A French-style wedding is the dream of every second bride. So why not bring this idea to life by giving the most important day of your life the unique charm and charm of Paris? You don't have to be French to do this. It is only necessary to understand the three components on which Parisian chic rests - grace, sophistication, elegance. If you manage to bring these elements into the ceremony, then the unforgettable atmosphere will take you to France, with its triumph of taste and unique sense of style.
How to organize a wedding in French style?
Sophistication, metropolitan luxury, Parisian chic - these are the elements of a French wedding. You can organize the celebration in an estate, a restaurant, which is sure to be chic, high-status, and refined. The entire wedding style should be imbued with the romance of Paris. From the dishes to the groom's boutonniere, chic is felt in everything at such a stylized wedding. The decoration of the hall in the French style should create a winning background for photographs: fresh flowers, chocolate figurines, balloons are appropriate. This decor will allow you to play with a variety of scenes.
A French-style wedding should be carefully thought out, especially the images of the newlyweds. For a bride, the ideal option is a pastel fitted dress. White, coral, pink, and purple tones look good. A headdress is desirable, for example, a voluminous flower with a veil. When decorating a celebration, you should stick to pastel colors - peach, light green, soft pink, cream, pale yellow.
To support a French wedding style, send elegant invitations featuring iconic Parisian landmarks to your guests. The main dessert of the holiday table can be the Eiffel Tower, made up of sweets. This will be a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake. Such objects in the frame look extraordinary, advantageous, once again reminiscent of the French style.
Interesting customs and beliefs
France is rich in ancient signs and folk beliefs. How can you get by at a wedding without the customs absorbed with your mother’s milk?
- In France they looked at the bride as a bearer of the highest grace, and tried to touch her.
- On the wedding day, the cortege was stopped all the time, blocking the road with ropes, ribbons and chains - they demanded payments.
- On the way down the aisle, the bride had to try to run away - she was demonstrating her virtue. The harder she tried, the higher her reputation as a decent girl in the eyes of others.
- If the groom stepped on the hem of the bride’s dress in church, he will be the leader in the family.
- The mother-in-law was waiting for the bride at the entrance to the new house. She put an apron on the girl as a sign that she was now also a mistress. She handed over a broom and other household supplies.
- At the feast, one of the older relatives sat between the young people. Kissing and touching were not allowed at the wedding.
- Gifts and huge pies were solemnly brought out. There were pranks and jokes.
- At the wedding there was an auction of items. Since everyone wanted to take possession of a piece of the bride’s dress, ribbons and bows were sewn onto it in advance, which could be cut off in pieces.
- During their wedding night, the young people became rowdy, staged concerts under the bedroom window and tried to break into their place.
- The bride must follow a ritual on her wedding day: wear something old, for example, a family heirloom; something completely new; something borrowed from a friend; something blue where it won't be noticeable. It is believed that this ritual will ensure a calm, happy life.
- There is a cute tradition of making wedding decor elements with your own hands. All the bride's friends and relatives come to her house and make various decorations for furniture, the wedding procession, and decorations.
- Marriage witnesses in France are officials who undertake considerable obligations and are responsible before the law.
- After the wedding, the newlyweds are required to be assigned a new family account, with equal rights for both spouses.
- The dance of the young people takes place under an umbrella, onto which joyful guests sprinkle paper streamers, so that by the end they are not visible behind a heap of multi-colored stripes. Probably, in this way they give the newlyweds the opportunity to spend a couple of minutes without prying eyes.
- Brioche is a delicious sweet bun with cream that the French love to eat for breakfast. At the end of the evening, such a dessert is literally carried out on a stretcher - the confectionery product is truly enormous in size. The guests are delighted and the sweets are a hit.
Wedding rings at the ceremony are presented by the children chosen for this occasion - they are called “children of happiness.” It is believed that a union sealed in such an unusual way will be fruitful and serene.
French style bridal look
The French try to organize everything without unnecessary hassle, measuredly and slowly. They are carefully preparing for their future life together. The image of a bride in the French style is thought out to the smallest detail. You should take care in advance about selecting suitable outfits and accessories. What should a French style bride look like? Above all, her image should be synonymous with sophistication, elegance and charm. After all, French women are known all over the world for their style of dressing. There is always something attractive and exciting in their images.
Wedding dress and shoes
French style embodies a special femininity. But it should not be confused with sexuality. A true French woman will never allow the typical attributes of a fatal temptress in the form of very tight dresses, mini dresses, and dizzying stilettos. She will choose calm femininity, expressed in fitted silhouettes, dresses that emphasize the waistline, stable, comfortable and at the same time high heels, and accessories that add a beautiful and effective point to the whole look.
