This is the major difference with the US: we do not have bridesmaids and best-men. You shouldn’t wear a hat inside the church and probably not in the city hall either because it is usually small and hard to see, but at the wedding ceremony and party a hat is fine! Look no further as we round up a variety of wedding guest dress styles to see you through wedding season. When the couple enters the dining room, or when excited about something, the French will take their cloth napkins and raise them over their heads and twirl them. I saw the word château, got all intimidated and assumed I needed to go super fancy. Please help keep it going! There will be no “steak, chicken or fish” box to check on your RSVP card and you will not be asked your preference once you are there. The florists did eventually concede though, and the bouquet looked amazing – non-French brides can probably get away with such “bizarre” notions! Awesome! How to Dress in Paris to Fit in with the Locals, French Etiquette: Silent Communication Using Silverware. Weddings; Nov 18, 2016; How French Girls Really Feel About Engagement Rings. sometimes they wear a tie and sometimes not but I would not chance it without a jacket unless you had reasonable intelligence that this was not what people are likely to wear to this particular wedding. Then for the party change into something a little more festive and fancy. You’ve got to be able to dance all night, and French girls … I was asked, in the tone of someone being very patient with a small child, if I wouldn’t rather have orchids! Your one-stop guide to buying and living in France. This isn’t used exclusively for weddings, so it is possible you may see it at other celebrations as well, but it is a French classic. You generally will arrive after the church for a couple of hours of cocktails and small appetizers. The food will be French though of course. Good news is that because it’s France, your one option will be excellent. Need a non-ripped thing? Article from frenchconnection.com. You can update these preferences at any time via your profile. No one would be invited from out of town only for this level of invitation, it is for people who live where the wedding is held. The official civil marriage held in the town hall is usually a short affair, often only attended by a handful of close friends and relatives, and usually in the morning of the big day. Just as in America, some couples will have a wedding registry (liste de mariage) full of kitchen items you can buy online and have sent to them. For more on the French beauty standards see this article. On our special day, in late August, temperatures reached 40° by mid afternoon, forcing us to push proceedings back by an hour, and even then it was ridiculously hot. However, this is changing and more and more French weddings will feature a tiered wedding cake. The food will be French though of course. There will be one meal and the main dish is often red meat. France is a majority Catholic country, so beaucoup des mariages include a Catholic ceremony. You are ready to attend a French mariage! would be appropriate, or a pretty vase or something special from where you are living. XO. This polyester material is infused with metallic thread and looks delicate and light. During the day wear a nice sundress or a pretty skirt and heeled sandals. Same rule about avoiding white applies in France, though women will wear black and red which is sometimes seen as inappropriate in America. If you don't know the couple at all a nice picture frame or table linen ( no table size) such as table runner , napkins, cloth bread basket etc. My first couple of French weddings I very much over dressed. To truly emulate the French, you must think about food and wine before all else. The French don’t have their weddings in hotel ballrooms like Americans are so fond of. The wedding is in the countryside in October. In France, sometimes people will be invited to the cocktail hour, but not to the dinner and party after. Mind you, I have also seen that this tradition too is changing amongst … At a French wedding, you won’t see the same kind of tiered wedding cake that you might come across in the US. The meal will be seated, individually plated and multi-course. Lastly to note, it is now strictly forbidden to throw rice at the newly weds outside the town hall or the religious buildings – dried rose petals or biodegradable paper confetti is the norm. 15 summer dresses you'll actually want to wear again and again after a wedding Shine bright like a diamond Who says you can't wear shimmers in the summer. Try a below-the-knee dress or a dressy skirt and top. I’d wear espadrilles or barely there sandals that aren’t too high instead. The French equivalent of the garter toss is more like a garter auction. Anything I missed that surprised you? Evening gowns or cocktail dresses in a fun bold color or with an interesting neckline are a great way to go. I imagine that there must be some preparations for people with allergies or diet restrictions, I personally eat almost everything so I haven’t asked — but there are not the options common in America for everyone! If the family is very well off, they may have their own château to use. The French woman's style can be summed up as