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This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.
From manicures and braids to fries and toast, French people just know how to do things the right way. They make everything feel chic and effortless, bringing a touch of elegance and style to everything they do. No wonder we use the French phrase ‘je ne sais quoi’ to describe something that is special and appealing, but we can’t quite put it in words.
The French aesthetic is the epitome of good taste, timelessness, and sophistication, which also happen to be the epithets many brides-to-be are looking for when planning their dream wedding. No need to go to Paris, though – throwing a memorable French-inspired wedding is simply a matter of thorough planning and attention to detail, wherever your wedding’s taking place. From table setting and decor to wedding food and invitations, here’s how you can replicate the French appeal at your wedding reception and amaze everyone present on your big day.
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Evoke French opulence with elegant table setting
Lay the foundation for your French-inspired wedding by selecting an effortlessly elegant table setting. For the table runners, go for natural hues to mimic the scenery of the romantic French countryside. French blue along with eucalyptus green and white accents will set the mood with its calming tones, while luscious pastel centerpieces in bloom will remind your guests of a refined palette captured in Impressionist paintings such as those of Claude Monet. Rich, gold-plated silverware combined with pale-pink taper candles placed in gilded candle holders will evoke French opulence, adding a touch of romance. Top things off with mismatched vintage plates, bottles, and jars, and sprinkle some blue lace here and there to tie everything into a cohesive whole.
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Spoil your guests with heavenly Parisian desserts
No French-inspired wedding can go without some heavenly Parisian sweet treats. The magnificent croquembouche or the mouth-watering macaroons will go perfectly with the wedding theme while creating an interesting talking point for the wedding guests. No need to travel to France to have these delicious desserts adorning your beautifully arranged cake stands and dessert stations. There are family businesses that are equally amazed by the gorgeous and appetizing French dessert creations as you are, so even if you’re from America or Australia, you can still have the caterers deliver the magically delicious French pastry and add a touch of French elegance to your wedding reception. To complete the magical feast, be sure to incorporate a visually appealing cheese and fruit combination and make a toast with a glass of exquisite French champagne.
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Bring Provence home with greenery and florals
Nothing adds a touch of French romance to a wedding quite like blooms and greens. Romantic greenery and floral decorations with burgundy blooms perfectly embody the charm of French gardens while wildflowers, twine, and flowering branches remind of heavenly hills of Provence and its charm in springtime. Decorate with antique, rustic urns to replicate the romantic French garden setting and create a stunning altarpiece with the help of an elegant archway made of charming foliage, winding vines, and blooms. Use gorgeous floral bouquets to design a lavish, breath-taking tablescape and adorn the chairs with rustic foliage and baby’s breath to complete a heavenly ceremony space fit for a king and queen.
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Add French flair with lavender details
Deemed France’s purple gold, it’s quite difficult to imagine a French-inspired wedding without its signature flower popping up in wedding decor. The soft, delicate fragrance and feminine, dusky purple hues of lavender are synonymous with France, which is widely known for its exceptional, breath-taking lavender fields. It has a wide range of applications which means it could be used for adorning everything from bouquets and centerpieces to dessert and cocktails. Aside from being an effective garnish and ornamentation, it can also be used to make a DIY lavender toss instead of the usual rose petal or confetti toss. Très chic!
Incorporate the charmingly romantic French language
What’s a Parisian-inspired wedding without a couple of words in French? RSVP cards that incorporate one of the most beautiful languages in the world are sure to set the tone for your wedding and make it even more unique. Aside from the cards, you can also go a step further and label the tables with numbers or names in this language to really ‘’take’’ your wedding guests to the country. And if you really want to add the French flair, you can send out wedding invitations along with a delicious French wine. Select a bottle of wine to send and use wine labels, tulle, and stamps to decorate the package and give it that charming, French feel.
Conclusion
As you’re preparing to say that fateful “Je le veux!”, be sure to incorporate some of these gorgeous ideas into your French-inspired wedding reception. And even if you can’t make it to the city of love and get married there, you can certainly replicate the Parisian feel at your wedding and make it come to you – even just for a day.
Blog written by Diana Wills
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