Usage Note
Préparatif is almost always used in the plural (les préparatifs) to refer to the practical steps taken before an event: les préparatifs du mariage ('the wedding preparations'). The singular form is rare. The related adjective préparatoire means 'preparatory', as in classe préparatoire (a post-bac intensive academic program).
Examples
"Les préparatifs du voyage sont terminés."
Natural Translation
The travel preparations are complete.

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