For a French wedding, midi-length dresses are ideal, the cut of which can be straight, or Dior's New Look with a narrow bodice and a very full skirt. The robe can be flowing with an open top, a classic sheath, or in the spirit of ancient France with a corset or a voluminous skirt. A characteristic feature of the chosen fashion trend is the combination of different things, multi-layering. How to bring this into the image of the bride?
You can create your look in the French style based on a dress, hat, fur coat, veil, or interesting shoes. The winter and autumn seasons provide an excellent opportunity to effectively, but at the same time harmoniously complement your wedding attire with different wardrobe items. For example, French women go crazy for all kinds of scarves and shawls. Your handbag and shoes should also be up to par. And don’t think that under the long hem of your dress no one will notice what you’re wearing.
Choose high-quality, good, stylish shoes. A small clutch will successfully complement the look, giving it a touch of French chic. When creating your wedding dress, remember that less is more, but at a high level. Therefore, there should be no exaggeration in the appearance. Restraint and moderation are characteristic features of French fashion. But if you are having a wedding in the Versailles style, then richly decorated corsets and fluffy skirts are just what will work to your advantage.
To create the famous French charm at a wedding, flowing fabrics, a straight, loose silhouette, a medium neckline, and lace are suitable. Feel free to brighten up your look with veils and hats, which Parisian fashionistas love to show off at social events. The color scheme should not be flashy. Suitable colors are cream, white, black, beige, blue, black. Feel free to add pastel colors to your look, such as muted yellow, soft lavender, or tea rose.
Hair and makeup
French hairstyle offers two directions. The first is characterized by simplicity. But this does not mean that the bride needs to comb her hair and go out into the world. The style should have a twist that will contrast with the hairstyle without complex details, while causing admiration and attracting attention. The second direction is stunning extravagance. A French bride can safely choose a sleek hairstyle, add a spectacular accessory or a little shine to it. It is allowed to use backcombing and large and bright styling decor.
By using all kinds of accessories you will instantly turn into a charming French woman at your wedding. Use hats and veils, which add charming elegance. Choose a wide-brimmed hat or a pillbox. This is especially in harmony with the bride who is in love with retro. The French veil brings glamor, femininity and vintage to the look. It is pinned on the hair with a flower, feather or other accessory. The veil must have a fine or large mesh.
French style does not make many demands on the makeup of a young bride and groom. It should be natural, but not without a touch of elegance. Skillfully done makeup should highlight all the bride’s advantages. Focus on one thing - eyes or lips. Velvet wine-colored lips look luxurious with a veil. For a wedding, it is allowed to add a light blush to emphasize the youth of the bride.
The bride's bouquet
An important detail of a French-style wedding concept is the bride's bouquet. This is not only a vector that sets the direction for the entire floral decor of the celebration, but also a key detail of the newlywed’s image. The flower arrangement should be made according to the rules. It is important to take into account the girl’s wishes and not to contrast with the theme of the celebration. A French bouquet is an elegant, small one, made up of white or pastel spray roses, small peonies, and orchids, while blossoming buds are combined with unblown ones.
Dating and engagement
Previously, in the country, engagement was preceded by matchmaking. Moreover, the girl’s hand was asked by an intermediary - a relative or even a peer of the applicant. A positive answer did not have to be voiced. A shared meal consisting of pancakes, an apple or a roasted rooster meant agreement. Or the girl could ask to light a fire in the stove.
The engagement ceremony took place in the church. As a rule, an oral agreement was negotiated in the presence of witnesses or a written agreement was drawn up by a notary. In addition, families exchanged pledges, after which they held a feast, where the heads of the families were sure to be present and fraternized. The girl's dowry could include real estate and things, which was stipulated in the preliminary agreement.
Now engagements are very modest. The newlyweds invite their closest relatives to a cafe or restaurant, where the groom solemnly announces his intentions. An engagement ring is rarely purchased - such products in France are passed down from generation to generation and are a family heirloom. The loss or breakage of such a ring is considered a great misfortune for the whole family, because it is a kind of symbol of the community of generations.
Currently, there is annoying advertising that convinces young people that they should not drag the burden of the past into the future and should buy everything new for their wedding. But the commitment to tradition in France is very strong, which is good news.
To get engaged to a girl with a ring that remembers the times of the musketeers and the brilliant Sun King - isn’t that wonderful? Exchange a thing that carries the spirit and strength of the family with a new stamp? The French do not agree to this. After all, it is with such a valuable gift that a girl is given to understand without words that she is completely accepted into the family.
