November 17, 2023
Planning a dream wedding in France is an exciting adventure, but there are some important things to keep in mind to make your special day as magical as you envision. Let’s delve into three common mistakes to avoid when arranging your French celebration.
Expecting things to be in France the way they are in your home country
As for everything, each country has their way of doing things and their specificities. For example, do not plan to visit on a weekend and expect venues and caterers to welcome you on a Sunday. Some may, but as a general rule Sundays in France are off and it is pretty hard to get someone to work on a Sunday. Another example could be catering: in some countries like the UK it is pretty common to offer guests a choice of starter and main, either fish, meat or vegetarian. This is not the way French caterers work, and typically you would need to choose 1 starter and 1 main for all of your guests. Of course guests with allergies or special dietary requirements such as vegetarians would be accommodated, but the rest of the guests would all have the same menu. To avoid surprises, it’s a good idea to ask each vendor about their way of doing things. Get to know their processes and what to expect so that you can plan accordingly and align your expectations.
Thinking that the weather is always good
While the South of France enjoys plenty of sunny days, it’s important to be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Even in the summer, there’s a chance of rain. To ensure your wedding day is a success, have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. This could mean arranging for a covered area or an alternative indoor location for your celebration.
Not acknowledging the language barrier
Although many vendors in France try their best to communicate in English, misunderstandings can happen due to language differences and similar words that mean different things. To prevent confusion, consider hiring a bilingual planner. If you opt not to have a planner, sending a comprehensive brief a few weeks before the wedding, rephrasing key details in different ways, can help ensure everyone is on the same page and that your wishes are understood clearly.
Planning a wedding in France is an amazing experience, but it’s important to be aware of potential challenges to ensure everything goes smoothly. Steering clear of these mistakes can help make your special day as perfect as you’ve always dreamed.
Our team of experienced French wedding planners is here to assist you in creating the wedding of your dreams. If you’re considering a destination wedding in France and want guidance and support, feel free to reach out to us!
