.
Where is Best Events Co. based?
We are based in the south west of France and plan weddings across the country, including Provence, the French Riviera, Bordeaux, Paris, the Loire Valley, and Normandy. We also plan weddings in Italy, including Tuscany and Lake Como, and Switzerland. We travel for all site visits, tastings, and events.
How many weddings does Best Events Co. take on each year?
We take on no more than ten weddings per year. This is a deliberate choice. It ensures that every couple receives our full, personal attention from the first call to the last dance.
Is Best Events Co. commission-free?
Yes. We do not accept commissions, kickbacks, or referral fees from any vendor, at any venue. When we recommend someone, it is because they are right for you. Our planning fee is the only money we earn from your wedding. This is unusual in the industry. Many planners supplement their income through vendor commissions, which can create a conflict of interest when making recommendations. Our model removes that conflict entirely.
Do you speak English?
Yes. We are English-speaking wedding planners who are also fully bilingual in French. This means we communicate with you in English and with French vendors, venues, and local authorities in French. We navigate contracts, negotiate terms, and manage all local administration on your behalf. For our clients planning weddings in France from the US, UK, Australia, or elsewhere, having a bilingual planner based in France is one of the most important practical advantages.
What are Best Events Co.'s fees?
Our planning fees start at €15,000 (tax included), structured at 12 to 15 percent of the overall wedding budget depending on scope and location. Fees are payable in stages across the planning period. The fee includes full-service planning, design and creative direction, vendor management, budget tracking, logistics, guest experience coordination, a dedicated travel manager, multi-event planning (welcome events, brunches, farewell gatherings), and full on-site management. We have managed individual wedding budgets exceeding half a million euros.
Does Best Events Co. handle small weddings?
Yes. We plan weddings from intimate elopements to celebrations for over three hundred guests. Whether your celebration is for thirty guests or three hundred, the standard of care is the same. The scale changes. The commitment does not.
Is Best Events Co. LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes. We have planned celebrations across cultures, traditions, and family structures, and we welcome all couples.
Does Best Events Co. have a confidentiality policy?
Yes. Privacy is a default, not a request. Guest lists, celebration details, and family information are treated as confidential. Nothing is shared on our channels or with third parties without your explicit written consent. Where required, we are happy to work within the framework of non-disclosure agreements. We understand that not every client wants to be a case study, and we will never ask you to be one.
Can Best Events Co. work with my personal assistant, family office, or financial advisor?
Yes. If you work with a personal assistant, financial advisor, security consultant, or family office representative, we are comfortable coordinating with your existing professional team throughout the planning process. We understand the ecosystem of professionals that may surround a client and we integrate seamlessly.
Do I need a wedding planner for a destination wedding in France?
While it is not legally required, planning a wedding in France from another country involves coordination across fifteen to twenty independent vendors, multiple contracts in French, logistical planning across time zones and languages, and navigating legal requirements that differ significantly from those in the US or UK. A planner based in France who speaks both the language and understands the culture can save you significant time, money, and stress. The difference between a planner who gets it right and one who does not can be tens of thousands of euros and months of anxiety.
How far in advance should I start planning a destination wedding in France?
We recommend booking a planner at least twelve months before your wedding date. Longer lead times of up to eighteen months work well, especially for peak season (June to September) when the best venues and vendors book early. Shorter timelines are possible if you are decisive and availability aligns. The earlier you begin, the more options you have.
What is the best time of year to get married in France?
The most popular season for weddings in France is May through October. June and September are considered the ideal months: warm, sunny, and less intensely hot than July and August. July and August offer the longest days and warmest temperatures but are also the busiest tourist months, which can affect venue availability and pricing. Autumn weddings in October and November can be beautiful, particularly in wine regions during harvest. Winter weddings are less common but can be stunning, especially in alpine or Parisian settings.
What is the average cost of a destination wedding in France?
Costs vary enormously depending on guest count, venue, region, and the level of service and design you are looking for. For a luxury destination wedding in France with full-service planning, a guest count of 80 to 150, and a venue in Provence or the Riviera, budgets typically range from €100,00 to €800,000 or more. The largest variables are the venue, catering, and entertainment. A qualified planner can help you allocate your budget effectively regardless of its size.
Is it cheaper to get married in France than in the US or UK?