Wedding image of the groom
The images of the newlyweds in the French style should be in the same tone. Be sure to mentally put everything together as a whole when choosing each detail and evaluate how it will sound together. For a French-themed celebration, tuxedos and elegant vests are suitable, which will give your chosen one a unique style. It is allowed to add suitable accessories to the suit – a watch on a chain, gloves, a tie.
The image of the groom in the French style should clearly declare his masculinity and elegance. The final detail will be the boutonniere. Made in the general color scheme of the wedding, small and elegant, it should be in harmony with the bride’s bouquet and other components of the celebration. Choose a strict, laconic hairstyle in the French style: no tousled strands. You can comb your hair back, if the length allows, and make it smooth with a special styling product.
Dress code for guests
The outfits of girls attending a French wedding should be elegant and graceful: midi-length cocktail dresses, flowing skirts, emphasized by graceful waist belts. You can highlight your chosen style with accessories. Invited ladies are allowed to use veils and other headdresses that are characteristic of the French style to create their image. It will look good if the bridesmaids wear dresses of the same color or the same silhouette.
The male part of the guests invited to a French wedding should come in sophisticated, classic suits in twos or threes. In keeping with the style, they are allowed to use beautiful neckerchiefs instead of a tie. Under your jacket, wear an elegant shirt or turtleneck with a high neck. But we should not forget that among all men the standard is the groom, who must stand out effectively with his elegance against the background of other male representatives.
Wedding decoration in French style
It’s easy to create a small island of Paris anywhere, you just need to arrange everything correctly and think through the atmosphere of the celebration. Wedding decor is dictated by French style: candles, crystal, candelabra, roses will successfully emphasize the glamor. The highlight of the design can be gilded fruits. In general, it is necessary to use more pastel colors: pistachio, beige, white, pale pink, and other shades that are pleasing to the eye. Visually, they make the space larger and add a touch of French romance.
ABOUT COLOR
The color scheme for a French look should not be too bright. Favorite colors are white, cream, beige, black, gray and blue. Feel free to use all pastel shades, for example, soft lavender, romantic tea rose, muted yellow.
Image from the studio of wedding stylists Lace.
Themed invitations for guests
The French are famous throughout the world for their impeccable taste. They are considered the creators of graceful, discreet beauty in everything - in art, fashion, architecture. Design invitation cards in the French style for guests as follows: on the title side there should be an image of the Eiffel Tower or another symbol of Paris, and print text inside. It is better to use an elegant capital font that complements the wedding style. You can decorate your wedding invitations with everything that evokes romantic thoughts: lace, ribbons, pink decorations.
Holiday table decor
An important element of the design of a French wedding is table setting. For its decoration it is better to use low flower arrangements. They should not be bulky, so that there is space for communication and meals. These can be either high or low vases. It is important to choose the right shape, for example, a good choice is a martini-style vase. The long thin leg does not interfere with the arrangement of dishes or the communication of guests. Candles decorated with satin ribbon and beads will help add French romance. You can immerse them in water or place them in tall, long candlesticks.
Adding Parisian chic to the wedding table will help by placing small figurines of the Eiffel Tower and cupids between the cutlery. After the holiday, guests will be able to take them with them as souvenirs. Decorate tablecloths and chairs with luxurious flounces that will add French chic. Surprises with eclairs, chocolate, small bottles of perfume for women and souvenir bottles of elite alcohol for men can serve as bonbonnieres for guests.
Legal nuances
A serious attitude towards all legal issues is reflected in wedding traditions. The French understand perfectly well that a wedding lasts a few days, but living together lasts for years. Therefore, preparation for marriage includes a comprehensive discussion of all issues related to future family life.
The French are convinced that a correctly drawn up marriage contract only connects two people more tightly - unlike Russians who are unaccustomed to this procedure. After all, the girl and the boy first discuss everything that worries them. Senior relatives and lawyers give recommendations based on their own experience. At the end of the negotiations, the newlyweds clearly understand what they should expect from marriage, what to expect and what their obligations are.
For example, in this country there is a practice of separate ownership of property, even if it was acquired during marriage. Spouses simply purchase something in their own name and assign it to themselves. Also, there is the usual common ownership of jointly acquired property, or ownership of some share. This may be real estate received as a dowry or purchased with donated money, and assigned to only one of the spouses.
A thoughtful choice of the desired form of property ownership eliminates the lion's share of family conflicts. Spouses know exactly what they own and what they will receive in the event of the death of one of them or divorce. Typically, such contracts are drawn up by hired specialists who professionally draw up the wishes of the newlyweds on paper.
