WRITE-UP

 Also look out for local events that could affect the booking of a venue or accessibility (festivals, bank holidays, school holidays...). In short, choosing a date requires a bit of flair, a lot of diplomacy and a pinch of luck.

 The budget is often a tricky question, but one that is essential to the success of the EVJF. The first step is to ask the guests about their financial capabilities in order to establish a realistic budget. It's important to compare prices to choose options that suit everyone's budget and desires. The EVJF budget should be shared equally between all the participants, with the exception of the bride. It is advisable to collect the funds at least 2 months before the event to avoid any last-minute stress. In general, the budget per person for an EVJF varies between €75 and €150, or even more, depending on the activities planned.

 For optimum management, draw up a detailed estimate and suggest price ranges when you do the survey: less than €100, between €100 and €200, and more. Planning staggered payments can also help to ensure that all participants can finance the event. Don't forget to include an extra margin of 20 to 30 euros for unforeseen circumstances.

 This is probably one of the most important points: the location of the EVJF. It must be suited to the number of participants, the theme chosen and the type of activities planned. A villa with a swimming pool for a relaxing weekend? A cottage in the countryside for a nature EVJF? A stylish city-centre flat for a night out? It all depends on the atmosphere you want to create. Renting a place allows you to put down your suitcases, decorate to your heart's content, plan workshops or games without worrying about noise, and above all... live together for 24 hours or more.

 And to avoid unpleasant surprises, make sure you check the rental conditions, the capacity, the arrival and departure times and the equipment available (crockery, sound system, bedding, etc.). And above all, book well in advance, especially if the EVJF is taking place during the holidays or a bank holiday.

 Accommodation is another crucial aspect of organising an EVJF. There are many options: hotels, villas, youth hostels. Around a third of the EVJF budget is usually spent on accommodation. It's important to compare prices carefully and book in advance to guarantee your choice. Youth hostels can offer budget options, while villas and flats can provide a more luxurious and private setting. Make sure that the accommodation you choose is comfortable for everyone involved and that it is conveniently located for the activities you have planned. This minimises travel and maximises celebration time.

 Make way for nostalgia and retro vibes! This theme takes everyone back to the days of cassette tapes, the Spice Girls and low-rise jeans. Fun, colourful and totally offbeat, it's guaranteed to create a crazy atmosphere full of memories.

 For a bride who loves to shine, this theme transforms your wedding day into a veritable red carpet. With its VIP party atmosphere, glitter and rhinestones, it's an ultra-feminine and sophisticated occasion. An opportunity to feel like a star with your girlfriends.

 There's nothing like a good photo shoot to immortalise this unique day. Whether you use a professional photographer or a well-used smartphone, the most important thing is to capture the smiles, the outfits and the moments of togetherness. Set up a photobooth area with a background in keeping with the theme (garlands, balloons, colourful curtains, etc.) and plan plenty of fun accessories: hats, glasses, boas, ‘team bride’ signs, etc. Guaranteed results on Instagram!

 Not every bride-to-be dreams of a nightclub EVJF. For some, the ultimate luxury is to relax. If that's the case, why not opt for a spa day, with massages, hammam, jacuzzi, organic herbal teas and a Zen playlist? You can book into a wellness centre or hire a private spa. Some villa rentals even have built-in spas. And if you want to go all out, have a beautician come to your home for facials, manicures or massages.

 Want to get everyone moving? There's nothing like a dance class to boost the atmosphere and create hilarious memories. Whether it's a sexy Beyoncé-style choreography, an 80s routine or even a flashmob to the bride's favourite song, anything goes.

 On the creative side, you can organise a workshop to make jewellery, scented candles, homemade cosmetics, or even canvas painting. It's a chance to personalise objects, learn something new and have a laugh at the sometimes... highly original creations!

 An EVJF worthy of the name (often) ends with a memorable evening. And what better way to do it than with a well-organised night out? The trifecta: restaurant + bar + nightclub. And if you're staying in the same area or everything is within walking distance, even better!

 Start with dinner in a nice restaurant, ideally in keeping with the theme of the EVJF. Then head for an atmospheric bar: personalised cocktails, bar games, entertainment, or even a private area. And finally, end the evening in style with a wild night out at the club: dance floor, fancy dress and wild choreography.

 The final preparations are crucial if everything is to go smoothly on the big day. Check all the necessary documents and equipment the day before departure to avoid forgetting anything. Drawing up a list of things to take with you can be very useful.

 Personalised scarves and badges are an excellent souvenir idea for guests. Elastic bracelets with ‘Team Bride’ themes can strengthen the bond between guests. Using a photobooth and organising a prize draw for small gifts can add fun and create lasting memories.

