Planning a wedding means making hundreds of decisions. Most will be forgotten, but a few can make a remarkable difference to how relaxed and enjoyable your day feels.

Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting many weddings at Saint Victor. The recommendations below are not intended as rules, but simply as lessons learned from experience. Every celebration is unique, yet the same small challenges often arise. We hope these suggestions will help you enjoy your wedding with greater peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love.

Your wedding is, above all, your day.

While it’s important to make your guests feel welcome, don’t forget to create moments that belong only to the two of you, whether it’s your first dance, a quiet walk together after the ceremony, or simply a few minutes away from the crowd. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the organisation, the emotions, and the desire to ensure everyone has a wonderful time.

Then, the following day, something unexpected often happens: after being surrounded by a hundred people celebrating you just hours earlier, everyone leaves, the music stops, and the venue suddenly feels very quiet. Don’t lose sight of what truly matters. The wedding is one beautiful day; your life together is what lasts.

 

How reliable is the weather forecast?  

Even in the middle of summer, always have a Plan B for your outdoor ceremony, cocktail reception or dinner. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but if you do, you’ll be incredibly grateful that it was planned in advance.

Choosing from the beginning to hold your dinner indoors or hiring a marquee removes one major source of stress during the final days before your wedding. Sometimes, the greatest luxury is simply the peace of mind that comes from knowing the weather can no longer affect your plans.

 

Should we take out wedding cancellation insurance? 

We strongly recommend purchasing wedding cancellation insurance as soon as you confirm your venue, as many policies must be taken out within a few days of paying your initial deposit. Nobody imagines having to cancel a wedding, yet life can be unpredictable.

One of our American couples experienced this firsthand when the groom was seriously assaulted just two weeks before their wedding. They had no choice but to cancel the celebration and, because they were not insured, unfortunately lost a substantial part of their wedding budget. We sincerely hope you’ll never need this insurance, but if something unforeseen happens, you’ll be glad you have it.

 

Can we ask our friends to help us tidy up after the wedding? 

Don’t expect your family or friends to manage the packing and clean-up on the morning of departure. After an entire weekend of celebrations, most guests are tired, preparing for their journey home, and understandably eager to leave.

We highly recommend asking your wedding planner to remain until the very end and supervise the packing, collection of decorations, gifts, personal belongings and final organisation. Although this generally involves an additional fee, it allows you to spend your last moments together as newlyweds instead of worrying about logistics.

 

Should we allow for some leeway in our schedule?  

Guests arrive late, conversations last longer than expected, family photographs take time, and emotions don’t follow a timetable. A slightly more generous timeline gives everyone, including you, the opportunity to enjoy the day without constantly feeling rushed. Some of the most memorable moments are the ones that weren’t planned. Always build 20 to 30 minutes of flexibility into your schedule.

 

Why visit the venue before the wedding? 

If you are planning your wedding from abroad, we strongly recommend spending at least one night at Saint Victor before your wedding. This visit is much more than simply discovering the venue. It is an opportunity to experience the estate as your guests will and make many of the key decisions in person rather than remotely.

During your stay, you can meet your wedding planner, florist, caterer and pastry chef, taste the proposed menus, discover our wine cellar, sample different wines and discuss your decoration ideas. We believe this visit makes the planning process far more enjoyable and helps ensure every supplier fully understands your vision.

To encourage couples to make this important trip, we are pleased to offer one complimentary night’s accommodation at Saint Victor if you decide to confirm your wedding with us.

See you very soon

Paul