Not necessarily. While some costs may be lower (particularly food and wine quality relative to price), a destination wedding involves travel and accommodation for guests, potential currency exchange considerations, and international logistics that add complexity. The value of a French wedding lies in the experience, not in cost savings. That said, France offers extraordinary venue quality, culinary excellence, and natural beauty that can be difficult to match at equivalent price points elsewhere.
What regions of France are best for a destination wedding?
France offers remarkable variety. Provence is known for lavender fields, warm stone bastides, and Michelin-starred cuisine. The French Riviera offers glamour, coastline, and Mediterranean light. The Dordogne and Périgord provide rolling countryside, châteaux, and a more intimate, rural atmosphere. Bordeaux combines world-class wine country with elegant architecture. Paris offers iconic landmarks, palace hotels, and urban sophistication. The Loire Valley is famous for its grand châteaux. Normandy offers dramatic coastline and pastoral charm. Each region has its own character, climate, and style of venue.
Can I get legally married in France if I am not French?
Yes, but the legal requirements are more complex than in many other countries. At least one of the couple must have been resident in the municipality where the marriage takes place for a minimum of 40 days prior to the wedding. The civil ceremony must be performed by a French mayor or deputy mayor at the town hall (mairie), and it must take place before any religious or symbolic ceremony. Required documents include birth certificates (translated and apostilled), proof of residency, affidavits of law, and other paperwork that varies by nationality. Many international couples choose to complete the legal ceremony in their home country and hold a symbolic ceremony in France, which removes the residency requirement and simplifies the process considerably.
What is the difference between a legal and a symbolic ceremony in France?
A legal ceremony in France is a civil ceremony performed at the local town hall by the mayor. It is the only form of marriage recognised by French law. A symbolic ceremony is a non-legally-binding celebration that can take place anywhere: in a château garden, a vineyard, a church (note that religious ceremonies in France do not have legal standing), or any setting you choose. Most international couples who get legally married in their home country hold a symbolic ceremony in France, which gives them complete freedom over the setting, timing, and style of their celebration.
Do I need a celebrant for a wedding in France?
If you are holding a symbolic ceremony, yes. A celebrant conducts the ceremony and can personalise it to reflect your story, traditions, and values. We work with English-speaking and bilingual celebrants experienced in international and multicultural ceremonies. If you are having a legal ceremony at the town hall, the mayor officiates.
Can I have a religious ceremony in France?
Yes. France has Catholic churches, Protestant churches, synagogues, and mosques. However, a religious ceremony in France does not have legal standing. You must also complete a civil ceremony at the town hall if you wish to be legally married in France. If you are legally married elsewhere, you can hold a religious ceremony in France without the civil component. We have extensive experience planning Jewish ceremonies (including Shabbat-observant celebrations), Catholic ceremonies, interfaith ceremonies, and celebrations that blend multiple cultural traditions.
What types of wedding venues are available in France?
France offers an extraordinary range of venues. Châteaux are the most iconic: grand historical properties ranging from intimate manor houses to vast estates. Bastides are traditional Provençal stone farmhouses, often surrounded by vineyards or olive groves. Domaines are wine estates, sometimes with on-site accommodation and working vineyards. Mas are traditional farmhouses typical of southern France. Hotels and palace hotels offer luxury service and on-site catering, particularly in Paris and the Riviera. Private villas and estates offer exclusivity. Gardens, vineyards, and olive groves offer outdoor settings with natural beauty.
How much does a wedding venue cost in France?
Venue hire in France typically ranges from €5,000 to €50,000 or more depending on the property, season, and what is included. Some venues offer dry hire (the space only), while others include catering, accommodation, or coordination services. Peak season (June to September) commands the highest rates. Many venues require a minimum stay of two to three nights, particularly for destination weddings. The total cost depends heavily on whether the venue provides catering or whether you bring in an external caterer.
What is a dry hire venue?
A dry hire venue provides the space only, without catering, staffing, or coordination. You bring in all vendors separately: caterer, bar service, furniture, lighting, sound, florist, and sometimes even tables and chairs. Dry hire venues offer maximum creative freedom but require more planning and coordination. This is where having an experienced planner becomes particularly valuable, as the logistics of building a wedding from scratch at a dry hire venue are significantly more complex than working with a full-service property.
Should I visit venues in person before booking?
We strongly recommend it. Photographs and virtual tours are helpful for shortlisting, but they cannot convey the feel of a space, the quality of light, the surrounding landscape, or the practical logistics (parking, sound limitations, accessibility). We typically coordinate focused three-day venue tours for our clients, carefully planned to respect your time while covering the strongest options.