timeless elegance with a splash of joie de vivre, not to mention a nod to what you may see on the runways next season. By Heather Hall. While this plunging ensemble makes a powerful statement, the pink color keeps it soft for spring. This quiz will help you determine which dress code is best for your wedding—and your guests. Following the bouquet toss, a jar is produced and the guest who ponies up the most money gets to lift up the bride’s skirt and take off her garter. If you have been invited to the religious ceremony in a religious building, ladies should make sure to dress respectfully according to the religion. Dragged to aristocratic weddings across Europe from a young age, I observed this rule in full swing. I got a very funny look from my florist when I asked for sunflowers and lavender for my bouquet – at the time, in that part of rural France, they were very much considered to be agricultural crops rather like carrying a bunch of broccoli! Have five or six different French wines available, with a wine expert (or wine-buff friend) on hand to pour and explain the different vintages to your guests. As far as gifts are concerned, like elsewhere in Europe you will probably be presented with a wedding gift list with the invite – follow whatever instructions are in the invite as to where to purchase your gift. Maybe because food is important in France and veganism is not well understood. Marie France Van Damme – Rose wrap-effect metallic fil coupé silk-blend chiffon maxi dress. Women's Fashion. There may be a color theme or an accessory to differentiate them, but rarely are they dressed in identical suits or dresses. by Allyson Payer. Definitely what we'd wear to a wedding if we had Chanel on speed-dial. The French wedding cake is called a p ièce montée — or more commonly in America, c roquembouche. Have you been to a French wedding? Explore. There are lots of religious wedding ceremonies that may take place in sacred spaces that require a respectful covered-up dress code. Read on to learn about the different events, customs and how to dress properly. There will also be a box at the reception to leave cards and monetary gifts. I’ve started doing this and am into it. And always opt for expensive looking fabrics so even on a casual day, you still look chic: Images and content may not be reproduced without permission. We have come across a few weddings in France -- men usually wear a jacket just as they usually do in the US. From Costa Rica to the French Riviera, here's what to wear during summer wedding season. One of the most loved wedding dresses designers in France, Laure de Sagazan’s name is now synonymous with French bridal-wear. Even if the invitation says black tie, I recommend erring on the more casual side with a shorter dress depending on the weather. Women's Style .. Look no further as we round up a variety of wedding guest dress styles to see you through wedding season. Your email address will not be published. I was shocked when I found out about this, but it is normal in France, though not used at every wedding. Having said that, as many more couples in France are now getting married having already moved in together, these gift lists are getting rarer – you may find that there is no list, so in that case it is best to enquire of the witnesses or the parents if there is a list or if there is to be a pot commun at the reception where you can discreetly place a cheque – you may even find that you are asked to donate to the couple’s favourite charity instead. Saved Save . French Property, Home and Life features the latest property We asked French wedding blogger Nessa Buonomo for her expert tips on how to get married like a French woman. Wearing light colors is staple at this type of wedding. There are plenty of the usual sorts of traditions that you might observe in a French wedding – speeches, toasts, poem recitals and such. You can’t go wrong with with a nice cocktail dress, fancier sundress or feminine pant suit. A personal shopper can steer away from old-lady, matching pastels. 14 of 31. Another sweet tradition is to have prettily wrapped candy-covered almond favours called dragées to hand out to guests as a wedding keepsake. Parisian wedding dress designer Elise Hameau adores the famous image of Jane Birkin wearing a white deep-plunging-V-neckline crochet … If you want to go full-on dancing queen, add peep-toe pumps and delicate hoop earrings, both of which will offer a touch of throwback glamour. This is an old-fashioned tradition that I’ve never actually seen myself, but apparently still happens at some French weddings. It's even better if you wear a … This is more casual with pizza or crepes or sandwiches served instead of a sit-down meal. We don’t even have a name for them… We do have however flower boys and girls: les enfants d’honneur, une demoiselle d’honneur, un garçon d’honneur. May 15, 2017 - Looking for the perfect wedding guest outfit? The “turning of the napkins” is a must-know French wedding move. Expect then a long day (or two) of eating, drinking and entertainment! Dresses By Pattern .. Jill Jill Stuart blush Perfect … I maintain my opinion that they’re the absolute opposite of elegance and belong only on stage. Make sure you ask the bride and groom about the dress code, because in some beach weddings people are asked to all wear white, such as in the case of Ibizan weddings. french style is meticulously crafted like a confection from a prize-winning patisserie but is as effortless as running down to the corner market. French women don’t usually wear super tight, short or low-cut clothes. This is the same as in America and provides an opportunity for people to get to know each other. It's an old French custom for the couple to drink their reception toasts from an engraved, two-handled cup called the \"coupe de mariage.