A French-themed wedding

(www.cakewrecks.com)

I was just browsing online and found this AMAZING French-inspired wedding cake...which made me think, why not do a post on a French-themed wedding? I can't think of anyone who isn't charmed by thoughts of France, whether you've traveled there or not! Baguettes, bicycles, the Eiffel Tower, romance, champagne, outdoor markets, lush spring gardens, crepes, berets....and that's just naming a few! If you're inspired by France like I am, maybe you'll want to embrace "la vie francaise" in your own wedding!


First, the invitation! Encourage guests to dress casually for a French garden picnic-themed celebration. This invitation sets the mood perfectly!

(etsy)

Now for your dress! This dress by Claire Pettibone (a French designer, of course!) says romance with lace, gentle flowy implicity, and flower detail at the waist. I love her classic updo and rosy makeup!

(kleinfeld bridal)

Next, the venue! A lush, colorful, flower-filled garden is the perfect fit. Look into public parks and city botanical gardens...or maybe you're lucky enough to have a friend who'd let you "borrow" their home garden! This one even has a built-in aisle!

(tustin landscaping)

Now for your groom...a tux feels wayyy to formal! Why not deck him out in a simple white button-down, gray suspenders and pants, and colorful bowtie with a boutonniere that incorporates spring garden flowers? He'll look charming and feel great (and be way more comfortable than in a stuffy tuxedo!)

(inspiring pretty)

What about your bouquet? I'm thinking of abundant spring flowers with lots of color. I love a bouquet of wildflowers that looks like it was just picked from the garden and then gathered together with a string of twine.

elizabeth anne designs


Next, your reception! A garden picnic, filled with rustic French-inspired food and drink, would be the perfect choice! Imagine long embroidered tablecloths, lots of fresh flowers, tons of colorful salads, wine and champagne, lemonade and sparkling water, amazing quiches and French cheeses, ratatouille (a French vegetable dish made with eggplant and zucchini), roasted red pepper sandwiches with aioli and basil, and raspberry clafoutis. Offer tables and chairs for guests' comfort, but also have comfortable blankets spread out for guests to lounge on!

 (the vintage home)

(saveur)


You're sure to have a fabulous day! Un jour fantastique!!!

Choosing a theme...

Choosing a theme for your big day can seem overwhelming, exciting, confusing, creative, or just aaggh! Stressful!! If you're struggling with a theme, think of these things...
1. What are your passions? hiking? camping? shopping? visiting museums? cooking?
2. Where did you and your sweetie meet? Where have you traveled to together? What places hold special memories for you as a couple?
3. What colors speak to you?
4. What words describe you? Are you a city girl or a rustic chick? Are you shy and sweet or outgoing and fiesty?

Here's one example...for a fiesty, outgoing, city-girl bride!

For the fiesty, outgoing bride, a glammed-out affair is a must! The theme could be "glamour in the city." I imagine a glamorous evening affair, held in a modern loft, with a big guest list and lots of over-the-top unexpected touches. A grand entrance by the bride and groom at the reception would be perfect, plus a rockin' DJ and late night appetizers to keep the party going til the wee hours of the morning. The key palette would be powerful colors of silver, red, black, and white. A glamorous ceremony gown would wow the guests, with a sexy outfit change for the reception to amaze and surprise the guests even more. The reception would wind down with mimosas and pancakes in the early morning hours, sending guests on their way with memories of a great party with a fun, spirited, yet glamorous vibe.

 the ultimate in glamour, by Pnina Tornai (weddingx.net)

a sexy, Herve Leger bandage party dress for the reception (neiman marcus.com)

Red heels with flirty bows for the reception? a must! (red shoes)

black bridesmaids' dresses by Amsale are perfection in understated glam (100 wedding dress.com)

the loft would be transformed with nooks of couches for sitting and socializing... (wedding channel.com)

...while tables would be graced with modern, low red centerpieces to keep everything feeling lush and rich (tantawanbloom)

an angular, rose-covered wedding cake looks delicious and totally fits with the glamorous theme! (austin wedding cakes.com)

a hot DJ would get everyone out on the dance floor (ties to club life.com)

keep your guests energized way past midnight with yummy, elegant munchies - the dancing continues! (tastespotting.com)

Celebrate your first new day as Mr. and Mrs. by sharing mimosas with your guests! (nola eater.com)

say "au revoir" and "merci" to each guest by gifting them with your favorite homemade concoction...tasty vanilla, infused olive oil, or balsamic vinegar. What a lovely end to a fabulous wedding! (love wed bliss.com)