French Wedding Traditions and Etiquette – Complete Guide

Looking for wedding traditions in France? We’ve gathered the complete guide for French wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.

Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.

To help you explore French traditions, this article is organized into:

Unique French Wedding Traditions

French weddings are renowned for their elegance, romance, and cultural flair. Steeped in tradition, French wedding customs add charm and significance to the celebration.

• Civil Ceremony (Mairie): French law requires couples to have a civil ceremony performed at the local town hall, known as the mairie, before a religious or symbolic ceremony. The civil ceremony is officiated by a mayor or deputy mayor and is a legal requirement for all marriages in France.
• Champagne Toast: Champagne holds a special place in French culture, and no wedding celebration is complete without a champagne toast. The newlyweds raise their glasses and toast to their happiness and future together, surrounded by family and friends.
• Cocktail Hour (Vin d’Honneur): Following the ceremony, guests gather for a cocktail hour, known as the vin d’honneur, where they enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres. This relaxed and social gathering allows guests to mingle and congratulate the newlyweds before the formal reception begins.
• The First Dance (Bal des Mariés): The first dance, or “bal des mariés,” is a highlight of the wedding reception where the newlyweds take to the dance floor for their inaugural dance as a married couple. This romantic moment is often accompanied by live music or a carefully selected song that holds special meaning for the couple.
• The Cutting of the Cake (Découpe de la Pièce Montée): The cutting of the wedding cake, or “découpe de la pièce montée,” is a symbolic gesture where the newlyweds cut the first slice of the croquembouche together. This tradition symbolizes the couple’s unity and shared life together, as they embark on their journey as husband and wife.

Traditional French Wedding Attire

French weddings are synonymous with style, sophistication, and timeless elegance, reflected in the attire worn by the bride, groom, and wedding party. 

• Bride’s Attire: The bride typically wears a classic white wedding gown, symbolizing purity, innocence, and the beginning of a new chapter in her life. French bridal gowns are often elegant and understated, with luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, or lace. The silhouette may vary, from fitted sheath dresses to voluminous ball gowns, depending on the bride’s personal style and preference.
• Veil and Headpiece: A veil is a traditional accessory worn by French brides, often draped over the bride’s face during the ceremony and lifted by the groom after exchanging vows. The veil symbolizes modesty, purity, and the bride’s transition into married life. Brides may also wear a delicate headpiece, such as a tiara, headband, or floral crown, to complement their hairstyle and add a touch of glamour to their ensemble.
• Groom’s Attire: The groom typically wears a formal suit or tuxedo for the wedding ceremony, reflecting French elegance and sophistication. Classic colors such as black, navy blue, or charcoal gray are popular choices, paired with a crisp white dress shirt, tie or bowtie, and polished dress shoes. French grooms may also accessorize their attire with a boutonniere or pocket square for a polished finishing touch.
• Bridal Party Attire: Bridesmaids and groomsmen often complement the bride and groom’s attire, with bridesmaids wearing coordinated dresses in a complementary color palette and groomsmen donning matching suits or tuxedos. The bridal party’s attire is chosen to create a cohesive and harmonious look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the wedding celebration.
• Accessories and Jewelry: French brides may accessorize their wedding attire with heirloom jewelry, such as pearls, diamonds, or gold, passed down through generations. Statement earrings, necklaces, or bracelets add a touch of sparkle and elegance to the bride’s ensemble, enhancing her natural beauty and radiance on her special day.
• Bouquet and Corsage: The bride carries a bouquet of fresh flowers, carefully chosen to complement her wedding gown and reflect the season and theme of the wedding. Additionally, the groom may wear a boutonniere, or “buttonhole,” on his lapel, consisting of a small cluster of flowers or foliage that matches the bride’s bouquet.

How to Say “Best Wishes” in French

In French, to express “Best Wishes,” especially in a wedding context, you can say:

“Meilleurs vœux !”

This phrase conveys warm wishes and blessings for happiness and success. It’s commonly used to extend congratulations and good wishes on special occasions like weddings.

Need more wedding wishes? Here is our full article on Wedding Wishes in Other Languages.

French Wedding Gifting Etiquette


Gifting is an important part of French wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s in Gifting


• Personalization: Consider personalizing your gift based on your relationship with the couple. For close friends or family, you might opt for a larger sum of money, while for others, a smaller amount is appropriate.
• Gift Lists: Some couples may have a wedding gift list (liste de mariage). If they do, you may end up paying slightly more for your gift contribution. However, many couples are moving away from traditional gift lists and may ask for contributions towards their honeymoon or donations to charity instead.
• Form of Payment: When giving money, it is recommended to provide it in a card or envelope. This makes it easier for the couple to manage their finances post-wedding. Cash or a cheque is appreciated, and if giving a cheque, be aware that some banks in France may charge a fee for cashing foreign cheques.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Avoid Cash Gifts: Contrary to some beliefs, cash gifts are not commonly given at weddings in France. Instead, guests often opt for thoughtful presents such as crystal, silverware, or other items.
• Don’t Assume Cash is the Norm: While cash gifts are common in some cultures, in France, it is more customary to give personalized and thoughtful gifts rather than cash.
• Avoid Inappropriate Flowers: When selecting flowers as a gift, be mindful of cultural symbolism. In France, white flowers are typically chosen for weddings, but flowers like white lilies (often associated with funerals) or red carnations (symbolizing bad will) should be avoided.

Wedding Procession (Cortège)

In some regions of France, the wedding procession, or cortège, is a beloved tradition where the bride and groom are accompanied by musicians, family members, and friends as they make their way to the ceremony venue. The procession may include a decorated car or carriage, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The “La Jarretière” Tradition

In some parts of France, there is a tradition known as “la jarretière,” where the groom removes the bride’s garter and tosses it to the single male guests at the reception. This playful custom is similar to the bouquet toss and is said to bring good luck to the recipient.

Midnight Feast (Le Vin d’Honneur)

In addition to the wedding banquet, some French couples host a midnight feast, known as “le vin d’honneur,” where guests enjoy a late-night spread of savory and sweet delicacies. This informal gathering allows guests to continue celebrating and socializing into the early hours of the morning.

Conclusion

Celebrating weddings in France goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.

Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!