By Julie Nagy Wedding Planner, Destination Wedding Planner & France Specialist
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Planning an American wedding in France is more than choosing a stunning château or sipping Champagne under the stars— it’s about creating a deeply personal, artfully curated experience that reflects your story.
For my American couples drawn to the romance and refinement of a French wedding, the question often arises: How do we honor our favorite U.S. traditions without losing the authenticity of a French celebration?
The answer is: with intentionality, creativity, and a little cultural fluency. Here’s how we beautifully blend beloved American customs — like bridal parties, first looks, and heartfelt speeches — into an elegant French setting, without ever compromising style or etiquette.
A Bridal Party with Purpose
In traditional French weddings, bridal parties are typically smaller. Rather than a lineup of bridesmaids and groomsmen, couples often select two or three témoins (witnesses).
But if you’ve envisioned your best friends standing by your side, there’s absolutely space for that here — especially with thoughtful styling and structure. I guide my clients to keep attire timeless and tone-on-tone, to harmonize with the château setting rather than compete with it.
We also help your wedding party feel immersed in the destination. Think: welcome dinners with a Provençal twist, champagne tastings, or a relaxed garden brunch the day after the wedding — an experience, not just a role.
A First Look, but Reimagined
The American “first look” is such a powerful, emotional tradition. But in France, many couples wait until the aisle for that moment. To bridge the two, I love proposing a romantic compromise: a private letter exchange.
Picture this: in a quiet courtyard or tucked-away salon of your château, you exchange handwritten notes before the ceremony. You don’t see each other—but you feel each other’s presence. It’s intimate, emotional, and deeply meaningful—and our photographers capture it all, without taking away from the magic of that aisle reveal.
Speeches that Flow with French Style
American weddings often feature a series of formal speeches during the reception. In contrast, French weddings tend to favor more spontaneous toasts throughout the evening, often during dinner.
To blend the two, I work closely with your speakers and MC to time a few select speeches between courses. This allows for emotional impact while keeping the flow of the evening intact.
For bilingual guest lists, we’ll prepare translations or even suggest a toast delivered in both languages—small touches that make a big difference in creating connection across cultures.
Signature Details That Tell Your Story
Blending traditions doesn’t stop with structure—it’s in the details, too. A few ideas my couples have loved:
- Serving French wines alongside a signature cocktail from your hometown
- Cutting into a classic tiered cake, with a croquembouche waiting as a surprise finale
- Walking down the aisle to a string quartet playing a reimagined version of your favorite modern love song
These thoughtful, tailored moments are what make your wedding yours. They honor where you come from while celebrating where you’ve chosen to say “I do.”
A Seamless Fusion of Culture and Celebration
Blending American traditions with French elegance isn’t about compromise—it’s about curating an experience that’s as elevated as it is emotional. With expert planning and a deep understanding of both cultures, we ensure that your destination wedding in France feels effortless, graceful, and completely you.
Dreaming of your wedding in France?
Let’s create a celebration that speaks both languages—of culture and of love.
Contact me to start designing your unforgettable French wedding experience!
Photographer – @Laurielise
