A Fête to Remember: Your Paris-Theme Wedding
Plenty of couples have seen the charm in Paris-themed receptions over the past few years. You see them crop up in tastefully muted ballrooms, awash in lattes and mochas, blacks and ivories.
Couples spruce up the tables with eiffel-style vases, or actual mini Eiffel Towers topped with monochromatic florals. Sometimes you'll see snippets of toile, a towering croquembouche on the cake table, bridal stationery peppered with fleurs de lis, or bridal showers that pop with pink-and-black hat boxes and velvety French-milled soaps.
Your Own Personal Paris
That's why we tracked down New York wedding planner Sarah Lusardi of
NY Engagements for her thoughts on the ultimate Paris-theme wedding. Because not only did Lusardi boast a stint at a stateside but "very authentic" patisserie ("we made our own baguettes and brioche in the back!"), she specializes in events with serious flair.
In fact, Lusardi recently won an industry award for a Broadway-themed wedding that involved a host of professional actors (including the bride and groom!), 300 guests, pro-level lighting and sound, and a budget — which took place on New Year's, no less.
So it's no surprise that when we asked for her ideas of a memorable Paris-theme wedding, she quickly brought it back to the individual.
"Even though it's a theme wedding, it really depends on the couple ... it's a matter of bringing out their personality," she said, pointing out that a Parisian-style wedding could fall into very different eras with very different moods, and styles of dress.
"Still," she said, "when you think of Paris, you think of fashion — and romance, artists, Moulin Rouge, Verlaine — these are all very French feelings. And France is known for its great food, wine and cheese — you could really play a lot with this."
What Color is Your Paris?
The main question, she says, is what the individual couple wants to get out of it, based on their own personality and sense of style. "What is it about Paris that captured them? Is it the patisseries, the cafés? The street vendors with the crêpes and paintings, the watercolors? The Eiffel tower?
Sepia-Toned
"If you really liked to travel," she adds, "you could focus on vintage-looking postcards with historical sites in France: Eiffel, Versailles, Notre Dame. Instead of a guestbook, you could put out these gorgeous postcards for guests to sign and then drop in airmail bags as a keepsake.
"And instead of sticking to table numbers, mark each table with a different French cheese or wine."
"Dairy" Charming
Lusardi continues on with the cheese theme (a trend that's so strong, some brides are replacing the traditional sponge-and-buttercream with wheels of Stilton and Camembert, stacked and tarted up for the occasion). "Pottery Barn has these attractive metal cheese markers. They're engraved with the names of cheeses you'd see at a party, like chevre and cheddar.
"But instead of the cheese name, you could get these engraved with your guests' names, and tuck each one in a small waxed cheese on a platter. Voila — an elegant table marker that doubles as a favor."
Love, Sweet Love
A few more ideas for bringing the City of Light back home: "Take ladyfingers, which could double as placecards. Write the names of your guests on each with royal icing, wrap them in clear cellophane, and tie a pretty satin ribbon at each end. It reminds me of French patisseries, where every miniscule detail gets a lot of focus."
Or, for a treat that looks and feels very French: a dessert buffet, with tons of tiny pastries for guests to help themselves to, tucked in mixed and matched apothecary jars.
And here's another favor idea that's sure to please: Valrhona chocolate bars, beloved among the French and chocolate connaisseurs alike. "I'd wrap them in a vintage lace or fabric," says Lusardi.
Paris in Movies: Now and Seine
Of course, points out Lusardi, a given couple might be looking for more of a Moulin Rouge theme.
Moulin Rouge
"This would be a couple who's very fashion-forward and trendy — it's quite a bit different from the Victorian-era French look." It would call for more contemporary, modern centerpieces, she says: plume feathers, stark blacks and whites, glossy beads to fill glass containers.
And if a couple really wanted to get into Moulin Rouge, she said, they could focus on fashion, choosing corseted bridesmaids dresses, for example. "The whole feel reminds me of Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette," she says.
