The calling card of France is refined traditions and elegance in every detail. We can talk endlessly about the traditions of wedding celebrations in this country, but whether it is worth blindly following newfangled trends or sticking to the classic scenario is up to the newlyweds to decide.
A French wedding is a celebration of beauty and elegance, but in order for it to become exactly that, a lot of effort is required to recreate a special, ultra-romantic atmosphere. It is impossible to take into account all customs and features, but you must try to bring your understanding of the French style as close as possible to the true one.
Ancient French customs
France has always been an agricultural country, so following traditions is in the blood of its inhabitants. Family heads had to take into account many nuances in order to protect the interests of the family. Young people had many opportunities to meet - fairs, joint work, as well as carnival days and the month of May. It was in May that they began to actively court, but there were no weddings.
The wedding in France took place in the morning. Only widows got married in the evening and at night. Aristocrats also loved to hold ceremonial feasts by torchlight. It was believed that the bride should not sew her wedding dress herself; dressmakers were required to be hired.
The French began using the services of notaries when drawing up marriage contracts a long time ago. Already in the 19th century, the practice was widespread and, along with registration at the city hall and wedding, the newlyweds went to a notary.
How it all began
The institution of marriage has its roots in human history. Initially, it meant the transfer of a woman to her husband. There was no talk of freely choosing a companion, since the decision was made by two families.
In antiquity, marriage was a private agreement, and in 1215 it acquired the rank of a religious sacrament by the decree of the Fourth Lateran Council.
The Medieval Church temporarily gave spouses the right to free choice. Parents could no longer decide for their children and this is how love marriage emerged. It did not arise immediately, it took many centuries and it was believed that the decision to get married demonstrated the feelings of the future spouses.
New milestone
After the French Revolution, the right to marry people passed from the Church to civil authorities. Divorce was also allowed, and 200 years later a whole series of events led to new important changes.
The most important measure that changed the relationship between spouses was adopted in 1965: women received the right to work without the consent of their husbands.
The institution of marriage changed again with the same-sex marriage law. In the first year after its adoption, 10,000 such unions were registered.
Wedding today
Today, more than 600 weddings take place every day in France. Skeptics believe that this is an institution that leads to divorce in half of the cases, but people continue to get married. The number of weddings remains almost unchanged, despite the risk.
On average, the French are getting married at an increasingly later age - from 30 to 35 years. Both spouses work, 60% of couples already have children together.
A wedding is often expensive, but since there is no longer social pressure, it can be held later.
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.
Rouen
A port city on the Seine River with a rich past, which it carefully preserves in every detail, be it the Gothic cathedral or the neatly cobbled streets. If you choose the latter between elaborate luxury and mysterious romance, feel free to go to Rouen. Just a 40-minute drive away is Château de Bouelles, where one of the most beautiful intimate weddings of last year took place.
Videographers: Paramonova Movies
Preparation for wedding celebrations
A modern French-style wedding is, first of all, about careful planning. Often, at least a year passes from the engagement to the wedding itself, this time is given precisely for comprehensive, down to the smallest detail, preparation. The French have a real passion for organizing everything they can in advance. Everything must be perfect and in the best possible way - this is their slogan, which is diligently put into practice.
Organization and invitations
Nowadays, companies specializing in organizing wedding celebrations can take on a lot when preparing for a wedding. If desired, you can order a wedding and subsequent banquet in the most exotic style and in the most incredible conditions. Weddings at the Eiffel Tower or in an ancient castle are far from the limit of fantasy.
French wedding invitations are a work of art. Postcards of original design are ordered in advance; various funny little things can also be attached to them. Residents of this country have a passion for various postcards; they buy them wherever possible, collect them and send out invitations to holidays with them.
The wedding dress code must be sent to guests along with the invitation. The invited ladies and gentlemen should not stand out from the general image in which the wedding is decorated. Moreover, outshine the newlyweds with luxurious or contrasting outfits. Bridesmaids usually wear the same style of dress. Fascinators and flirty hats are very popular.
According to French tradition, most guests are invited to a certain stage of the celebration. Someone is sent invitations to participate in the wedding ceremony, after which they will have to leave. Some people are invited only to a festive feast. Some are given the privilege of being with the newlyweds from the beginning to the end of the celebrations. It sounds strange to us, but the French obey the established order in a disciplined manner and without offense.
