Wedding Traditions from ATW: France

Mon Cherie! I am so excited to share our next stop around the world. We have arrived in France! ❤️ A country so full of culture, history and diversity. Located in Western Europe with its ever so popular capitol being Paris. I hope while reading that last sentence you said Paris with a French accent like I did and that you are ready to delve into this next adventure! France is a must-see destination filled with ethereal beauty and charm.

Elopement Photography by Jeremie Bertrand

Photography by Pierre Atelier

The most interesting part about France is their long history. The country’s overall strength from battles that they have endured over time is admirable. They are also known for their national landmarks such as the Lourve, the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. France is sometimes called the “Hexagon” due to its six-sided shape. How about a wine & dine picnic? Cheese and champagne in a lavender field in Provence… Sounds like a dream to me✨ France is also well known to be the source of many inventions including the stethoscope (René Laennec, 1816) and the a parachute (Louis-Sébastien Lenormand, 1783) just to name a few!

Image by Michelle Wever Photography

In addition to the rich culture and history found in France, it’s time to get into wedding traditions! Surprisingly receptions and ceremonies are quite similar to those held in America. Although some may be similar there are many differences as well. For example, the first difference is not so much a tradition but a legal obligation. Every marriage ceremony preformed must be done at the Town Hall. A marriage in France is considered a public event and so the town hall will keep its doors open to the public, allowing anyone who wants to oppose the marriage to do so. From what I understand and with research, there is no other way to get legally married in France! After that ceremony takes place at town hall, couples can then have a religious ceremony take place at their house of worship. These religious ceremonies are held for spiritual purposes only.

Another major difference between France and the US is that there is no bridal party. There is only normally boys and girls who walk down the aisle with the bride. Not only is there no best man or maid of honor for a wedding, there is no word to translate it in French! However, the young boys and girls help to hold the rings, toss flower petals and sometimes assist the Bride with her train. These children are normally between the ages of 5-12 years old. Another fun fact about the ceremony is that the French have no words that properly translate to say “I do” when reciting their vows so instead they say “Je Le Veux” which means “I want it” instead. Talk about romantic!

Photography by Bouton Prod

I personally love researching weddings in Europe because of the grand architecture. I mean, isn’t it every persons dream to get married in a Castle?! In Europe there are many exclusive venues that can be found such as Chateau d’Artigny, Le Moulin de la Tuilerie and Chateau Challain just to name a few. Talk about a fairytale wedding reception! Not every wedding is held at a castle as there are various venues across the country but when I stumbled across these estates, I just had to share!

Image from grandesetapes.com of Chateaux d’Artigny

Over the years of working in the wedding industry, I’ve noticed many couples love the idea of a traditional ceremony while others want it to be unconventional with a touch of tradition. Whether it’s during the ceremony or reception, adding in a twist of tradition reflecting your heritage is so meaningful. When you plan a wedding it’s all about your personal preference and how you want to express your personalities throughout the day! Meeting with couples over the years has been the inspiration behind this blog series! It’s an incredible thing to embrace our roots because although around the globe we may celebrate marriage in different ways — the best part is that we all are unified in love❤️

The next French tradition I wanted to share is called Ribbon Cutting. In some small towns, many brides would have to cut through white ribbons that were stretched out blocking the pathway to the chapel. As the Bride cut each ribbon to pass through, it represented the overcoming of any obstacles she may face as a married woman. In more modern times, some couples will cut a heart into a white sheet, or simply cut the ribbon together, showing their commitment and bond as they brave any obstacles to come.

Lavender Fields in Provence Photography by Celine Chhuon

As for engagement parties, many French couples plan them and they are a big deal! They are arranged so that the families can meet & celebrate! Engagement parties are much more prevalent in France than in the US. The next French tradition is something called a “trousseau” which is a wrapped package or box filled with the brides accessories for the morning of her wedding. The trousseau usually contains items like make-up, lingerie, jewelry and other toiletries. This custom is of French origin but through my research I have noticed it is also a very popular custom in India as well!

Photo by Arnaud Laher A pastry chef in Paris

Last but not least, another major wedding tradition in France is their wedding cake!Also known as the Croquembouche, you will see many French weddings that have this pyramid pastry tower. The pastries are filled with a pastry cream and the tower is held together by golden caramel. It’s a beautiful sight to see & tasty too!! In addition to that, many French weddings include an elegant Champagne tower or you may see a couple Sabrage which is a technique that became popular in France during the Napoleon Era, just after the French Revolution! A quote from Napoleon himself, according to Champagne Wine Quotes “In victory, you deserve Champagne, in defeat, you need it”.

Photography by Jeremie HKB

I hope you have enjoyed this journey through France and have become inspired by some of these wedding traditions. I look forward to our next destination around the world. And with that, I say “à votre santè” or as some say, “Santè” which is a translation as Americans say “Cheers” they say “to your health”🥂 Au revoir!