For a bride who decides to have a wedding in Provence style, it is important to choose the appropriate wedding bouquet. But before you do this, you should understand the features of the Provencal style, find out what is hidden behind it, what shades and textures can be used in it.
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Characteristic features of the Provence style
Who hasn't heard of Provence? This small area in southeastern France gives its name to many foods and customs. Lavender, sunflowers and grapes are grown here, essential oils, honey and the famous Provençal spices are produced.
The Provence style combines sophistication and simplicity, which is why it is loved in many countries.
It makes no sense to choose just one wedding bouquet in the Provencal style. It is necessary to prepare the entire wedding so that it fits into this enchanting concept.
A bouquet of flowers and herbs should have a simple free form, as if the groom had just picked these plants in the field and presented them to his beloved.
The color scheme should be calm and dim. Soft pastel colors are welcome. Lavender, light beige, sky blue, and olive color everything. You can include yellow in moderation. To better convey the style of Provence, use the following elements:
- twine instead of satin ribbon;
- wicker furniture;
- clothes made from natural fabrics;
- lace and embroidery;
- elements of French cuisine (baguettes, olive oil, wine, cheese).
Try to use only natural materials for wedding decorations - wood, ceramics, brass, stone. For lighting, you can install massive forged candelabra. Use plant motifs, elements of flowers, twigs, and herbs as much as possible so that they decorate and enliven the festive atmosphere.
Wedding style in detail: Provence
Basis of style
- • Natural materials
- • Delicate pastel colors
- • Lavender
- • All shades of pink and blue
- • French wine
- • Original forged elements
- • Cheese
- • Lace
- • Wicker furniture
- • Lush floristry
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Photo by: Svetlana Cozlitina | Love-story of Lera and Alex
About stylistics
Provence is a French region of extraordinary beauty with a rich history and picturesque nature. Lavender fields here give way to small cozy towns, where fabulous centuries-old traditions and love for amazing French cuisine and wines are still preserved. Provence is a rustic style, also called French country. It is based on the simplicity of forms and variety of colors of southern landscapes.
The color scheme is somewhat muted colors, as if bleached by the sun: milky white, cream, lavender, olive green, yellow, sand, muted orange, terracotta, pale gray. This pastel palette interspersed with bright colors creates coziness and mood.
Provençal style is also about antique items that must have a history. A Provencal style wedding is created slowly. You need to pay very close attention to the dishes, tables, their setting, chairs and, of course, floristry. You need to approach the selection of wedding accessories with special care, because it is the little things that will form the overall impression of the wedding.
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Photo by: Yulia Kaptelova | Wedding of Irina and Nikita
Images of the bride and groom
Grace, romance and naturalness are the basis of the bride’s image in the Provence style. It is better if the bride's dress is made of light fabrics and extremely simple. It is better to choose dresses in flowing styles, no corsets or tight silhouettes. Expensive lush outfits will be inappropriate in this case. A touching beautiful bride is the ideal for the Provence style.
You can choose a light, flowing veil for the dress, which will add even more romance to the look. The look will be perfectly complemented by light sandals or sandals, simple and comfortable; you can also wear elegant low-heeled shoes. Expensive bulky jewelry will be unnecessary; it is better to give preference to small items made of gold and precious stones. Don't forget that Provence is simplicity and antiquity.
The groom's outfit should also be simple and comfortable. Let the suit be refined, but laconic and informal; it is better to give preference to natural fabrics and calm colors. The suit may even have a retro feel. A light cap, suspenders, an interesting belt or hat will complement the groom's look well. It is better to avoid overly formal clothing such as tailcoats and tuxedos.
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Photo by: Margo Ermolaeva | Love-story of Tanya and Maxim
Wedding organization
To organize a wedding, you need to choose a snowless time of year. This could be spring (from the moment the first flowers appear), summer or early autumn. The ideal time of year would be July-August - the time of lavender blooming! It is best to organize a wedding in Provence style on a country farm, green estate, flowering meadow, where you can set up decorated wedding tents.
The bright emerald greenery of the garden or the abundance of flowering herbs in the meadow will be a stunning addition to the atmosphere of the celebration and a wonderful backdrop for photos. It is best to hold an outdoor ceremony outdoors. The path, chairs, and arch can be decorated with lavender and other wildflowers. No silks or gilding - everything should be extremely restrained and at the same time elegant.
