ZDF is banking on romance, emotions, and creative wedding concepts: With "Duell der Hochzeitsprofis," a new factual format launches in September featuring experienced wedding planners competing against each other. Instead of a classic wedding documentary, the focus is on competition: Which professional convinces the couple with their vision - and gets to plan the big day?
Two Wedding Planners Compete for the Job
In each episode, two wedding professionals present a couple with their very personal ideas for the perfect celebration. Whether it's an extravagant themed wedding, elegant dream setting, or multicultural ceremony - the concepts should be individually tailored to the couple's wishes while staying within the given budget.
In the end, the couples themselves decide which design convinces them. The winner of the duel receives the job and implements the dream wedding together with the couple.
These Five Wedding Professionals Participate
For the new format, ZDF was able to recruit five well-known wedding planners: Frank "Froonck" Matthée, Amelie Borges, Marie Mika, Marco Fuß, and Madeleine Bolz.
The cameras accompany both the planners and the couples through the entire preparation period - from the first ideas through organizational challenges to the wedding day. Viewers also get insights into current wedding trends and the behind-the-scenes work of the industry.
Premieres in September
"Duell der Hochzeitsprofis" comprises a total of six episodes and premieres on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM on ZDF. A new episode will then air weekly.
Those who don't want to wait for the TV broadcast can tune in earlier: The first episodes will be available starting Friday, September 4, at 10:00 AM on ZDF's streaming platform and in the ZDF app. Additional episodes will also be released there in advance.
