Talk about the myth that planning a French wedding is as easy as just planning a normal wedding and the travel components. It’s also about communicating differently with vendors, working with different timelines, and setting different expectations for what is standard with French wedding planning etiquette.
What to expect when it comes to French wedding planning etiquette:
Communication
- Try learning and using at least basic French phrases. It’s certainly not expected that you learn the entire French language in order to get married in France! Many French vendors speak English, but not always. Do your best to show effort in learning the language by mastering a few basic phrases, like “hello” (bonjour), “goodbye” (au revoir), “please” (s’il vous plaît), and “thank you” (merci).
- Communication with French vendors is different than with American or British vendors – French vendors can be slower to reply. In general, our work culture moves more slowly. Be prepared to be more patient, and be polite if vendors are slower to reply to messages
- Be transparent with your budget from the beginning of your conversations.
- Be prepared not to negotiate pricing. While negotiating can be common in the States, French wedding vendors can interpret it as a sign of disrespect when clients try to negotiate their prices. Having a wedding planner on your side throughout this process will ensure that you can get the best deal while being mindful of your wedding vendors and their talent.
- Plan ahead for time zone differences. This will greatly influence when you can meet with your vendors, so be sure to set time aside to meet during the day or the evenings for French time.
- Ask for local vendor referrals. Many French vendors (Pétillante included!) work with other local vendors. If you’re booking some of your vendors and still seeking a photographer, venue, chef, or florist, be sure to ask for referrals that your booked vendors know and trust.
Tastes and styles
- Be prepared to embrace local cuisine and wines. Local caterers and chefs will offer menus that are based around regional specialties and local wines!
- French weddings are all about having a big party! Focus on planning a good time for yourself and your guests.
- Just like American weddings, cocktail hour is a custom in France! “Vin d’honneur”, a cocktail reception, is a common way to allow your guests to mingle after your ceremony and before your reception
- Dress code: many French weddings have an elegant and high end feel when it comes to dress code. Talk with your wedding planner about what to expect at your wedding venue!
The wedding schedule
- Most weddings have a multiple-day timeline. Most of our couples plan their wedding for over three days vs just one day!
- There’s lots of eating and celebrating, and most of the night is based around dinner, drinking, desserts, dancing, and partying the night away!
- Most weddings will start in the late afternoon or early evening and go late into the night. Most weddings don’t finish until 3am!
Destination Wedding Planning Etiquette
- Announce early so that your guests have time to book
- Be prepared to answer questions about travel, customs, schedules, and where to stay. This is one of the reasons why it’s very helpful to have a wedding planner throughout the process
Misconceptions about French wedding planning etiquette
The French are rude
This is an unfortunate stereotype, because the French are wonderful! French culture values politeness and good manners, so it’s important to practice wedding planning etiquette to have a smooth wedding planning experience.
You have to speak French
You don’t have to speak French. This is also what a wedding planner can help you with – literal translation!
On the flip side, a big myth is that everyone in France speaks English
Especially when you get away from metro areas, not everyone speaks English. This is why it’s important to have someone to guide you through the wedding planning process, so that you can easily get answers to your questions and plan what you need to!
French wine is expensive, and the French only drink wine
Your wedding can have cocktails and beer, as well as non-alcoholic drinks! It is recommended that you have at least some bar at your wedding. In addition, France offers a wide variety of wines for many price points.
Your wedding aesthetic has to look French
While it’s easier and sometimes more accessible to lean into French aesthetics for your wedding design, you don’t have to completely
You have to get married in Paris
There are so many stunning destinations to get married in France, especially here in Bordeaux! Contact us to discuss the wide range of wedding chateaus that offer breathtaking backdrops for your wedding.
The French are always romantic
It’s true, France and especially Paris are romantic destinations! However, your wedding can be whatever you want it to be. It doesn’t have to be full of hearts and champagne to be a fun French wedding!
Working with Pétillante Weddings as your wedding planner is so much more than taking the planning and logistics off your to-dos! It’s also about understanding French wedding planning etiquette and culture so that you can have a smooth experience, save money, and make the most of your wedding day.
Want us to help you navigate the world of French wedding planning? Contact us today!
Interested in learning more about what it’s like planning a wedding with Pétillante Weddings? Check out this blog.
Thanks to these wonderful photographers for allowing us to share their work!
Anokina & Patrick’s Wedding: Daria Lorman
Justine & Dan’s Wedding: Christi Musial Photography
Kayla & Kevin’s Wedding: Darek Smietana Photography
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