Choosing a wedding venue
For residents of France, this is a very important moment. The location is chosen carefully, based on the preferences and financial capabilities of the newlyweds and their families. It is generally accepted that the French try to conclude all marriages in the famous Paris. However, this is not the case. Most try to go out of town, into nature, into the most remote wilderness. For the French, a wedding in the capital is luxury, and all other options are romance.
For a wedding, an old castle or house is usually rented, always with history and its own ghosts. If the wedding takes place in the city, then a banquet hall in a restaurant is booked. Also, even such a small thing as the convenient location of the guests is taken into account - there should be a comfortable hotel nearby where they can stay.
Bachelor and bachelorette parties
These events in France are held on a grand scale, about a month before the wedding, because you need to say goodbye to single life. Moreover, drinking to the point of inadequacy is very rare. Everything is organized and carried out in a sober mind and solid memory. Strippers are invited, groups of girls and boys occupy bars and discos, dance and have fun.
They organize a wide variety of competitions and pranks, and with such imagination that these pranks are remembered for a long time. For example, poor newlyweds may be asked to dance in public, walk through the streets in a ridiculous outfit, climb a tree and crow, or force an ordinary passerby to take part in the next quest from good friends and girlfriends. All this is usually filmed and then carefully stored in the family archive. Apparently, so that the grandchildren have something to brag about.
Gifts, wishes and dance evening
Choosing a wedding venue in France depends on many factors. For example, it is necessary that after the mass all those invited can sit in the church yard and traditionally congratulate the newlyweds to the solemn melody of the Mendelssohn March. In European countries, this indispensable wedding attribute is played at the end of the wedding, and not at the beginning. The exit from the building should be spacious so that the newly-made husband and wife can walk out with dignity to the guests, where they are sprinkled with rice, confetti and small coins under the solemn ringing of bells. On the church steps, a man and woman publicly seal their marriage with a kiss for the first time.
Bachelor and hen parties, according to French pre-wedding traditions, are not just gatherings with entertainment and alcohol. During such a friendly evening, friends of the newlyweds receive a pre-created wish list, which states what exactly they would like to receive as a wedding gift. This list may even contain the addresses of stores where all of the listed items can be purchased. Gifts are given after the wedding; it is not customary to bring them to the event itself, this is bad manners. Giving something that is not on the list is wrong and ugly. Sending out wedding invitations is also interesting in this regard: according to French customs, it is allowed to supplement the invitations with a small list of what is desired and necessary.
If the person invited in advance for some reason cannot come to the wedding in person, then he sends the newlyweds flowers and a greeting card.
Dinner at a French wedding is very different from the banquet we are used to. There is no particular abundance of dishes, meat and vegetable cuts, salads and many types of snacks. Food is served to the table according to a strict order, sequentially - aperitif, cold appetizers, main course, cheese and fruit. The whole evening lasts only a few hours. At the end, the wedding cake is ceremonially brought into the restaurant hall, champagne is poured into glasses, and the newlyweds are escorted into their new life amid table toasts. After the banquet, the groom's parents announce the opening of the dance evening; the bride is the first to appear on the dance floor, who will waltz with her father.
Returning to his own home after the celebration, a man, walking up the steps, carries his young wife in his arms.
Traditional outfits
French wedding attire is all about high style, grace and attention to detail. It is impossible to buy suits and dresses ready-made; you just have to choose the desired style and color. Robes are sewn exactly to your measurements, ordering at least six months before the wedding day. Even such a small thing as a garter or tie will be sewn individually.
The groom does not have to wear black - the main thing is that the couple’s outfits harmoniously complement each other.
His suit can be white, black and white, sand and cream. It is allowed to add a watch on a chain, gloves, or a tie. A boutonniere in the same design as the bride's bouquet is required.
All the bride’s outfits, no matter what style they are made in, agree on one thing – femininity. The girl should look like a goddess descended from heaven, inaccessible to mere mortals. Too frivolous, revealing dresses, make-up in the style of “Indian on the warpath” and too elaborate jewelry are unacceptable.
The shoes chosen are as comfortable as possible, because she will have to spend a lot of time on her feet. Carefully thought out accessories and hairstyle complete the look. A French veil in a large or fine mesh looks charming. It is pinned on the hair with a feather, a flower or a beautiful large brooch.
Choosing a French bridal outfit
It is customary to order French wedding dresses in special salons, where they are sewn according to the style chosen by the bride based on a sample from the catalog. In addition to the dress itself, a girl can choose various jewelry and accessories for her outfit. This could be a hat, umbrella, veil, gloves, etc.