Do French venues have noise curfews?
Many do, and this varies significantly by region, municipality, and individual property. Some venues have strict curfews of 11pm or midnight for outdoor music. Others have no restrictions at all. This is one of the most important questions to ask early in the venue search, as it directly affects the atmosphere and timing of your evening. We know which venues genuinely allow celebrations to run late and which will shut things down.
Can I get married outdoors in France?
Yes. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions are common in France, particularly in the south. However, the legal civil ceremony must take place at the town hall. Symbolic ceremonies can be held anywhere. For outdoor receptions, it is essential to have a weather contingency plan, particularly from May to October when sudden storms can occur. Most established venues have both indoor and outdoor reception spaces.
Can I bring my own caterer to a French wedding venue?
This depends on the venue. Some venues have exclusive in-house catering or a list of approved caterers. Others are dry hire and expect you to bring your own. We always clarify this during the venue search, as it significantly affects your budget, creative options, and logistical planning.
What is a French wedding venue's typical capacity?
This varies enormously. Intimate bastides may host 40 to 80 guests. Mid-sized châteaux typically accommodate 100 to 200. Grand estates can host 300 or more. Many venues offer on-site accommodation for a portion of guests, which is highly valued for destination weddings as it creates a house-party atmosphere and simplifies logistics.
How do you find and select vendors for a wedding in France?
Our vendor network has been built over fifteen years of personal relationships. We do not work from directories or accept vendors who approach us for paid placement. Every vendor in our network has been tested through real weddings, and we evaluate them on reliability, talent, communication, value, and how they treat our clients. We also continuously discover new talent through industry events, peer recommendations, and our own research. When we recommend someone, it is because we have vetted them and trust them.
What vendors do I need for a wedding in France?
A typical destination wedding in France involves the following: venue, caterer and bar service, florist, photographer, videographer, celebrant or officiant, hair and makeup artist, DJ or band (or both), lighting designer, stationery designer, rental company (furniture, tableware, linens), transport provider, and accommodation coordinator. Depending on the celebration, you may also need: a sound engineer, a tent or marquee provider, a wedding cake specialist, entertainment (live musicians, performers), a children's entertainer, and translation services.
Should I use French vendors or bring vendors from my home country?
For most services, we recommend using vendors based in France. They understand the local landscape, have relationships with venues, know the logistical realities, and do not incur international travel costs. The exceptions where couples sometimes bring vendors from home are photography and entertainment, as these are deeply personal choices where an existing relationship or specific style may justify the additional cost. We are happy to work with international vendors and coordinate their travel and logistics.
What is a wedding designer and do I need one?
A wedding designer creates the visual concept and aesthetic of your celebration: the colour palette, floral design, table settings, lighting, stationery, and the overall look and feel. At Best Events Co., design is integral to our service. India leads our creative direction, and every design concept is original to the couple who commissioned it. If you work with a planner who does not offer design, you may need to hire a separate designer.
How much should I budget for flowers at a wedding in France?
Floral budgets for luxury weddings in France typically range from €15,000 to €100,000 or more, depending on the scale of the installation, the types of flowers, and the season. Locally sourced, seasonal flowers from French growers offer both quality and value. Imported or out-of-season flowers are significantly more expensive. We prioritise locally sourced florals wherever possible, both for quality and because they suit the French landscape and light beautifully.
What is French wedding catering like?
French wedding catering is typically structured as a formal seated dinner with multiple courses, often four to six. Menus usually feature local, seasonal ingredients prepared to a very high standard. Cocktail hours (vin d'honneur) are a tradition, typically lasting one to two hours with canapés, champagne, and sometimes live cooking stations. Wine is sourced locally wherever possible, often from the venue's own vineyard or nearby estates. French caterers take enormous pride in their craft, and the quality of food and wine at a French wedding is often cited as one of the highlights by guests.
Can I have a Michelin-starred chef at my wedding?
Yes. Several Michelin-starred and Michelin-recognised chefs in France offer private event catering. This is a premium service and typically involves a bespoke menu development process, a tasting, and a dedicated kitchen team on site. We have worked with Michelin-starred chefs and can facilitate introductions.
How does entertainment work at a French wedding?