For a photo zone, you can use a table with an antique typewriter, envelopes with French seals and stamps. Suitcases and wine boxes with decor would also be appropriate. As compliments, guests can be offered lavender soap, jars of honey or famous Provençal herbs. The main thing is to preserve the cozy mood of the south of France and emphasize its special charm and charm.
To maintain the atmosphere of Provence, it is important to choose the right music. Let it be light, unobtrusive French melodies; ideally, there will be live music at the wedding, which will add even more Provençal charm to your holiday.
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Photo by: Yulia Kaptelova | Wedding of Irina and Nikita
Decor and floristry
Wooden, slightly aged surfaces, simple textiles, wicker and forged elements, pillows and, of course, lavender are the ideal solution for decorating tables at a wedding in the Provence style. Old, shabby furniture: cabinets, chests of drawers, cabinets, tables, chairs - will complement the decoration of a festive dinner. All these decorative elements can be painted with pale, light paint in one layer so that the wood can be seen from under it. And on top you can draw flowers, delicate and pastel.
Great importance is paid to textiles - these are only natural fabrics: linen, cotton, chintz with small patterns in checkered patterns, stripes, polka dots. A characteristic feature of the style is that there are many bouquets of flowers everywhere and the use of a wide variety of dishes as vases: cups, teapots, ceramic polka dots, buckets, decorated bottles and jars.
Flowers should not be bright colors; here we need tenderness and restraint. Soft pink, ash, blue, lilac shades, white, cream - these are the ideal choice for a Provence style wedding. The bride's bouquet must include wildflowers, dried flowers and, of course, lavender. If you want to surprise your guests, you can add a little spice to your bouquet, French herbs.
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Photo by: Masha Korneeva | Wedding of Galya and Misha
Menu
Provence has amazing cuisine. Cheeses and wines, aromatic bread, different types of honey, fruits and berries - all this should be presented on the wedding menu. On a Provence-style dessert table, macaroni and farmer's pie with apples, cupcakes and freshly baked baguettes, and berries can coexist.
A wedding cake with honey and spices will captivate the imagination of your guests and will surprise even the most sophisticated gourmets. An alternative option is a cake made from different types of cheese. Its production can be entrusted to a real French pastry chef, who is well versed in the intricacies of Provence wedding cuisine and will be able to create a real masterpiece.
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Photo by: Yulia Kaptelova | Wedding of Irina and Nikita
What flowers to make a bouquet from
When it comes to Provence, the first thing that comes to mind is lavender. It is grown on vast plantations, dried and made into an essential oil used in perfumery.
Of course, in addition to other flowers, the wedding bouquet includes sprigs of lavender, which gives off a strong, fresh aroma. But if you cannot find this plant or do not want to use it for some reason, then replace it with other flowers. The choice here is quite rich:
- cornflowers;
- ears of cereals;
- chamomile;
- bush roses;
- hydrangeas;
- bells;
- clover;
- freesia.
You can use light-colored peonies, add sweet peas and buttercups. You must understand that many wildflowers quickly wither without water, so it is better to entrust the preparation of the bride’s bouquet to professionals. Order a bouquet from an experienced florist two weeks before the wedding, and you will be satisfied with the result.
If you decide to make a bouquet yourself, then include dried flowers in it. They retain their shape even after drying. Examples of such plants are fluffy lagurus, aerial gypsophila, kermek, lunaria, delphinium, and Echinacea.
Special varieties of roses are sold that can not fade for a long time. By adding a few sprigs of greenery to them, you will get a wonderful bouquet.
How to arrange a bouquet
When arranging a bouquet, you don’t have to adhere to the ideal shape. It should be deliberately careless with twigs and flowers sticking out here and there. Do not make the composition too voluminous and heavy. It is enough to take several colors that will go well with the shade of the bride's dress.
The bouquet is tied with simple hemp twine or jute, wrapped in craft paper, and, if desired, decorated with burlap. You can use an elegant lace ribbon or brooch.
To make the wedding bouquet fragrant, sprigs of basil or mint are inserted among the flowers. You can add lemon balm or rosemary - whatever you like best. The simplest option is to take several branches of lavender, add ears of wheat to them and tie them tightly with openwork cotton braid.
What is special about the Provence style?
So, designers identify several characteristic features unique to this style:
- The decoration of walls, ceilings, and furniture must certainly be done in light colors.
- As much textiles as possible in the design.
