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Jamie English
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 château 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, château-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 trés 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.
Consider a Lavender Toss
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Skip the confetti or rose petal toss—a lavender toss is just what a French wedding ordered.
Tapered Candles Add a Touch of Romance
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Nothing says French romance like gilded candleholders. Pair them with pale blue tapered candles to complete the look.
Look for a French Garden Setting at Home
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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, charming foliage, and whimsical blue chairs, all set to the backdrop of a fountain and expansive green.
Wildflowers Feel Straight Out of France
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Rustic wildflower centerpieces in mismatched bottles and jars look like they were plucked straight from the hills of Provence.
Channel Marie Antoinette
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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.