Dreaming of a French theme for your wedding? You’re not the only one. Often adopting the same laissez-faire attitude towards interiors as they do with their style, it’s easy to see why stealing a few ideas from the French is such a popular choice with brides when it comes to their big day inspiration. From decorating your venue with elegant candelabras to rustic vintage crates, adding some Gallic charm to your special day is easier than you think. Whether you’re after a chic Parisian city look or prefer rustic countryside details, we’ve got you covered with all the inspiration you need to create a wedding look that’s both relaxed and elegant.
We’ve asked the lifestyle experts at REVIEWBOX to put together three ideas for adding that French-inspired twist to your wedding venue.
Montmartre’s authentic charm
Having a less formal wedding? Use the romantic cobbled streets of this authentic village in Paris, home to the stunning Sacré Coeur basilica, artists, bistros, to inspire your classic and colourful reception and decor. Try setting up some small cafe-style tables with candles in French wine bottles and baskets of fresh bread as your centrepiece. Evoke the incomparable charm of the Montmartre district to your wedding day with a live accordion player playing music as you eat or a caricature artist drawing your guests. Think outside the box with floral-detailed bicycles or add a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ by working the French language into your decor.
Paris, the city of love
Indulge your inner francophile with a Parisian wedding theme. Not sure how to achieve this artfully simple yet ornate decor? For a big day with plenty of l’amour, add classic French candelabras with lots of candles, plenty of traditional floral arrangements, delicate lace and enchanting blush palettes to your venue. A Parisian wedding style theme often uses symbols like hearts and lovebirds, as well as romantic words and phrases. You can also use Eiffel Tower detailing, or give a nod to the city’s luxurious Renaissance history with heavy gold frames and chandeliers as decor options.
You could even work the romantic ‘love locks’ of the Pont des Arts as inspiration for your centrepiece or wedding favours. Don’t forget to make use of food to create a decorative display. Try huge piles of pastel-coloured macarons and other French sweet treats displayed on vintage cake stands of different heights.
Provincial paradise
Prefer more of a rustic celebration? Look to the rolling vineyards, olive groves, pine forests and lavender fields of the countryside of Provence, and bring all of the sophisticated romance of a summery French chateau wedding to your venue with clever decor details. Stick to a palette of soft neutrals and pretty shades of purple, and choose cottage-garden florals for your table centrepiece. Put your flowers in twine-detailed Mason jars, and use vintage wooden crates to place your cheese wedding cake on. French country at its most chic.
