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If there’s one food the French know well, it’s cheese. Serve a scrumptious spread for the first course come reception time.
Planning & Budget
25 Super Chic French-Inspired Wedding Details
Updated on March 13, 2018
You’ll say oui to these ideas.
The French get a lot of things right: braids, manicures, fries, toast, and kissing, to name a few. Apart from knowing how to look good, eat good, and love good, they’re also known for their “cool girl” aesthetic that’s every bit chic, effortless, and stylish. So it’s easy to see why one may want to steal a few ideas from the country that’s so well acquainted with style and love for their wedding day inspiration.
And we’re right there with you! You’re not the only one dreaming of chateau receptions, manicured garden ceremonies, and the lavender fields of Provence for your big day. There’s just something about France’s natural beauty and European history that makes for a magical wedding day concoction.
Infuse its opulent, royal roots with throne-like sweetheart chairs, blue and white stripes, or gilded candelabras and flatware, or take a more bucolic approach by incorporating sprigs of lavender into bouquets, centerpieces, and even cocktails. A watercolor palette to evoke the Impressionist era is another pretty choice, and don’t forget to use the French language where you can, like RSVP cards or table numbers. And of course, a setting with rolling lawns, chateau-like stonework, or wrought-iron pergolas doesn’t hurt either!
But what’s a wedding without food and drink? The French do both much better than many—incorporate a cheese station into cocktail hour, let a macaron tower steal the spotlight at the dessert bar, position baguettes on top of each place setting, or replace your wedding cake with a crepe masterpiece. And don’t forget to let the wine flow and champagne pop!
If those aren’t enough ideas for your tr``es chic wedding, we’ve got a few more for you below. Because who doesn’t dream of getting married in the city of love? Even if you can’t make it to France for your wedding, you can always make it come to you.
Jose Villa
Skip the confetti or rose petal toss—a lavender toss is just what a French wedding ordered.
Lance Nicoll Wedding Photography
Now, here’s an original idea—turn wine labels into invitations so you can gift guests with a bottle of wine. Vintage stamps, a wax seal, and tulle give the package a French feel.
Koman Photography
Nothing beats the scent of a French patisserie. Bring it to the reception by using baguettes as name card holders.
Elina Rose Photography
What’s a French-inspired wedding without France’s most well known sweet? Make your macarons loud and proud with a flashy hot pink tower.
Greg Finck
A lush centerpiece of pastel blooms mimics the watercolor whimsy of Impressionist paintings—think Monet’s The Water Lily Pond.
Natalie Bray
Nothing says French romance like gilded candleholders. Pair them with pale blue tapered candles to complete the look.
Sasithon Photography
Set the tone for your French-inspired nuptials by incorporating the language into your RSVP cards.
Sasithon Photography
Package favors with wildflowers, greens, twine, and a gilded wax seal for some French springtime charm.
Mint Photography
No, this gorgeous setting isn’t in France—can you believe it’s in Austin, Texas? The bride and groom embodied the French garden setting of Le San Michele with an altarpiece of flowering branches and foliage and whimsical blue chairs, all set to the backdrop of a fountain and expansive green.
Nirav Patel
This lavish tablescape is fit for a queen and king. Regal chairs, tapered candles, cut glassware, and moody burgundy hues combine textures for a magical feast.
Stephen Liberge Photography
Use shades of lavender and French blue accented with white and eucalyptus green to create a beautiful bouquet that mirrors France’s natural colors.
Petar Jurica
Displaying table names or numbers in French will really transport guests to the country. This couple let their outdoor château setting inspire their table names, labeling each one after a different tree.
Pinewood Weddings
While a chateau isn’t always easy to come by for a wedding venue, there really is no better setting that epitomizes French magic. This chateau terrace is accented with eucalyptus and olive branches native to the south of France to complete its rustic feel.
Helen Lisk Photography
Rustic wildflower centerpieces in mismatched bottles and jars look like they were plucked straight from the hills of France.
Alicia Lacey Photography
A crepe styled cake brings French fare to the table while accents of lavender give a nod to Provencal.
Koman Photography
Turn your ceremony space into a French garden with antique urns and a romantic archway of greenery and red blooms.
Branco Prata
Take some inspiration from the love lock bridge for your escort card display by hanging keys from a wrought-iron gate.
JoPhoto
Vintage china, gold-plated silverware, and blue lace combine for a place setting rich in French opulence.
Joel & Justyna
Blue and white striped chairs have a Marie Antoinette vibe. This couple arranged these regal chairs in the first two rows for reservation seating, followed by farm chairs in the back.
Ben Q Photograpy
Tip: place sprigs of lavender in cocktails for a dash of Provence magic.
Esther & Gabe
Channel some French old world romance with a guest book station that consists of postcards, a quill pen, and ink.
Peter & Veronika
Floating paper parasols above an al fresco reception is trés chic, especially when set against a villa backdrop of stone walls and blue shutters.
Maru Photography
A pergola or gazebo made of wrought iron and marble pillars is a safe bet for some French feels. Accent it with foraged wildflowers and winding vines to bring it to life.
Justine Milton
Farm chairs adorned with a luscious swag of greenery and baby’s breath evoke the bucolic charms of France’s countryside.
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