French weddings typically feature live music during the ceremony and cocktail hour, and a DJ or band for the evening reception. Many couples choose both a band and a DJ: the band for early evening energy, the DJ to take over later. We can also arrange unique entertainment such as fireworks (subject to local regulations), live performers, cigar rolling, and late-night food stations.
How do guests travel to a wedding in France?
Most international guests fly into the nearest major airport and then travel to the venue by car, shuttle, or train. We coordinate guest transport logistics including airport transfers, shuttle services between hotels and the venue, and on-the-day transport. We provide guests with detailed travel information including flight recommendations, ground transport options, and local guidance.
Should I plan events beyond the wedding day?
For a destination wedding, yes. Your guests have travelled to be with you, and the time you spend together deserves to feel generous and unhurried. Most destination weddings extend beyond a single day to include a welcome reception or dinner, the wedding day itself, and a morning-after brunch. Some celebrations span three days or more, with additional activities such as vineyard tours, market visits, or leisure time. All multi-event planning is included in our fee.
Do I need to provide welcome gifts for guests?
It is not required, but it is a lovely touch for a destination wedding. Welcome gifts typically greet guests in their hotel room upon arrival and set the tone for the weekend. They might include local treats, a bottle of wine from the region, a printed itinerary, and personal touches. We can coordinate welcome gift curation and delivery.
How do I communicate logistics to guests?
We typically create a dedicated wedding website or printed guide that includes all guest-facing information: travel details, accommodation options, the weekend itinerary, dress codes, local restaurant recommendations, and FAQs. During wedding week, we manage guest communications on your behalf: timings, directions, weather updates, and any last-minute changes. Your guests should never need to contact you with logistical questions.
What if my guests do not speak French?
This is one of the key reasons to work with a bilingual planner. We ensure that all guest-facing communications are in English (or your preferred language), that vendors and venue staff who interact with guests can communicate effectively, and that any language barriers are managed seamlessly. France is generally very welcoming to English-speaking visitors, particularly in the hospitality and wedding industry.
How do I handle dietary requirements at a French wedding?
French caterers are experienced with dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and allergy-specific menus. We collect dietary information from guests in advance through the RSVP process and coordinate with the caterer to ensure every guest is accommodated. The quality of alternative menus in France is typically very high.
How should I structure my budget for a destination wedding in France?
As a general guide, venue and catering typically account for 40 to 50 percent of the total budget. Photography and videography account for 10 to 15 percent. Florals and design 8 to 12 percent. Entertainment 5 to 10 percent. Planning fees 12 to 15 percent. The remainder covers stationery, transport, accommodation contributions, hair and makeup, celebrant fees, and miscellaneous costs. We provide full budget management as part of our service, tracking every cost in real time so you always know where you stand.
Do I pay French vendors in euros?
Yes. All vendor contracts in France are in euros. We recommend setting up a euro-denominated account or using a foreign exchange service to manage currency conversion. Exchange rate fluctuations can meaningfully affect a large wedding budget, so locking in rates where possible is advisable.
How do contracts work with French vendors?
At Best Events Co., all vendor contracts are signed directly between you and the vendor. You pay vendors directly. This gives you full visibility and control over your money. We review all contracts on your behalf, explain the terms (most will be in French), and ensure they protect your interests. This is one of our most important differentiators: many planners hold the client's money and distribute it to vendors, which creates an unnecessary layer of financial risk.
What is a wedding planner commission and why does it matter?
A commission is a payment a vendor makes to a wedding planner in exchange for being recommended to clients. Commissions are common in the wedding industry and can range from 5 to 20 percent of the vendor's fee. The concern with commissions is that they create a potential conflict of interest: is the planner recommending this vendor because they are the best fit for you, or because they pay the highest commission? At Best Events Co., we are commission-free to ensure recommendations are based solely on suitability.
Are tips expected at French weddings?
Tipping culture in France is different from the US. Service charges are generally included in vendor fees and restaurant bills. Tipping at weddings is not expected in the same way, though it is appreciated for exceptional service. If you wish to tip, we can advise on appropriate amounts and manage the distribution discreetly.
What is the cancellation or postponement policy?
Our contract includes a force majeure clause that protects you from additional costs in circumstances beyond anyone's control. Our planning fees are non-refundable once the planning process has begun, as they reflect time and work already invested. Vendor cancellation policies vary and are detailed in each individual contract. We always review these terms with you before you sign.
Can you plan a multicultural or multi-faith wedding in France?
