Wedding planner
event organization & Shades Waves wedding planning franchise throughout France and internationally
Our wedding planner and event organization agency offers weddings in the South-East, South-West, France and all over the world.
If you would like us to organize your event in the South of France or abroad, we can offer you the best destinations and the most competitive prices. exceptional wedding venuesand our selection of services to meet your needs.
Discreet, organized, motivated and always ready to rise to the challenge to make your wedding day the best it can be, Vanessa and her team of event project managers are there to support and advise you.
From the 1ʳᵉ meeting to the wedding day, according to your wishes and tastes, we will propose an elegant, chic, refined scenography, in your image.
Your wedding as you dreamed it... with complete peace of mind! As a wedding planner based in the South-East and South-West of France, we offer you personalized, creative and tailor-made organization and support.
Like true orchestra conductors, we'll stage months of preparations to fill you with wonder.
WEDDING PLANNER SOUTH OF FRANCE
After a career in events management in Paris, Vanessa Roussel created Agence Shades Waves in 2016 on the Côte d'Azur, to return to her initial passion of event organization.
IN AN IDYLLIC SETTING...
Shades Waves is located in the VarProvence, a sunny region bathed in azure blue, olive trees and the song of cicadas; and Gironde, renowned for its estates and vineyards.
The South of France is a magnificent territory, where our team of wedding planners can help you find atypical, splendid venues, and satisfy your desire to create a unique atmosphere for your D-Day.
A turnkey wedding
With Shades Waves, a top-notch service provider, you'll have a different idea of what a wedding is all about: you'll be accompanied from preparation to brunch for a "turnkey wedding".
Because there are as many ways of loving each other as there are cultures, and therefore as many weddings, and because a traditional wedding day slips through our fingers, the Shades Waves agency knows how to conjugate the verbs "love" and "enjoy" in all tenses so as to benefit from the presence of each guest and savor these sweet, stress-free moments. To ensure quality service, the Shades Waves wedding planner agency is committed to having a minimum of 2 wedding planners with back-up staff. The team will guide you through a top-of-the-range reception, over several days if you wish, which will be organized, fine-tuned and coordinated with a master's hand to make it unforgettable! Behind the scenes of your "big day", the team orchestrates the wedding, assists the bride and groom, and puts into action all the organization that has been prepared upstream.
ORGANIZING YOUR WEDDING IN THE VAR
Welcome Party
It's a guest welcome that rhymes with conviviality!
A "welcome party" allows each guest to find out about the itinerary and accommodation on a dedicated wedding website.
THE DAY
The sun has barely begun to rise when the Shades Waves team is already in the starting-blocks. Everything is rechecked, checked and fine-tuned, and the first suppliers are welcomed to begin preparations;
THE BIG MOMENT
It's time for the ceremony, whether civil or secular, Jewish with a beautiful Houppa or all religions combined, on a beach, on a boat, or even on the roof of a palace in Venice, nothing is left to chance.
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WHO AM I?
Vanessa Roussel
Wedding Planner since 2016, founder of the Shades Waves agency, passionate about her job, dynamic and motivated to meet every challenge that organizing a wedding represents.
Curious about life, she likes to talk at length about the projects entrusted to her, to get to know you better and propose the best scenography to suit you and create emotion. A perfectionist at heart, she will organize your wedding as if it were her own, with method and rigor, meticulousness and good humor, always planning the smallest detail.
And as she likes to say: "There's no such thing as chance, only beautiful encounters".
Vanessa
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Why hire a wedding planner?
Frequently asked questions
What is the role of a wedding planner?
The role of a wedding planner is both complex and multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of responsibilities aimed at turning a couple's dream into reality on their big day. This event professional acts as a conductor, coordinating every detail to ensure that the celebration runs smoothly, reflecting the wishes and personalities of the bride and groom.
Planning and design : The first step in a wedding planner's role is to understand the couple's vision for their wedding. This involves in-depth discussions about their tastes, budget, number of guests, desired style and theme. On this basis, the wedding planner creates an overall concept that will serve as a guideline for all aspects of the wedding, from decoration to catering, musical ambience and the running of the day.