Coppola's Marie Antoinette
"Even though the movie's first set in a very formal Victorian period, as it progresses you see the personality of this Marie Antoinette — how she loves chic and beautiful things, how she loves to party and live up life." [Editor's note: a silver-framed "Let Them Eat Cake" sign next to your giant four-tier concoction might be a shoo-in.]
But if a couple wants more of the vintage style, Victorian-era Paris? Lusardi suggests starting with lots of lace, plenty of vintage photos, and delicate, fluffy flowers. "Lace in the bridal gown would be very appropriate."
The French Connection
Thinking of bringing a little French flair to your own reception? Tell us your plans ... or even what's got you stumped.
Hello !
Im getting married Sep 2012 and wanted some ideas for my floral centerpieces this is my table linens that gave me my parisian insperation http://www.flickr.com/photos/elegantbeginningsinc/6517907825/in/photostream
I want my wedding to be romantic and elegant, can you please help with some ideas??
Any would greatly apprecite :0)
Thanks~
Jenn, Hoping these may help…
Idea 1
real wedding…
Very pretty….
real wedding 2…
THIS is gorgeous…
( I can just hear La Vie en Rose playing softly in the background) To the table centerpieces I would add…small framed paris pics, name each table after that place in pic. Google search paris theme wedding cakes for ideas.
I chose red and beige as my motif for my wedding on March 2012. What suggestions can you give with regards to the reception styling which is french themed?
kara,
This is pretty
Tablescape here could work...
Nice
This too
You could do, wood brown linens, red flowers on burlap runners like here, add framed pics of paris and name the tables after the pic on table etc. Example
This fits your colors and would be perfect
Have a great banner hanging in red letter that reads “From Paris With Love”.
hey i recently got engaged. The wedding dates is set for april 28, 2011. we have picked red and black for the colors i really want a paris theme wedding..i love the eiffel tower.I have a small budget can u help me?
Misty,
Thought this would be a great idea starter..
This might be something worth looking into, at the Dollartree website, they have cylinders for a buck each and you could mimic centerpieces here. It has a elegant parisian vibe. Think about adding rented effil towers in black here and there and add soft parisian music.
Example
Lovin’ this, you could use cheap black dollar frames and have paris pics surround with votives and red rose petals.
Spray paint black wooden letters like here and voila.
Another idea
You can also think about adding feathers here and there, in bouquets etc. It depends on the way you want to go with the style. More french cafe? Think about gingham linens, simple glass bottles with flowers, etc. Use antique looking invites, use lots of greenery, urns etc.
Pretty
and here
Hi! I was hoping someone could help me with ideas to help bring together my paris wedding theme. I was proposed to on a boat by/under the eiffle tower at night when it lit up, it was beautiful! I would love to somehow tie in paris and the eiffle tower in my wedding. We are having an outdoor ceremony in june and indoor reception. Colors are purple and silver, and flowers will be orchids,stephanotis,and white roses for the bridal bouquet, not sure as far as centerpieces. I love the tall centerpieces, but i was thinking of a eiffel tower metal statue as a centerpiece? So yes please help me with ideas on how to pull together a paris theme with silver and purple for outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. thanks!
Sonya,
Some ideas…
and look at this tablescape …
Sonya,
Stunning….
Decor ideas…
Sonya,
Oops forgot one! This one is pretty much my fave. It has that parisian vibe to it and could be easy on the budget. You could save so much on the other decor, you could rent black and white printed plates. If you cant do that then get black and white damask napkins or favor boxes with silvery ribbon, white plates, simple white table cloths. Some rental places have large eiffel towers you can eant and place in the room.
( wow this is just stunning, perfect with the song La Vie En Rose playing softly in the background
Hi Sonya….where are you located? I live in ny and I helped a coworker of mine with her daughters sweet sixteen and her theme was a night in Paris…..shoot me a quick note to mbc1207@yahoo.com so that i can show you some pictures and perhaps you can get some idea for your wedding.
