A Christmas wedding in the South of France is full of magic, elegance and cultural richness. Winter weddings add an intimate, cosy feel to any celebration, and hosting a holiday wedding in France brings unparalleled charm, romance, and it’s certainly not a season for your destination wedding that should be overlooked. Incorporating traditional French wedding traditions and holiday-inspired elements into the celebration makes for a truly unforgettable experience. We take a look at some beautiful French customs that are perfect for a holiday celebration at a place as magical as our Château Saint Georges on the Côte d’Azur…
Le Cortège – The Wedding Procession
In traditional French weddings, and to symbolise the joining of two families the precession down the aisle starts with the groom walking his mother down the aisle, followed by the bridal party and family members. The bride then walks down the aisle with her father or a close relative. Set a magical winter scene and add warmth and festive spirit to this sacred tradition by adding candles, evergreen garlands and holly and mistletoe for a holiday twist.
French Wedding Ceremony Traditions
Add meaningful traditions like lighting a unity candle or performing a wine ceremony, both perfect for adding warmth to your winter wedding. Use a candelabra adorned with winter greenery and berries as part of the unity candle ceremony, symbolising the warmth and light of your love during the festive season.
A festive Vin d’Honneur Reception
After the ceremony, French weddings traditionally begin with the “Vin d’Honneur,” a cocktail hour where guests enjoy champagne, wine, and hors d’oeuvres before the formal dinner. At Chateau Saint Georges we have beautiful panoramic views overlooking the bay of Cannes and Grasse that can be enjoyed whilst sipping on festive French drinks such as mulled wine, champagne with cranberries, or kir royale cocktails.
La Pièce Montée – The Traditional French Wedding Cake
The pièce montée is a classic French wedding cake made of choux pastry puffs stacked into a cone and bound together with caramel. For a festive twist, it can be decorated with holly, sugared cranberries or edible gold dust. Serve it with sparklers for a dramatic effect and you have a beautifully decorated holiday-themed traditional French wedding cake!
Les Treize Desserts – A Provençal Christmas Tradition
In Provence, the holiday season brings a cherished tradition known as ‘Les Treize Desserts’, a spread of 13 sweets symbolizing Jesus and the 12 apostles. This beautiful custom makes a perfect addition to a Christmas wedding dessert table, offering a delicious and meaningful way to honor French holiday heritage. The spread typically consists of an array of nougat, dried fruits, almonds, quince paste, and seasonal pastries. A visual feast for your wedding guests!
Festive Favours With French Flair
For a holiday season wedding, consider offering gifts like sugared almonds, mini bottles of local olive oil, or lavender sachets wrapped in festive ribbons. Close to the Château we also have the infamous perfumeries which can creat a signature winter warming scent for you to give to your guests as an extravagant gift and a reminder of your special day. Personlaise each favour with a festive themed tag and add a French greeting, like “Joyeux Noël,” to create a festive, memorable keepsake.
La Farandole: A Festive Finale to the Evening
In Provence, weddings often end with a lively ‘Farandole’, a traditional dance that brings everyone together for a celebration to be remembered. Guests form a chain and weave through the venue, creating a wonderful atmosphere of connection and fun. This dance is the perfect way to wrap up the evening!
Blending traditional French wedding tradtions with holiday-inspired touches creates a unique and unforgettable experience for your destination wedding. These elements will infuse your celebration with the timeless charm and romance of a true French Christmas.
If you would like to know more about If you would like to know more about hosting your wedding with us at Château Saint Georges, get in touch. We’ll help you plan an magical festive experience for both you and your guests.
Credits / French Wedding Traditions for a Holiday Season Celebration
Photographer – Olivia Marocco Photography / Design – Wedding Royal / Planning – Lifevents / Venue – Château Saint Georges / Styling & flowers – Déco & d’Harmonie and Maud Création Florale / Bridal dress – Belotti Couture / Jewellery – Bijouterie Volterra / Tableware & furniture – Maison Options / MUA – Sophie Kilian / Hairdressing – Jennyfer Hillyard / Wedding cake & cupcakes – Les Gâteaux Créatifs de Val
Read More About Our Winter Weddings Here…
Winter Wedding Ideas For Your South of France Wedding
Winter Events On The French Riviera: 3 Things To Do On Your Stay at Chateau Saint Georges
How To Choose The Perfect Season For Your Destination Wedding In France