Budget management : A crucial aspect of the wedding planner's job is budget management. He or she must balance the bride and groom's wishes with financial reality, judiciously allocating funds to the various expense items. This often involves negotiating with suppliers and service providers to obtain the best rates without compromising quality.
Supplier selection and coordination : The wedding planner selects and coordinates all the suppliers needed for the wedding, from reception venues to florists, photographers, caterers and musicians. He or she ensures that each supplier understands the wedding vision and works consistently to achieve it.
Advice and support: Beyond the logistics, the wedding planner offers emotional support to the bride and groom throughout the preparations. He or she is there to listen, advise and reassure, transforming a potentially stressful process into a pleasant and exciting experience.
D-Day management : On the wedding day, the wedding planner is omnipresent, ensuring that everything goes according to plan. He or she coordinates suppliers, manages the timing of the various events (ceremony, reception, dinner, dancing), and deals with the unexpected so that the bride and groom and their guests can enjoy the celebration to the full without worrying about logistical details.
Customization and creativity : Every wedding is unique, and the wedding planner needs to be creative to personalize the celebration according to the wishes of the bride and groom. This can involve creating bespoke traditions, integrating specific cultural elements, or innovating with decor and space planning.
In short, the wedding planner plays an indispensable role in the realization of a wedding, acting not only as an organizer and coordinator, but also as a trusted advisor and creator of memorable experiences. His expertise and dedication enable the bride and groom to live their special day with serenity, knowing that every detail has been carefully thought out and orchestrated to reflect their love and personal story.
What is the average cost of a wedding planner?
The cost of a wedding planner can vary considerably depending on several factors, including location, the scope of services required, and the experience of the professional. Understanding these variables can help couples budget correctly for this essential service.
Factors influencing price
Location: The region where the wedding takes place plays a significant role in the cost of a wedding planner. In major metropolises or popular wedding destinations, rates can be higher due to increased demand and the higher cost of living.
Scope of services : Wedding planners generally offer different levels of service, from simple consultation to complete planning. Coordination on the day of the wedding can cost a few hundred euros, while full planning, which covers everything from initial design to coordination on the big day, can cost several thousand euros.
Experience and reputation : The wedding planner's experience and reputation are also determining factors. Highly qualified and recognized professionals with an extensive network of suppliers and a solid reputation tend to charge more for their services.
Price ranges
On average, couples can expect to spend between 10 % and 15 % of their total wedding budget on planning. To give a more concrete idea:
Coordination on the wedding day : Rates generally start at around 500 to 1,500 euros, ideal for couples who have planned their wedding but want a professional to manage the day.
Partial planning : For those who need help with certain aspects of planning, such as supplier selection or budget management, prices can range from 1,500 to 5,000 euros.
Complete planning : For a complete package, prices can range from 3,000 to 10,000 euros, or even more for large-scale weddings or luxury celebrations.
Other considerations
Packages vs. hourly rates : Some wedding planners offer fixed packages, while others work on an hourly basis. The pricing structure can influence the overall cost, so it's important to discuss expectations and services clearly.
Customization : Customized services may incur additional costs. If you have specific requests or unique ideas for your wedding, expect this to be reflected in the price.
Return on investment : Although hiring a wedding planner represents an initial cost, their expertise can actually save you money. Their ability to negotiate with suppliers, avoid costly pitfalls and effectively manage the budget can prove invaluable.
In conclusion, the average price of a wedding planner depends on many factors, and it's essential for couples to openly discuss their needs and budget with their chosen professional. Investing in a wedding planner can not only take the stress out of planning, but also ensure that your special day goes exactly as you imagined.
When should you contact a wedding planner?
The decision to contact a wedding planner is a crucial step in your wedding planning process, and timing can have a significant impact on the smoothness and success of your preparations. Ideally, hiring a wedding planner should be done as soon as possible, for several key reasons.