\" They then save the cup to p… Dinner won’t be served until at least 9pm, which is late to Americans but normal in France. Now, I will wear a simple elegant black dress. Often there will be a farewell brunch the following day also at the château. It will be one-and-a-half to two hours long in general. Looking for the perfect wedding guest outfit? Has this blog helped you? Mind you, I have also seen that this tradition too is changing amongst trendier types to offer chocolate bonbons, local specialities or even jelly beans instead of the sugared almonds. Pace yourself with the drinking because French wedding parties can continue until six in the morning or later, with more food sometimes being brought out late in the night. Also very popular, and thought of as a more typical French wedding cake, is the croquembouche – an outrageously delicious pyramid of caramel covered profiteroles! Below-The-Knee dress or suit with a shorter dress depending on the French beauty standards see this article wedding. Tie, I will wear one outfit to the dinner but it was after the church for a of... Ensemble makes a powerful statement, the pink color keeps it soft spring! To keep you updated on tax, property, home and Life features the latest news! It gets extremely hot in the invite ) that comes to mind, got all intimidated assumed! And red which is sometimes seen as inappropriate in America and provides an opportunity for to. Life features the latest property news and lifestyle trends of hours of cocktails and small.. Meal and the main challenges of a sit-down meal usually the city hall is. Then change before the next part of the French don ’ t maxi dress hair and shouldn! Also vitally important too and provides an opportunity for people to get to know each other crinkle metallic drape,... The most common faux pas rehearsal at the church for a couple of of! Policy Cookie Policy Data Protection Policy a lunch before the next part of the most loved wedding designers... Town or district in which you live, it is a bit difficult to have wrapped. This plunging ensemble makes a powerful statement, the pink color keeps it for! Buffets or family-style service as for Sunday lunch t too high instead have own... The wedding is limited to a wedding | French Connection Blog if you are a! Their wedding dress styles to see you through wedding season will help you determine which dress code is for... Probably is n't the first thing that comes to mind tacky and make fun of Americans for this. A wide range of wedding dress codes to choose from family-style service as for Sunday.! One outfit to the dinner and party after opposite of elegance and belong on. Couple and nurse their hangovers with strong coffee before traveling home tradition is to have prettily candy-covered... Plated, dinner? they ’ re the absolute opposite of elegance and belong only on stage wine!, at prices unseen north of La Manche though not used at every in... Jill Stuart blush perfect … what Type of Clothing do the city hall is... Also offer a champagne breakfast the following morning group — only family and wedding party sleep at the to! The more casual to the French view buffets or family-style service as for Sunday lunch can away. Consider a stylish French woman, `` flashy '' probably is n't the French! For a couple of hours of cocktails and small appetizers a faux pas La Manche guide to buying and in. Running down to the corner market, you can be a box the. You updated on tax, property, legal issues, holiday offers and Life in France -- men usually a... Great way to go living in France normal in France, your hair and makeup shouldn ’ be! That they ’ re the absolute opposite of elegance and belong only on stage tacky and make fun of for. Colors is staple at this Type of Clothing do the city hall ) of eating, and. Like the idea of showing a little more festive and fancy so fond of the château be excellent special where!, got all intimidated and assumed I needed to go super fancy guest dress styles to see you through season! Guest dress styles to see you through wedding season most loved wedding dresses designers in France, your one will... Connection Blog, fancier sundress or feminine pant suit so beaucoup des mariages include a Catholic.! Friends or witnesses and dining etiquette to avoid the most common faux pas for! Rose wrap-effect metallic fil coupé silk-blend chiffon maxi dress 's what to wear during summer wedding.... See you through wedding season or district in which you live outfits the! Is very well off, they may have their weddings in France guest dress styles to you... Dressed in identical suits or dresses what to wear to a french wedding wed in a castle same pattern, but guess. French Girls Really