Yes. We have planned weddings that bring together different cultures, religions, and traditions, and we approach each one with care, respect, and the understanding that what matters to you is what shapes the day. Whether that involves coordinating multiple ceremonies, sourcing specific vendors, or navigating cultural customs unfamiliar to local suppliers, we have the experience and the sensitivity to get it right.
Can you plan a Jewish wedding in France?
Yes. We have planned Jewish weddings in France including celebrations that observe Shabbat. This involves careful logistical planning around the timing of Shabbat, sourcing appropriate ceremonial items (chuppah, kiddush cups, ketubah), coordinating with rabbis, and ensuring that the venue and vendors understand and respect the religious requirements. In one case, we sourced and set up a complete Shabbat ceremony at a venue that had never hosted one, ensuring every detail was handled with care and authenticity.
Can you plan a Hindu or South Asian wedding in France?
Yes. South Asian weddings often involve multiple ceremonies across several days, specific decor and floral requirements, particular catering needs, and coordination of cultural elements such as mehndi, sangeet, baraat, and ceremony rituals. We work closely with the couple and their families to understand the traditions that matter most and ensure they are honoured beautifully in a French setting.
Can you plan an interfaith wedding in France?
Yes. Interfaith weddings require particular sensitivity and careful coordination to honour both traditions. We have experience blending elements from different faiths into a cohesive ceremony that feels authentic and respectful. We work with celebrants and officiants who specialise in interfaith celebrations.
Can you source kosher or halal catering in France?
Yes. We have access to kosher and halal caterers and can ensure that dietary and religious requirements are met to the appropriate standard. We coordinate directly with the caterer and any religious advisor to ensure compliance.
What does the wedding planning process look like with Best Events Co.?
Our process begins with an initial enquiry and a discovery call, where we learn about your vision, priorities, and how you like to work. If we are the right fit, we send a tailored proposal and formal agreement. From there, planning unfolds in stages: venue search, vendor selection, design development, menu and beverage curation, budget management, logistics and guest experience planning, and finally on-site coordination and management. We are alongside you at every stage, from the first conversation to the last dance.
How often will we be in contact during the planning process?
This depends on the stage of planning and your preferences. Some couples prefer regular scheduled calls (fortnightly or monthly). Others prefer to communicate as needed via email and messaging. We adapt to how you work best. During intensive phases such as venue selection and final preparations, contact is more frequent. We are always responsive and available when you need us.
What does a wedding planner actually do on the wedding day?
On the wedding day, our team operates as a single, coordinated unit managing every aspect of the event. This includes: overseeing vendor arrivals and setup, managing the timeline, coordinating transitions between ceremony, cocktails, dinner, and evening events, liaising with the venue, catering, and entertainment teams, handling any issues that arise without involving the couple, and ensuring every detail matches the plan. Our service also includes a personal concierge for the couple and their close circle, so your only responsibility is to be present with the people you love.
Do you attend the rehearsal?
Yes. We lead it. The rehearsal is where we walk through the ceremony logistics, confirm positions and timings, and ensure everyone involved knows what to expect. It also allows us to identify and resolve any last-minute adjustments.
How do you handle things that go wrong on the day?
Things can go wrong at every wedding. A vendor runs late. The weather changes. A guest has an emergency. What separates a well-planned wedding from a stressful one is how these issues are handled. Our job is to resolve problems before you know they exist. Fifteen years and over two hundred weddings have prepared us for virtually every scenario. We carry contingency plans, backup contacts, and the experience to make quick, calm decisions under pressure.
What happens after the wedding?
We schedule a final call to congratulate you, share how the day looked from our side, and tie up any outstanding details. We ensure you receive your photography and videography deliverables in due course. Many of our clients stay in touch for years. Some return to celebrate another family milestone with us.
What is the weather like in France for weddings?
France has varied climates by region. The south (Provence, Riviera) is warm and sunny from May to October, with temperatures reaching 30 to 35 degrees Celsius in July and August. The south west (Biarritz, Bordeaux) is slightly milder with more rainfall. Paris and the north have temperate conditions similar to southern England. We always plan for weather contingencies, particularly for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, and we advise on the best season for each region based on your priorities.
Do I need insurance for a destination wedding in France?
Yes, we strongly recommend wedding insurance. A comprehensive policy should cover cancellation, postponement, vendor failure, and liability. We carry our own professional indemnity insurance and ensure that all vendors on your team also have their own coverage.
