Planning a romantic wedding experience in the South of France is a dream for many couples. From vineyard nuptials to exquisite historic Château’s this region offers unparalleled beauty and charm. If you’re a couple who want to immerse yourself and your guests in the culture and embrace the French way, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the timeless traditions and etiquette that define French weddings. Here’s our ultimate guide to navigating French wedding etiquette with grace and style as you prepare to say “oui” to your South of France destination wedding.

Announcing Your Engagement

In France, it’s customary for the couple’s parents to be informed of the engagement before anyone else. Traditionally, the groom visits the bride’s parents to ask for their blessing. Once the families are informed, the couple can share the news with friends and extended family.

 

Setting the Date

When selecting your wedding date, keep in mind that certain months and seasons are more popular for weddings in the South of France, such as May, June, and September. It’s customary to send save-the-date cards well in advance, at the very least a year before especially if you’re inviting guests from abroad. To find out more about finding the perfect season for your special day click here.

 

Choosing the Venue

From historic Château’s to quaint countryside estates, the South of France offers an array of stunning venues for your wedding celebration. When touring venues, it’s polite to schedule appointments in advance and arrive on time. Additionally, be prepared to ask questions about catering options, accommodations for guests, and any exclusive policies the venue may have. Here at Château Saint Georges, we have a dedicated team on hand to show you around and help you plan your dream wedding.

 

Guest List and Invitations

French weddings tend to be more intimate affairs, with close friends and family making up the guest list. This is perfect if you’re planning a destination wedding as of course, these tend to hold smaller guest lists. When addressing invitations, use formal titles such as “Monsieur” and “Madame” to really hone in on the French culture and of course don’t forget to include RSVP cards for guests to confirm their attendance. The more information you can add to your invitations the better as this will give your guests plenty of time to plan ahead.

 

Dress Code

French weddings are super stylish and often have a formal dress code, with guests expected to dress elegantly for the occasion. For women, this may mean cocktail dresses or chic evening gowns, while men typically wear suits or tuxedos.

Gift Giving

In France, cash gifts are not commonly given at weddings. Instead, guests often give thoughtful presents such as crystal, silverware, or items for the couple’s home.

 

 

The Ceremony

During the wedding ceremony, guests are expected to maintain a respectful silence. It’s customary to arrive early and find your seat quietly. After the ceremony, guests typically congratulate the newlyweds and offer them kisses on the cheeks, both cheeks of course, this is known as “la bise” and is the common and customary greeting for French people.

 

Reception Etiquette

At the reception, serve a delicious multi-course meal with wine pairings showcasing the region’s culinary delights. Toasts are a significant part of French wedding receptions, with the father-of-the-bride, best man, and maid of honour often delivering speeches.

 

Dancing and Entertainment

French weddings are known for their lively dancing and entertainment. So bring a mix of traditional French music, international hits, and of course, your favourites as a couple to keep guests on the dance floor late into the night.

 

Thank You Notes

Merci! After the wedding, it’s customary for newlyweds to send handwritten thank you notes to guests who attended the celebration or contributed to the wedding in any way. Personalised notes expressing gratitude and well wishes are always a beautiful way to acknowledge your loved ones.

 

By understanding and embracing French wedding etiquette, you can ensure that your special day is a true reflection of the timeless elegance and charm of this beautiful region. Follow this etiquette advice and of course stay true to your own vision as a couple to make it as unique as your love story itself! For more information about getting married here with us at Château Saint Georges contact us we’d be more than happy to help you plan your dream wedding!

See More Inspiration HERE >> HOW TO CREATE A CLASSIC FRENCH WEDDING ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR

Credits – The Ultimate Guide to French Wedding Etiquette for Your South of France Celebration

Wedding Photographers Jeremie Hkb  @Jeremie_Hkb / Venues Château Saint-Georges @Chateausaintgeorges / Event Planning & Design Alexandra Weiss  @Aleksaweiss / Accessories & Lingerie Bella Belle Shoes @Bellabelleshoes and Jessica Drouin @Jessica.Drouin.Creatrice / Assistant L’eternelle Reveuse @L_Eternelle_Reveuse2021 / Backstage Photographer Gelmina Ka @Gelmina_Ka_Photography / Cakes & Catering Chef Riviera Traiteur @Chef_Riviera_Traiteur and Lb Cake Design @Lb_Cake_Design and Les Mariages De Laura @Les_Mariages_De_Laura / Flowers La Blonde Et Le Barbu @Lablondeetlebarbudesign / Groom & His Men Igilles  @Igilles.Aixenprovence / Hair and Makeup Karine Brossard @Karinebrossardmakeuphair / Jewellery Gibson Bespoke @Gibsonbespoke and La Caleche D’or  @Bijouterie_La_Caleche_Dor / Musician Cecile Bonhomme @Cecilebonhommeharpiste / Paper Goods & Calligraphy Dilani Schipper  @Dilanischippercalligraphy / Rentals Be Lounge  @Be_Lounge_Officiel and Jolie Bazaar @Jolibazaar and Madame De La Maison @Madamedelamaison / Wedding Dresses Marion Fera @Marionferacreation / Wedding Films Jino Agnelli @Jinoagnelli