Men's wedding suits in France can simply be rented by the groom in a store. You will only need to buy accessories such as a tie, cufflinks and shoes.
Thanks to experienced consultants in specialized stores and salons in France, newlyweds can easily and waste time purchasing the outfits and jewelry they need.
Wedding celebrations in France
This country has a centuries-old drinking culture. The French are very sensitive to winemaking and the drinks themselves. They do not have the habit of getting drunk, although they quite often allow themselves to drink a glass of good wine. So, a wedding in France does not involve excessive libations, and the food, as a rule, is calculated according to the number of guests, quite economically.
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.
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.
Wedding ceremony in a luxurious castle
The magnificent halls of the castles, decorated with luxurious interiors, have fairly high ceilings, which makes you feel like the hero of a novel. Those who decide to have a wedding in a castle will have a hard time, since the choice of castles here is quite wide. Below are several luxurious palaces where you can celebrate your wedding:
- Chatau Castle, built during the Renaissance, will be a wonderful place for a wedding ceremony, as it has a special atmosphere. Its walls are reflected in the picturesque lake.
- Residence of Louis XIV. This castle has unprecedented beauty and atmosphere. It was here that the novel “The Three Musketeers” was written.
- The luxurious Riviera Palace is a stone structure located on a cliff, offering a stunning view of the Mediterranean.
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.
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.
Wedding festivities
Marriage in France, since the time of Emperor Bonaparte, who abolished church weddings, takes place in the mayor's office. Those getting married submit an application and a notice about the upcoming event is posted at the entrance to the building, which remains there for a month so that everyone can see it. The painting takes place on a daily basis: an entry is made in the book, the newlyweds are congratulated.
After registration, the newlyweds can go to the church for the wedding. In France there are both Catholic and Orthodox churches. Newlyweds, if they belong to different faiths, will have to decide according to which particular rite they will get married. After the sacrament of wedding has been completed, it is time for the banquet.
The usual luxurious festivities are not practiced in France. Everything proceeds with decorum and nobility, with strict adherence to table etiquette and the order in which dishes are served. Strong alcoholic drinks are not served; only a limited amount of wine and champagne is on the tables. For dessert, a huge cake is ceremonially brought out. The bride and groom cut the delicacy together and present it to each guest.
It is not customary here to call or appoint a wedding host. Guests take turns going on stage and congratulating the newlyweds with small, independently prepared numbers, singing or dancing, and telling something interesting. Something like presentations is customary, where relatives and friends tell stories from the life of the bride or groom with colorful photographs or posters.
The banquet does not last the whole evening. A few hours later, the tables are cleared, a hired musical group appears and the dancing begins. At the end of the evening, guests are served a dessert - brioche, after which the evening ends.
Camargue Nature Reserve
Legendary lavender fields, endless green vineyards, romantic small villages - this is all about Provence. But the team of Liliya Gorlanova’s wedding agency found a “different” Provence, or rather, its special place - the Camargue nature reserve in the south of France with sand dunes, reed swamps and sea lagoons. For connoisseurs of multifaceted France, the Mas de La Fouque hotel on the outskirts of the reserve is ideal, where you can hold a wedding.
Videographer: Pavel Trepov
Second wedding day
The celebrations are not limited to a banquet on the wedding day. After the first wedding night, the guests gather again - in the same place where the celebration was held or in the house of the newlyweds. This venerable meeting, to which only those closest are invited, is called retur.
The guests communicate and once again congratulate the newlyweds. A full lunch or dinatur is served - a long aperitif with many snacks. At the end of the wedding celebrations, the newlyweds usually go on a honeymoon. This tradition became widespread at the beginning of the 20th century, and before that this privilege belonged to wealthy people.
A French wedding is a strict adherence to ancient traditions and an elusive touch of elegance and truly French elegance in everything.
Getting married in Paris
Today, wedding ceremonies held abroad are commonplace as it is a wonderful way to not only tie the knot but also have a great time together. To make their special day unforgettable, lovers go to different countries, but Paris is a place for true lovers of romance. Typically, a wedding in the heart of France doesn't come cheap, but couples can save money on airfare by booking in advance. Among the advantages of a wedding in Paris are the absence of the need to spend money on a festive table for guests, and also to worry about finding a photographer, makeup artist, hairdresser, organizer, and so on. Choosing a package offer includes full organization, which includes not only the wedding ceremony, but also a city tour, transfer, and hall decoration.
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.
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.
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.
