French Wedding Ideas, Trending and Fabulously Chic

Check out these awesome French wedding ideas and say ‘oui oui!’ to this 2017 wedding trend!

So, what’s not to love about French weddings? Beautiful locations, all night partying and family and friends coming together over lots and lots of champagne.

Don’t you just love France? I mean really, who doesn’t… But having your wedding in France is a hassle and an outrageously expensive one to boot! That’s why we decided to help bring France to you! From Parisian style weddings to French country wedding theme all the way to the glamorous French Château wedding, French cuisine and a few French customs! Allons-y!

Some Typical French Wedding Traditions

Feel free to incorporate some of these French wedding usages and traditions for the extra French touch to your special day.

Switch your bridesmaids and best men for “temoins” or witnesses. This is a legal requirement for civil ceremonies which are the only way to be legally married in France. Religious ceremonies are optional.

This is a pretty cute French wedding tradition called “La noce”. Nowadays, the guests follow the couple’s car all about town making as much noise as possible.

Related: 41 Pinterest-Worthy Wedding Getaway Car Decoration Ideas

If you want to stay within budget, adopt the cocktail reception o vin d’honneur tradition. Treat all your guests with mini-foods or canapés and drinks. The true reception dinner is held later just for family and for your closest friends.

Drageés or sugary coated almonds as wedding favors. Also a custom in Italy. A traditional treat of five white almonds symbolizing five wishes for the bride and groom. includes tag with traditional wedding wish: “Five sugared almonds for each guest to eat Reminds us that life is both bitter and sweet. Five wishes for the new husband and wife: Health, wealth, happiness, children, and long life!”

French château weddings, timeless romance. Photography: magnolia rouge.

Modern French wedding ideas. Photo wedding invitation with foil-stamped gold lettering. Get them here!

Onion soup or soupe a l’onion is at the core of French cuisine, no wonder that on the wedding day (wedding night is more accurate) it takes a special place. It is served in the early hours of the morning to help recover from a long night of partying, as French weddings tend to finish around 5-7am!

The Modern Romance of Parisian style weddings

To achieve a Parisian styled wedding the key is choosing romantic details. Keep it chic and simple, city-like and lovely vintage decor like distressed birdcages filled with fresh blooms for your centerpieces. To go the whole way on your Parisian-themed wedding, just any tableware won’t do. Make sure you use real silverware, as well as classic french porcelain plates! Add a touch of glam with flimsy gold fabrics and delicate chandeliers and voilá!

The elegance and simplicity of a Parisian wedding reflected on the bride’s veil.

Romantic Parisian styled wedding theme in rose blush and gold.

French Wedding Ideas: French Country Wedding Theme Decor

European elegance weaved in homespun comfort give birth to the rustic French wedding decor. The French Country wedding theme is soft and simple, elegant, sweet, warm, and loving. It has gorgeous details such as wooden reception tables, freshly cut flowers, olive branches natural burlap, large hurricane candles, tea lights, and signage calligraphed in French. Of course, you score bonus points if the venue has brick walls, red tiled roofs and old-style French furniture.

Fabulously chic French wedding ideas. This backdrop is perfect for wedding photos. Ooh! lala! indeed.

A fresh green summer wedding on the French Riviera. A perfect place to enjoy your celebration with family and friends. Photography: Greg Finck | Wedding Photographer Provence, French Riviera, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Ibiza, Formentera.

Glamorous French Château Weddings

If you are a bride that dreams of a fairytale wedding, nothing beats French Château weddings! If you want to incorporate this look into your wedding but are missing the Château, you can still add some details to make your fairytale come true. Decorate the backs of your chairs with bows, sashes, flowers, or faux jewels. Rich reds, gold and browns will enhance the warm and rustic look of a château-themed wedding. Think candlesticks, floral tapestries on walls or as table runners to finish the look.

Fairytales are made of this..wedding in a château in France.

Dreamy destination wedding at Château de Varennes. Photo credit: Amy Faith Photography.

French wedding delicacies: Madeleines, Macarons, and More!

I’m biased on this one, I must admit… I love madeleines, and if I could eat them every day you’d never see me out of the nearest bakery again! These delicious baked goods are absolutely essential to any French-themed wedding and they scream sophistication! And while you’re at it, make sure you serve macarons as well – this increasingly popular and delicious little treats are a staple for anything French-inspired!

Decorative and yummylicious tower of madeleines. Photography: monikahibbs.

Macaron wedding cake at a French Château wedding. France is a popular wedding destination with beautiful wedding venue, lovely weather, romantic location, and delicious food.

Check out these 30+ Ways to Serve French Macarons To Dazzle Your Guests

A French Wedding Tradition: Champagne Fountains

Ohhh yes! No French wedding can officially hold that title without a champagne fountain. The champagne is poured into the top glass and from there fills all the glasses below. Avoid the flutes… Aside from being a logistical nightmare, they’re a relatively recent addition to the table. Opt instead for the classic, elegant and always reliable coupe glasses!

La fontaine à champagne or champagne tower. Whether planning a wedding in France or looking for French wedding ideas, our guide to top French wedding traditions will help you add you favorite French wedding touch.

French Wedding Ideas That Will Get You Hooked: Profiteroles o Croquembouche

Yes, yes, this could fit in the French baked goods recommendation above, but we felt this merited it’s very own honorable mention. If you’ve ever had a profiterole you’d know why! Those delicious little pastries are comparable to eclairs: drizzled in chocolate, these sweet dough balls are filled with either cheese or cream and are totally edible in one bite or less! You can even make a cake by piling them up on top of one another in a circular pyramid and then drizzling melted chocolate onto the entire thing. It’s the traditional French wedding cake and it’s guaranteed to get your guests hooked – so use with care!

Croquembouche or tower of profiteroles with pink and white flowers for a shabby chic vintage style wedding.

Don’t miss out on these 19 original wedding ideas (and how to make them happen)

Cheese and Charcuterie

Last but not least, this wouldn’t be a French event without an abundant variety of cheeses and meats. Instead of finger-foods and hors-d’oeuvres, go for a large platter of charcuterie. For some extra brownie points, try to pair the platter with corresponding wines – something even the snobbiest of Parisians will applaud you for!

Last but not least, this wouldn’t be a French event without an abundant variety of cheeses and meats Wine, cheese and everything French!

Photo Gallery of Ultra Romantic French Wedding Ideas

So what’s not to love about French weddings? Beautiful locations, all night partying and family and friends coming together over lots and lots of champagne. We hope these French wedding ideas have will help you throw the French wedding of your dreams!

Channeling old world charm right in the heart of Hollywood, this elegant and romantic wedding features luscious ivory blooms, gold cutlery and pastel tones.

Marco Maria bridal gown Spring 2017.

Simply gorgeous by swisschicboutique.

Sophia Tolli Bridal Spring 2017.

Discover More Stunning Wedding Ideas

Photography credits: Strictly Weddings, The Lane, dedicatedtobeclassy, catering2atlanta, Totally Dazzled, Grey Likes Weddings, Weddings Tied With Lace