Summer is the traditional wedding season and it also the peak time for destination weddings in France. There is the allure of glorious weather, tailored ceremonies and a chance to combine that oh so special day with travel. All of which means that France remains one of the most desired wedding locations in the world.
Whether brides are looking to hire a wedding professional to plan and manage their day, or work with family and friends on a DIY option, there are a number of upcoming French wedding trends that we will be seeing more of this year:
Naked Rustic Wedding Cakes
This trend goes against everything that the traditional wedding cake industry used to hold dear. Essentially a baked cake – but with no covering. No buttercream or hard fondant covering, no handmade iced flowers and decorations. As the naked rustic cake trend evolves they are becoming widely available in a huge variety of flavours and decorated with fruit, fresh flowers and handmade non edible decorations. The ease of making and baking these is perfect for a bride on a budget; time to call on that Aunt who is a whizz in the kitchen.
Decorative bouquets
Considered an extension of the bridal ensemble, decorative bouquets are created using vintage brooches, paper flowers, cake pops or sweets. Vintage styled decorative bouquets involve sourcing a large quantity of brooches and jewels and wiring them together in a decorative style, to resemble a bouquet. If you are looking to make your own bouquet, there are lots of tutorials via Pinterest or contact jewellery or craft professional to help you create a bespoke design.
Unique grooms buttonholes
No longer the forgotten element of weddings, the groom’s style choices are becoming as crucial to the overall style of the wedding as the bride’s. As grooms’ style options continue to change – including, braces, bow ties and high fashion inspired suits, it is their buttonholes that are currently set to wow. Feathers, acorns, fruit, succulents, foliage and berries are all being included to spruce up the basic groom buttonhole.
Signage
Need to indicate which way to the bar? Of course you need a sign! But we are not talking about nice neat printed signs anymore; signage has become a part of the decoration for an outdoor summer wedding.
Pictures frames, mirrors with writing, chalkboards, wooden logs, burlap sacking and drinks trays are just some of the example of wedding signage, but lots more are available if you put your creative thoughts to work.
Barefoot brides
If you are having a beach or bohemian wedding, then brides are trading shoes for barefoot bridal sandals. With designs available in lace, crochet and even Swarovski crystal, barefoot bridal sandals are a beautiful way to dress your feet.
Baby’s Breath arrangements
What was once used as the filler in wedding bouquets and arrangements is now the floral star at weddings. Baby’s Breath or Gypsophila has a cloud-like and delicate style, lending itself to romantic weddings and DIY weddings. Try hanging a large hanging dramatic ball of this ethereal looking flower from the wedding venue ceiling for a great talking point.
Indoor furniture
Part of the charm for a summer wedding in France is the beautiful outdoor weather and scenery. Rules are going out the window in terms of what furniture you provide your guests to sit on. We’ve all been to weddings where you sit through the ceremony, fidgeting on uncomfortable temporary chairs.
These days indoor furniture is on its way out – out doors that is and is making an appearance during wedding ceremonies and reception. Tip: lots of burly men might be needed for a plan B in case it rains!
Floral Crowns
Although the floral crown trend has been around for more than one season, this style is still in – and it’s getting bigger and more dramatic and even more versatile. From decorative faux floral crowns to unforgettable real crowns such as below.
Unique reception table formations
Many wedding venues offer you options for seating your wedding guests, u-shaped, canteen style, banquet style or t-shape. For an inside venue this can be invaluable in working out how many guests you can fit in a room. For an outside wedding in France – make up your own rules! If you’re having a beach wedding, why not follow the curve of the shoreline or spell out your initials.
Family Style Dining
Not suitable for formal weddings, but for a relaxing summer wedding consider dining family style with large platters of food. Sharing food is a great icebreaker amongst guests and also allows you to offer some different options for catering. If you are planning a DIY wedding, this is also a great compromise between a buffet and traditional formal wedding dinner.
By French Wedding Style Blog.
Photo Credits from top to bottom: Susie Lawrence Photography; Clary Photography; Colin Cowie Weddings; Louise Bailey
