Planning a wedding in Spain means defining a budget and an initial guest list, choosing between a religious or civil ceremony, and booking the venue at least 12 months in advance. Having the support of professionals or following a structured guide is key to making sure no detail is overlooked.
Because this process goes far beyond signing a few papers or choosing the most beautiful dress. It is, quite literally, setting off on an adventure filled with excitement, laughter and, of course, a sea of questions: Where do you start? How much should you save? What documents are needed? And if you dream of getting married in a Catalan masía, on an estate in Mallorca or barefoot on the sand of the Costa del Sol, it is only natural for the questions to multiply by the minute.
Initial Planning and Budget
Who doesn’t dream of a movie-like wedding? But before letting your imagination run wild, it is time to keep your feet on the ground: what budget do you have? Making a list of priorities and calculating costs may not sound very romantic, but it will save you plenty of headaches later on and make it easier to decide where to cut back without losing the essence of your wedding.
Why is the budget so important? Because it sets the tone of the event, influences the venue, the number of guests and even the date. In Spain, prices vary greatly depending on the area — celebrating in Barcelona or Marbella is not the same as hosting your wedding on an estate in Granada.
- Think of an approximate number of guests — and be realistic; it can always be adjusted later.
- Make a list of your essentials: venue, catering, photographer, music, travel, etc.
- Choose a date, or at least a time frame. Be careful with the Mediterranean climate: it can be surprisingly unpredictable.
Do not underestimate the help of a wedding planner: they can streamline the process, take a weight off your shoulders and even help you save more than you might imagine.
Choosing the Venue and Date
Can you picture yourself saying “I do” among orange blossoms in a garden in Seville, in an old Andalusian hacienda or feeling the breeze in a cove in Ibiza? Spain is a paradise of settings: palaces, masías, boutique hotels, beaches in the Balearic Islands, vineyards in Ronda… the possibilities are almost endless.
- Capacity and accessibility: not every venue can host large weddings, and some picture-perfect locations can become a logistical challenge for your guests.
- Climate and season:
- Summer turns weddings on the Costa Brava or in Mallorca into a pure fantasy, but it also brings higher demand and higher prices.
- Autumn and spring in Granada, Valencia or Madrid offer soft light that is perfect for photographic memories.
Tempted by a destination wedding? The Costa del Sol is designed to welcome couples from abroad and offers local suppliers who already know how to handle these events. At That’sAmore, we have international experience.
Wedding Design and Theme
Can you imagine a boho wedding by the sea, or do you prefer a classic countryside atmosphere? Choosing your wedding aesthetic is like telling your own story through the decoration, outfits and every little detail.
- Think about the style that truly represents you: rustic, vintage, minimalist, flamenco, Mediterranean, urban and elegant…?
- Do not underestimate the power of details: colours, seasonal flowers, natural light or those traditions only you understand can transform everything.
- In Spain, rituals such as the exchange of arras — the 13 coins — or the choice of godparents are often included, details that add an authentic touch.
Do you need a wedding planner for this? If you want to avoid stress and make sure the final result truly feels like you, count on us.
Invitations and Guest List
Does it happen to you that, when making the list, everyone suddenly seems essential? You are not the only one. This can be one of the most tense moments of the whole planning process. The best thing is to be honest and set a limit from the very beginning to avoid misunderstandings or last-minute improvisations.
- Invitations are usually sent 4 to 6 months in advance.
- If you have guests coming from abroad or from far away, digital save-the-dates are a lifesaver.
Do not get overwhelmed by British or American etiquette rules. In Spain, what matters most is that your guests feel comfortable and that the invitation says something about you and your partner. Use online lists, such as Google Sheets or planning apps, to track RSVPs and keep all the information at hand: location, time, dress code, etc.
Catering and Local Food
Can you imagine a wedding in Seville without a good glass of cava, or one in Cádiz without fresh local produce? Catering is not just a formality: the menu invites friends to stay and grandparents to share their stories once more. Multi-course menus, seafood, vegetarian options, homemade desserts, open bar and late-night snacks — here, everything adds up.
- Ask for a menu that suits your guests. Why not surprise them with a freshly carved Iberian ham corner or a seafood bar?
- Never skip a tasting at the estate or masía: that is where everything is truly decided.
- Confirm whether the package includes the cake, drinks and late-night snack; many venues offer everything already bundled together.
And one little wink: take the opportunity to include that typical dish that defines your family’s story. Small traditions bring so much life to the celebration.
Decoration and Atmosphere
Have you thought about how much a few wildflowers can change an Andalusian hacienda? The key is to play with local elements and your own personality.
- Give Mediterranean materials the spotlight: olive branches, lavender, orange blossom, ceramics, handmade textiles…
- Lighting: string lights, candles, lanterns… Spain glows at night like few other countries.
- Mix tradition — fans, baby’s breath, orange blossom — with modern touches, such as original seating plans or photocalls that bring out smiles.
We love how weddings in Spain reinvent themselves without losing their roots. Those small signature details give the celebration a touch no one forgets.
Attire and Accessories
In Spain, we are not especially rigid about protocol, but we certainly know how to wear elegance well. From bohemian to classic dresses, blue-toned suits, hairpieces, wide-brimmed hats, Andalusian shawls or wildflower bouquets, style here is as varied as the landscapes themselves.
- Pay attention to the climate: on the Costa del Sol, the heat can be intense.
- Details make the difference: combs, fans and natural flowers add a truly unique touch.
- Godparents and close family members often play very visible roles — and that includes their outfits too.
Compared with other European countries, you will notice that weddings in Spain tend to be much more colourful, spontaneous and less tied to strict rules. Here, fashion leaves room for comfort without losing style.
Music and Entertainment
You can choose between flamenco, jazz, a lively DJ, a traditional university tuna group… whatever excites you most. Think about what would make you enjoy the day and coordinate it with the type of venue and your guests’ tastes.
- In Andalusia, how could anyone resist a touch of Spanish guitar?
- Many venues already offer a stage and sound equipment, but always ask whether it is included or whether you need to arrange it yourself.
- A good live band during the cocktail hour makes the waiting time more enjoyable. The DJ should have their moment during the big evening party.
Our advice here: less is more. A coherent playlist and a pleasant atmosphere are infinitely better than having random music filling the air with no clear purpose.
Photography and Video
Photography and video capture the invisible: gestures, glances, details. Choose a professional who knows how to find Mediterranean light, spontaneous laughter and the emotion of every moment.
- Look through portfolios and search for photographers who understand your style and have already worked in the area.
- Have you thought about a pre-wedding shoot in that special corner of the city? It is also a great way to shake off camera nerves.
- Read the contract carefully: number of photos, delivery deadlines and usage rights. These details help avoid misunderstandings later.
Choosing the right professional allows you to forget about the cameras and simply live the day, knowing that your best memories are safe.
Wedding Day Coordination
Having a coordinator is like having your own guardian angel. No nerves, no rushing around: everything flows, and all you have to do is enjoy.
- They supervise the arrival of suppliers and make sure the decoration is in place.
- They manage the timing: ceremony, banquet, party… everything follows its rhythm.
- They solve small unexpected issues — because there is always something — without you barely noticing.
Personally, we have seen more than one wedding nearly fall apart because everything was entrusted to a distracted friend or a family member who suddenly had to save the day. Delegating to professionals gives you a kind of peace that, honestly, is priceless.
Do you already feel a little closer to starting to plan the wedding of your dreams in Spain? Just remember: this is a journey. Enjoy it with excitement and do not hesitate to let yourself be helped. It may be the key to writing the most beautiful of memories.
