How to Have a French Wedding?

Love and France seem to be identical phrases. A stay in a luxurious Parisian hotel, a wedding ceremony in a romantic candlelit chateau, the bride, groom, and wedding party dressed in the unrivaled style of French fashion design, tasting delectable French cuisine, and wedding photos taken beneath the Eiffel Tower are just a few of the many possibilities of having a French wedding. Unfortunately, it might not be logistically or financially possible to plan a wedding where the wedding couple and all of their family and friends would have to travel from the United States to Europe. However, in spite of economic restrictions, it is still possible to incorporate similar details of a wedding ceremony in France, and have a French themed wedding right in the United States.

Wedding Favors
The French theme can be conveyed in significant details. When choosing wedding favors for a particular style, it is important to choose a design that is representative of the theme. The Fleur de Lis is a celestial lily shaped emblem symbolizing the divine kingdom of France, and the Eiffel Tower is one of France's most recognizable landmarks. Fleur de Lis or Eiffel Tower wedding favors can show your guests the inspiration of your important day. As a special remembrance to be left at the seat of each of your guests of your wedding, you can provide bookmarks, key chains, bottle openers, votive candle holders, soap or even candy tins with a Fleur de Lis or Eiffel Tower design.

Clothing
Modern or classic clothing styles can be incorporated into a French-themed wedding. The layers of lace on a wedding gown can portray the opulence of Marie Antoinette for a French wedding theme of that particular period. The sleek sophistication of modern French couture can be found in today's current French designers.

Venue
A French-inspired wedding has to have the necessary romantic visual cues, which the right venue can deliver. A local wine producer is likely to offer their grounds for outdoor wedding ceremonies, or even indoor ceremonies in the cellar. Outside in a vineyard, the sun can give the special lighting for a French-themed wedding, inside a wine cellar; candles can be an inexpensive way to create a romantic, intimate setting. If a chateau isn't available in your area, any romantic indoor or outdoor venue can be transformed into a French setting using artistic cues such as the colors from famous French paintings. For instance, look at the hues of Monet, and borrow some of those colors for your bouquet, and your floral selections for your ceremony site.

Beverages and Food
Wine and coffee are two staples to a French menu, as is delicious food. If you choose to serve wine, it doesn't have to be costly. Choose a wine that says something about and your spouse, and one that has a romantic flavor. Offer your guests a beautiful deep red or sweet white, or provide your guests with both options. Coffee is another French beverage, which can be served heated, over ice, and served at the cocktail hour and throughout the wedding feast. Your interpretation of French cuisine doesn't have to be expensive or overdone, but should include some key ingredients of a French wedding menu, such as bread and pastry.