Banquet hall decoration
A French-style banquet hall should be luxurious and elegant. Appropriate design will help create such an atmosphere. Pay attention to the drapery in a variety of fabrics in pastel, delicate colors. Decorate tables with rose petals, figurines, bouquets. Decorate the room with arches made of fresh flowers. Draw your inspiration from French fashion magazines and films.
In general, the design of a French wedding should be kept in the style of strict luxury. Choose beautiful dishes, crystal glasses, study the correct table setting. A small amount of pearls can be used for decoration. Antique magazines, books, inscriptions in French, original glasses with flowers, and luxurious candlesticks will help create a unique atmosphere.
Where to spend it?
A real French wedding always consists of two main moments: the wedding ceremony and, in fact, the banquet. Moreover, it is the first part that is distinguished by its simplicity and grace - usually a young couple enters into a sacred union in a quiet and cozy atmosphere, in which only a small number of witnesses are present.
But a banquet is always a luxury; for these purposes, an expensive French restaurant or the veranda of a large country house, preferably of an antique appearance, is best suited. If the wedding is held in the summer, then a picturesque lawn can be chosen as the venue, on which a tent is erected, and wildflowers and small pastel-colored roses are abundantly used as decoration.
Wedding menu in French style
Delicacies at a French wedding should be appropriate - canapés, snails, various types of cheese, exquisite desserts, juliennes. Make sure that the wine list matches the chosen style, since such a celebration cannot do without French wines and cognacs. The main delicacy is that the wedding cake can be multi-tiered, with an image of the symbol of France, decorated with flowers, figures of the bride and groom with suitcases in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Fun until the morning “in Russian”
“In France, the sun rises quite late, and the guests could not imagine how they could have fun for so long that they could meet the sunrise together after the party. Dancing until the morning was another dream of Charles that came true that day. The dancing and unbridled fun really continued until dawn.”
Organization, concept and decor: wedding agency Celebrate It! Photographer: Mikhail Mun Venue: Imperial Yacht Club Presenter: Stanislav Alexandrov Catering: “Especially delicious”
Video: holding a wedding in French style
A wedding celebration in a French style is designed for those who prefer chic. This wedding reflects the charm and luxury of Paris. Every detail should embody the effortless sophistication of France. You can clearly see all this below, in the video of the celebration in this style: bridesmaids dressed up in the style of Coco Chanel in little black dresses with a string of pearls, details for decoration, place cards that are imbued with French chic, an appropriately decorated photo shoot area, a destination ceremonies, cars.
Scenario
As a rule, a wedding in France follows the following scenario: on Saturday, the newlyweds get married in the municipality, then relatives on both sides are invited to celebrate the significant event with light cocktails. A week later, the newlyweds get married in the church, after which a luxurious celebration begins with a considerable number of guests. This was the traditional version of the celebration. There are others too.
Organizing a wedding in France is a difficult undertaking. After all, the celebration will take place in another country. We offer you some interesting scenarios.
- You can rent some old French castle and hold a ceremony and celebration there.
- If you want, you can have a wedding in the suburbs of France. You can get there either by car or by train. Almost all towns in France have Orthodox churches where you can hold a wedding ceremony.
- If you want something original, then have a wedding at Disneyland. It will be fun and interesting there. In this place you will see a lot of balloons, ice cream and, of course, attractions.
- There are many churches and cathedrals in the country where you can hold an Orthodox wedding ceremony. The most popular among newlyweds are the Church of Saint Genevieve de Bois, which is located in Paris, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
- Do you like prestige and sophisticated luxury? Then you should hold your wedding on the French Cote d'Azur, for example, in Saint-Tropez, Nice, Cannes or some other famous resort.
- Another option for those who want to celebrate their wedding like royalty is the Palace of Versailles. Not only the building itself is very beautiful, but also its territory. If you decorate the park in a wedding theme, you will have a royal celebration.
- Of course, the most desirable option for holding a celebration is a wedding in Paris. For example, a festive dinner can be arranged on one of the floating restaurant ships that ply along the Seine. Other evenings can be spent in a cabaret or theater by booking tickets in advance.
Wedding themed photo shoot
A French-style photo shoot will give you a lot of pleasure both during the shooting itself and later, when you see the finished photo cards, reminiscent of the most magical day of your life. Open terraces of restaurants, cafes, parks, beautiful squares and streets are suitable for a photo shoot. You can arrange a photo zone: put up a large poster with the image of the best place in Paris, or place elegant chests of drawers with chairs, complementing them with figurines, you can recreate frames of your favorite French movie.