- Natural materials.
- Antique effect finish.
- The decor includes many small accessories of a romantic and vintage style.
- The indispensable presence in the design of “floral” motifs, including fresh flowers.
Now, knowing all the features of this original French style, let's try to figure out how to put them into practice and make your kitchen “a la Provence”.
What colors should be excluded?
If you want to adhere to the Provence style, then you need to exclude too bright and pretentious shades. You cannot use lurex, sparkles, or numerous rhinestones. The wedding ambiance should be soft and natural. This also applies to the bride’s makeup, groom’s suit and guests’ outfits.
You can warn those invited in advance which style of clothing is preferable to choose. Since the bride and her bridesmaids will be the object of close attention, it is necessary to sew harmoniously matching dresses for everyone.
Bride's outfit
A wedding in Provence style is most suitable for summer and early autumn. The bride should be dressed in a light, airy dress. Decoration with lace, through embroidery, pearls, and flowers is encouraged. You should forget about tight corsets and bright lipstick, as all this will look inappropriate.
You can let your hair down, weave flowers into it, or pin it up with a comb or pins in a vintage style.
Wreaths of wildflowers, beautifully styled braids and coarsely curled, flowing locks will look organic. You can wear silver jewelry with semiprecious stones, use bracelets, earrings, and light necklaces.
Provence wedding style for the bride and groom
The clothes and accessories of the bride and groom should emphasize the unity of the chosen style.
Romanticism and naturalness of the bride
A simple light dress will look elegant on a girl. Flowy fabrics in light colors and loose styles are perfect. The veil will emphasize the mystery of the image. In a simple dress and thin weave sandals with low heels, the bride will resemble a village French girl who, with a happy smile on her face, entrusts her fate to her chosen one. Everything expensive, too elegant, tight-fitting to the figure will have to be put aside for another occasion. At a Provence wedding, such outfits will be out of style and cause a feeling of disharmony with the overall atmosphere.
Elegance as a groom
The groom's outfit should match the touching image of the bride. No hint of formality is allowed. We always dressed up laconically and simply for a wedding in Provence, giving preference to natural fabrics in soft shades. The costume can be complemented with original accessories if there is a desire to emphasize adherence to traditions. The groom can wear a light hat, suspenders, belt or neckerchief in lavender color.
Bride's bouquet and boutonniere
The floral choice echoes the principle of simplicity and naturalness. A bouquet of flowers that grow in Provence will fit perfectly into the wedding style:
- meadow and wildflowers (bells, daisies, cornflowers, violets, pansies);
- different types of grass and ears of corn;
- branches of ornamental shrubs and fruit trees;
- blooming lavender,
- pastel colored roses in buds.
Fresh flowers in soft colors can convey tender feelings. The simplicity of the bouquet will be emphasized by a ribbon fluttering in the wind. The boutonniere can be complemented with lace, maintaining the overall style.
Wedding details
Design your invitations in a simple, heartfelt style. An envelope for them can be made from brown craft paper, and the text can be written by hand. If you seal the envelope with sealing wax and put a few sprigs of aromatic herbs in it, you will achieve greater charm.
A wedding should definitely be held in nature. This will make it easier to match the Provence style. Place wicker furniture, wooden tables, linen or cotton tablecloths and napkins. For decoration, place bouquets of wildflowers or garden plants in soft shades around. Hang pots containing dangling baby blue, white or lilac flowers.
For bouquets that will stand on tables and the floor, use clay, glass and metal containers.
A large lush bouquet can be placed directly in a bucket; for smaller bouquets, choose clay pots, teapots, glass bottles and jars.
If possible, add wrought iron decorations. If the weather permits, organize a feast in light tents, decorating them with flowers. In the evening, light torches, make fires or hang garlands with electric lanterns.
You can organize a photo session in an old mansion or castle, where there are stone walls and wooden barrels. Such surroundings will best convey the Provençal atmosphere. You will get wonderful photographs that will be fun to look at many years later.
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Tips for decorating a wedding in Provence style: color solutions
The usual color scheme for Provence is soft colors of muted shades, on which the hot southern sun left its mark: pure white turned into milky or creamy, slightly burnt orange became sandy. The traditional colors of the Provence style - lavender and olive green - are a must-have for your wedding. The monotony of the base of pastel shades is broken up by the inclusion of elements of saturated colors - turquoise, bright lilac, lemon yellow.