As soon as the date is set : It's advisable to contact a wedding planner soon after you've decided on your wedding date. This is particularly true for weddings scheduled during peak season months or popular dates, where demand for venues and suppliers can be very high. Early contact ensures that you have the best choice of dates available and that the wedding planner has sufficient time to plan and book the essential elements of your wedding.
12 to 18 months in advance : For most weddings, contacting a wedding planner 12 to 18 months before the planned date is ideal. This allows sufficient time for in-depth planning, trial runs and adjustments. This period also allows you to build a solid working relationship with your wedding planner, clearly define your expectations and develop a coherent vision of your special day.
For destination weddings or major events: If you're planning a destination wedding or a large event with many guests, it may be wise to contact a wedding planner even earlier. Destination weddings, in particular, require extra logistics and planning, including travel, accommodation and knowledge of local regulations.
In short, contacting a wedding planner well in advance not only assures you of their availability, but also gives you the peace of mind of knowing that every detail of your wedding is in professional hands. This allows you to fully enjoy the planning experience, knowing that your day will be as beautiful and stress-free as possible.
When should you start preparing for your wedding?
Preparing for a wedding is a complex and detailed process that requires time, planning and organization. To ensure that your special day runs smoothly, it's crucial to start preparations well in advance. Most wedding experts suggest starting planning 12 to 18 months before the wedding date. Here's why this timeframe is recommended and how it can be structured for optimal preparation.
12 to 18 Months Before the Wedding
Setting the Date and Budget : The first steps in planning a wedding involve setting a date and establishing a budget. These fundamental decisions will guide all the other stages of planning.
Select Location : The most popular wedding venues can be booked up to a year in advance, especially during high season. Starting early gives you the best chance of securing your dream venue on your desired date.
Engage Key Service Providers : Photographers, caterers, musicians and other key suppliers need to be booked well in advance to guarantee their availability.
9 to 12 months Before
Select Wedding Dress: Finding the perfect dress can take time, and adjustments will probably be necessary. Starting early ensures that the dress will be ready well in advance of the big day.
Send Save-the-Dates: Inform your guests of the wedding date well in advance, especially if you're planning a destination or vacation wedding.
6 to 9 months Before
Plan Details : This is the time to think about invitations, decorations, the menu and other specific elements of the wedding.
Book Accommodation for Guests : If many of your guests are coming from afar, book blocks of rooms in local hotels.
3 to 6 months Before
Finalize Details : Confirm all arrangements with your suppliers, finalize menus, and confirm details with the reception venue.
Hair and make-up tests: Plan trial runs to decide on your look for the big day.
1 to 3 months Before
Send Invitations : Invitations should be sent to give guests time to respond.
Planning the Rehearsal: Organize the wedding rehearsal and dinner to make sure everyone knows what to do on the big day.
The Last Weeks
Confirm Last Details : Confirm final details with all your suppliers and create a detailed itinerary for the wedding day.
Relax and Take Care of Yourself : Try to relax as much as possible and take care of yourself before the big day.
Starting your wedding planning 12 to 18 months in advance not only gives you enough time to organize everything, it also helps reduce stress, allowing you to enjoy the process and anticipate your special day with excitement rather than anxiety.
How to organize a successful wedding?
Successful wedding planning requires careful planning, effective communication and attention to detail. Here are a few key steps to ensure the success of this memorable event.
Setting a clear budget : The first step to successful planning is to establish a realistic budget. Determine the total amount you can spend on your wedding and divide it between the various expense items. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid overspending.
Planning ahead: Start preparations 12 to 18 months before the planned date. This gives you enough time to book the best suppliers, choose the ideal venue and send out invitations well in advance.
Choosing the right service providers: Selecting reliable, professional service providers is crucial. Whether it's the caterer, the photographer or the DJ, make sure of their reputation and their ability to meet your expectations. Don't hesitate to ask for references and consult online reviews.
Communicating Effectively : Clear and regular communication with your partner, suppliers and guests is essential. Discuss your expectations, preferences and any changes in plans openly to avoid misunderstandings.