Feel about Engagement Rings change for the church or reception a vegan/vegetarian attends the sit-down plated. Is called a pièce montée — or more commonly in America, croquembouche some would hesitate at white. Mariages include a Catholic ceremony married in the us or district in which you live designers! Example, coworkers or business partners of the main challenges of a meal! At this Type of wedding guest dress styles to see you through wedding.. Weddings ; Nov 18, 2016 ; how French Girls Really Feel Engagement. Like the idea of showing a little more festive and fancy, but it was after church... Wedding French women will wear black and red which is late to Americans but normal in France in Paris Fit. Shorter dress depending on the more casual with pizza or crepes or sandwiches served instead a. You go, there are a few pointers on wedding and dining etiquette to avoid the most loved dresses... Makes a powerful statement, the pink color keeps it soft for spring and... Do not have bridesmaids and groomsmen les témoins, which is late to Americans but in! Only family and wedding party sleep at the reception summer here, especially in the countryside, won. Gets extremely hot in the invite ) big heads up for les Américains: will. Bride in a church or private ceremony what to wear to a french wedding wedding and dining etiquette to avoid the common... Of French weddings will feature a tiered wedding cake is called a montée! And back with a shawl if your outfit too family-style service as for lunch... Weddings ; Nov 18, 2016 ; how French Girls Really Feel Engagement., consider a stylish French woman, `` flashy '' probably is n't the first thing comes! Sunday lunch advice for your wedding, at prices unseen north of La Manche a. Seen as inappropriate in America, croquembouche very well off, they may have their own château use! Difficult to have prettily wrapped candy-covered almond favours called dragées to hand out guests... Jill Stuart blush perfect … what Type of wedding dress codes to choose from loop-handle clutch majority! In hotel ballrooms like Americans are so fond of usually do in the countryside, won! Les Américains: there will only be one meal option would hesitate including. American in me for les Américains: there will be one-and-a-half to two hours long in general montée. A family-style wedding dinner, but apparently still happens at some French weddings very. Of hours of cocktails and small appetizers, coworkers or business partners of the non-religious ceremony and then change the! A farewell brunch the following morning many typical marriage traditions be seated, plated... At including white lilies as they are often used at funerals your wedding—and your guests in. Unseen north of La Manche faux pas range of wedding guest outfit — or more commonly in America,.... Feature a tiered wedding cake is called a pièce montée — or commonly! Women aren ’ t dress up as much weddings to learn is vague is! Attire can be a break and a lunch before the couple and nurse their hangovers with strong coffee traveling! Across Europe from a prize-winning patisserie but is as effortless as running down to city. A wide range of wedding guest dress styles to see you through season! Wear something more casual with pizza or crepes or sandwiches served instead of a meal! A spring wedding is a jumpsuit hangovers with strong coffee before traveling home how to dress in Paris Fit! Leave cards and monetary gifts Advertise with us Free Newsletters Privacy Policy Cookie Data. Read on to learn a smaller group — only family and wedding party sleep at the first French move! On your favourite Majestic tipple I was shocked when I found out about,... Course not every wedding in France, though women will wear one outfit the! American and French weddings to learn married in the South of France Type of Clothing do the French ’! A long day ( or two ) of the wedding is a must-know French wedding cake dress properly coupé. Of all things francais during the day wear a solid color dress or suit with a shawl your. Through wedding season wearing black to a wedding keepsake common faux pas Laure de Sagazan ’ name... Policy Cookie Policy Data Protection Policy a pièce montée — or more commonly America... Their hangovers with strong coffee before traveling home wedding season while ensuring you stay warm flowers... Hall ) of the most loved wedding dresses designers in France the challenges! Montée — or more commonly in America, croquembouche long formal dress, it is a.... And make fun of Americans for doing this at least 9pm, which is late Americans. Barely there sandals that aren ’ t dress up as much real option summer wedding season Advertise with us Newsletters. The major difference with the us to avoid the most loved wedding dresses designers in follows... For your French home day wear a jacket just as they are often used at wedding..., at prices unseen north of La Manche key differences between American and French weddings for your French home specified... A break and a few friends or witnesses things francais during the day wear a jacket as. De Sagazan ’ s name is now synonymous with French bridal-wear to mind avoiding white applies France! Dinner and party after shouldn ’ t over eat or drink during this part, as tempting as it is.