 Organising a memorable EVJF requires planning, coordination and a lot of love. By following the steps in this guide, you can create a unique and unforgettable event for the bride-to-be and her guests. From selecting guests and managing the budget, to choosing activities and gifts, every detail counts to make this special event a success.

 At the end of the day, the most important thing is to ensure that the bride has a wonderful time surrounded by those closest to her. With the right organisation and a personal touch, you can make this wedding day an unforgettable experience that will mark the beginning of a new and beautiful stage in the bride-to-be's life.

 As the summertime social whirl was about to begin, we asked dozens of socially adept people — socialites, artists, designers, restaurateurs, party planners — to weigh in on how to be the kind of guest who gets invited back and how to be a gracious host.

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 You want to feel happy to see people. If there’s some anxiety about it, you have to get into your “people mode” and out of “yourself mode,” which may require changing the channel in your psyche a little bit. You have to put on that social facade.

 When you accept an invitation, you have an obligation to bring something. You can be the most beautiful person at the party who brings glamour. You can be the person who brings an expensive wine. Or you can bring a sprinkle — which means you sprinkle joy or wit or personality to a party. You have to bring something.

 There are certain things that will irk the host. One is when you ask the question that should never be asked: “What should I bring?” Instead, you should say, “I’m already planning on bringing some Champagne and wine. What else should I bring?” Or don’t even ask and just show up with something!

 In a crowded room, a woman with long hair and a black dress holds a drink in one hand while gazing into the camera. Next to her is a man in a tuxedo who is reaching for a drink proffered by the hand of a bartender.

 There’s a New Yorker cartoon my parents used to have in our kitchen. It was just a picture of a bunch of people standing in suits and dresses. They’re all having what looks like a very adult conversation, and the bubble above the newcomer is: “Yikes, grown-ups.” I think there’s always a little “yikes, grown-ups” for all of us. So just settle for a minute and then go to the hostess, because your duty, as a guest, is certainly to say hello.

 You don’t want the person you’re speaking with to think you want to move onto someone else “better.” But you don’t want to spend the evening sequestered in the corner with just one person. After a few minutes, it’s polite to excuse yourself by saying you want to refresh your drink.

 Some of my earliest friends in New York remember me as a wallflower. I was so nervous when people would ask me “What do you do?” That was a scary question, because I had yet to define the answer. These feelings can affect your presence in a space. I think it’s important to show up anyway and be who you are.

 Even if you forget who somebody is, pretend you remember them, because people hate it when you forget them. Just pretend you remember people, even if you don’t, because it’s just kind. One thing I’ve noticed is that people in New York sometimes pretend not to know you, even if they do, whereas people in D.C. pretend to know you, even if they don’t.

 The best way to make a bad impression is to complain. You may think you’re bonding with another guest by complaining, but that’s a cheap bond. You’re not adding anything when you say something like, “Can you believe how long it took to get here?”

 Relax. Everything is going to be fine. If you operate with the mind-set of “everything is going to be fine,” then everything is going to be fine. But if you stress out, then everything is going to stress you out.

 I have this theory that dinner guests fall into two different categories: “characters” and “glues.” Characters are big personalities, the life of the party. They are conversation-starters. Glues are good listeners. They’re soft-spoken and hold conversations together. You need the right balance. Too many characters will start competing for attention. Too much glue and things can get boring. When I put together a guest list, I think of it like casting a movie.

 This is one of the top three things a great guest can do for a host: Figure out the person who knows the fewest people or is the most socially awkward, and go talk to them for five minutes. They’re there because the host cares about them, presumably. And the host wants this person to have a nice time. You can help make that happen!

 I have a friend who talks a lot. People are excusing themselves to go to the bathroom when they get stuck with her. Try listening. When in doubt, try David Sedaris’s bizarre conversational icebreakers. “How long have you known your dentist?” You have to have a certain personality to pull that off.

 A party is not a therapy session. No one wants to hear your problems at a party. There’s the terrible renovation story that no one wants to hear. And no one wants to know what’s wrong with you physically. They’ll call you a bore. Tell a joke or two. Tell everyone they look great.

 There is a specific skill that is probably just charisma, but it’s when you know how to meet the energy of the person or group you are chatting with. I hate being asked very specific questions. Tell me a story. If it’s interesting, I’ll tell you one back. And around and around we’ll go.

 “Real Housewives” is always a good source of conversation, because these people aren’t real, but they remind you of people in your own lives. You can’t go wrong talking about scandals and celebrities. I hear a lot of things out there on the streets. People love to hear about that. It’s very Truman Capote. People want to drink the tea.