Plan B: Even with the best planning, the unexpected can happen. Having a plan B, especially for critical elements like location in case of bad weather, can save the day.
Delegate : Don't try to do everything yourself. Delegating certain tasks to trusted friends, family or a wedding planner can lighten your load and allow you to enjoy your day more.
By following these tips and staying organized, you'll increase your chances of having the wedding of your dreams, a celebration that reflects your love and your unique personality.
What wedding planning services do you offer?
We offer a complete range of wedding planning services, designed to meet all your needs and desires. Our offer includes total wedding planning, where we accompany you every step of the way, from initial conception to the big day. This service encompasses venue selection, coordination with various suppliers (caterers, florists, photographers, etc.), budget management and day-to-day planning.
Our D-Day coordination service takes care of the logistical management of your wedding, ensuring that every element runs smoothly, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of your big day.
We also offer design and theme consultations, where we work with you to create a mood and style that reflects your personality and your love story. Whether you dream of an elegant, sophisticated wedding, an atypical celebration, or a bold, modern theme, we're here to turn your vision into reality.
We accompany couples looking for a unique, tailor-made experience, and offer personalized services. Whether it's finding the perfect venue, creating invitations that reflect your personal style, or organizing special entertainment, our dedicated team is on hand to ensure that every aspect of your wedding lives up to your expectations.
How far in advance should I start planning my wedding?
Planning a wedding is exciting, but it takes time and attention. At Shades Waves, we recommend that you start planning your wedding at least 12 months in advance. This allows you to book the best suppliers, choose the venue of your dreams, and fine-tune all the details to make your day perfect.
Starting early also gives you the advantage of making considered decisions without the pressure of time. This is particularly important if you're planning a wedding during peak season, when venues and suppliers are in high demand. Advance planning ensures that you have the widest possible choice and can book exactly what you want.
What's more, advance planning is essential to managing the wedding budget effectively. It allows you to evaluate different options, compare offers and make informed decisions without rushing. What's more, it gives you the opportunity to savor every moment of the engagement period, engaging in cake tastings, hair and makeup trials, and engagement photography sessions, all while building anticipation for the big day. At Shades Waves, our team of experienced wedding planners is here to guide you every step of the way, transforming the planning process into an enjoyable and memorable experience, and ensuring that your wedding is a celebration of love and joy, perfectly reflecting your couple.
Can we customize our wedding packages?
Absolutely! At Shades Waves, we firmly believe that every wedding should be as unique and special as the couple celebrating it. That's why we offer complete customization of our wedding packages, tailoring every aspect to match your vision and desires. We understand that personalization is the key to creating a wedding experience that truly reflects you.
Whether you want to incorporate specific cultural elements, follow a particular theme, or incorporate personal details that tell your story, our team of dedicated wedding planners is here to make it possible. We work closely with you to understand your tastes, preferences and dreams.
Do you work with specific suppliers?
Yes, we have established partnerships with a selection of trusted suppliers to guarantee quality and professionalism. However, we are also open to working with new suppliers according to your preferences.
How do you involve couples in the planning process?
Your involvement is key to the planning process. We hold regular meetings and keep you informed at every stage, while respecting your decisions and wishes.
Do you handle destination weddings?
Whether you dream of a wedding on an idyllic beach, in a historic castle or in the heart of a cosmopolitan city, our dedicated team is ready to turn your vision into reality, whatever the destination.
We understand that destination weddings come with unique challenges and requirements. That's why we offer a full range of services to manage every aspect of your overseas wedding. From selecting the perfect venue and coordinating with local suppliers, to managing travel and guest accommodations, we take care of every detail to ensure a stress-free experience.
Our expertise in planning destination weddings ensures not only a beautiful, well-organized celebration, but also an authentic and enriching cultural experience for you and your guests. We work closely with local partners to integrate unique cultural elements into your wedding, ensuring a celebration that is both personal and immersive.
What's more, our D-day coordination service is particularly valuable for destination weddings. We make sure everything goes according to plan, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day in beautiful surroundings.