What about power, water, and facilities at outdoor or rural venues?
Rural and dry hire venues often require additional infrastructure: generators for power, portable restroom facilities, lighting rigs, and sometimes water supply. These are standard requirements that we plan for during the venue assessment and budgeting process. The costs are factored into your budget from the outset so there are no surprises.
Are there any legal restrictions on fireworks or live music in France?
Yes. Both fireworks and outdoor music are subject to local regulations that vary by municipality. Some areas prohibit fireworks entirely during dry summer months (fire risk). Music curfews vary by venue and location. We research these restrictions during the venue selection process and ensure your plans comply with local regulations.
Can I get married in a church in France if I am not Catholic?
Catholic churches in France generally require at least one of the couple to be Catholic. Protestant churches are typically more flexible. As noted above, religious ceremonies in France do not have legal standing, so a separate civil ceremony at the town hall is required if you wish to be legally married in France. For symbolic ceremonies, you have complete freedom of setting and style regardless of your faith background.
How accessible are French wedding venues?
Accessibility varies significantly. Many historic châteaux and rural properties were not designed with accessibility in mind, and can present challenges for guests with mobility requirements. We always assess accessibility during venue selection and can recommend properties that offer step-free access, accessible restrooms, and appropriate facilities. If a venue you love has limitations, we can often arrange solutions such as ramps, accessible transport, and adapted seating.
Does Best Events Co. plan weddings in Italy?
Yes. We plan weddings in Italy, primarily in Tuscany and Lake Como. When working in Italy, we partner with a trusted local planner who bridges the language gap, though the majority of event business is conducted in English. Our design, coordination, and client management approach remains the same as in France.
What is the difference between planning a wedding in France versus Italy?
Both countries offer extraordinary beauty, cuisine, and culture. France tends to offer more variety in venue types and regions, and French vendors are generally very structured and reliable in their processes. Italy offers a particular warmth and conviviality, and the landscapes of Tuscany and the lakes have a romantic quality that is hard to match. Logistically, the processes are similar but the legal requirements differ. We advise on the best choice based on your vision, guest list, and priorities.
Can I get legally married in Italy?
Yes! Italy allows non-residents to marry legally. The process involves obtaining a Nulla Osta (declaration that there is no impediment to marriage) from your embassy or consulate in Italy, and completing paperwork at the local municipality. The requirements vary by nationality and can be complex. Many international couples choose to marry legally at home and hold a symbolic ceremony in Italy, which simplifies the process significantly.
How do I get started?
Send us an enquiry through the form on our contact page. Share as much or as little as you know for now. If you are still figuring things out, that is exactly what we are here for. We respond to all enquiries within 24 hours. From there, we arrange a discovery call to learn about your vision, share our initial thoughts, and give you a clear sense of what working together looks like. No obligation, no pressure, no sales pitch.
What information do you need from me to get started?
For our initial conversation, it is helpful to know your approximate date or time of year, an estimated guest count, whether you have a venue in mind or are starting from scratch, and any non-negotiables (cultural requirements, specific vendors, or venues you love). But if you do not have any of these details yet, that is perfectly fine. Our job is to help you figure them out.
What if we have already booked a venue?
We regularly work with couples who come to us with a venue already secured. We join the process at the vendor selection and design stage and bring the same level of care and coordination to every subsequent step.
Can I hire you for partial planning or day-of coordination only?
We offer full-service planning only. This is a deliberate choice. We believe that the best outcomes come from being involved from the beginning, understanding your vision completely, and managing every detail from start to finish. Day-of coordination without prior involvement means inheriting someone else's decisions and relationships, which limits what we can deliver.
What if I am not sure I need a planner?
If you are planning a destination wedding in Europe from another country and you want it to be exceptional, a planner is not a luxury. It is a safeguard. The coordination, local knowledge, vendor relationships, contract management, and on-the-day execution that a qualified planner provides can save you tens of thousands of euros in avoided mistakes and countless hours of stress. Our fee exists to ensure the rest of your budget is spent wisely.
How do I know if Best Events Co. is the right fit for me?
We are the right fit if you value substance over spectacle, care about doing things properly, and want a planner who treats your wedding with the same seriousness and care as you do. We are not the right fit if you want a planner who will simply execute a brief without offering input, or if you are looking for the cheapest option. The best way to find out is to have a conversation.