I live in IN, I would love to see photos! thanks!
I am in search of venue that has the french gardens and french style location. Anyone know any good places in Texas, Colorado, or Florida? or anywhere in the U.S.
TKW,
The best way to search this is to do a google search on french style wedding venues Texas, then repeat for other states and you should find something to fit the bill.
I’m crazy about all your ideas here! They’re all going into my wedding evernote. I’d be happy to hear your input on how I can adapt these to a plum and Paris cafe theme. Our reception venue is high ceiling and the architecture is reminiscent of parisian outdoors.
Any suggestions for movies as well for us to better grasp the Paris vibe?
Thanks!
Marie,
* I wanted to show you this because it has everything you have said, including the color plum.
Of course you can make this table of a lesser scale, if you wish. Add black and white paris pics in frames. This is just a general idea on what you could do on a elegant scale.
Marie,
With parisan cafe tables they are pretty much have minimal decor. You coudl easily pull in some fake trees and scatter them around the venue. To give it a more outdoor vibe. Adding plum linens would work, but I didn’t know if the ones in the pic wer standard or you will be renting those? The cafe look will look a tad more “shabby chic”. It is a minimalistic approach though. have parisian music playing in the background and glass apothecary jars full of sweets on a table. Were you using just plum? Actually an array of purple shades would be ideal. Adding fillers and greenery that kinda overspills a little. Simple flower vases would be good too.
* I bet you will like this site
Marie,
* this would work very well, it has that romantic parisian look that would be perfect, it has a romantic cafe vibe to it too.
* real wedding
* perfection
Marie,
I had to show this to you!
* love it
Oh wow thanks Stacey for all that purple Paris eye candy! The venue will also provide the food and all they have are white tablecloths. We have to bring our own setup for the centerpieces, chair ties or table runners if we want, sweetheart table backdrop and decor, which is really a challenge with a budget!
Btw, would printing a huge tarp banner with Eiffel for the couple’s backdrop possibly look tacky? Coz everyone else just hires a florist/stylist to out up drapes.
The tables will sit 10-11 guests. Would a single rose vase with a couple of tea light candles suffice? Or too bare for photos?
Thanks again so much I am eating all this up!
Marie, you are most welcome! The backdrop banner will be okay but it will eat up a budget fast, unless you know someone that can help you in this area, like rent a mural. I have dealt with printing banners before and it took a chunk out of our funds. Also consider postcards or pics and frame them, or name each table after a parisian spot. Yes, a single rose vase would be perfect, or you could group 3 together in different heights. Flea markets and thrift stores are perfect for this. make sure the blooms will have a large bloom head. Renting table linens would be ideal or plum lace toppers, it will add a bit of color, therefore you will need less on the tables. Color is everything, and use a colored bloom too. It gives more impact. If you have enough room on the rables, you coudl also have a jsut gathered look in your centerpieces, using lots of greenery and fillers. Also google search eiffel tower wedding cake or find a eiffel tower to stand by the wedding cake.
Marie,
* some pics of vase groupings
* loads of pics here
See the impact it has. You will need it in a high ceiling room, yet will fit the cafe feel.
I am getting married 9-10-11 and I am trying to incorporate paris into my decorations and such. We went to paris a little over a year ago and that is where we got engaged so I thought it would be a great idea. However I am a major budget and I’m a simple person so I’m not into the fancy stuff. Any suggestions for centerpieces,decorations or favors and such would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Megan,
* some boards
* this reminds me of a flower market. Just beautful!!
Megan,
* look at this
* great idea
Megan,
* this is fantastic!
* had to show you this
* love this
Megan,
Since you lean to the simple things. I would recreate a parisian cafe vibe. Find a place ( one that has all the cups and saucers etc.) have coffees, pies, pastries, and other foods. Think of a french countryside florals and have a mix of flowers for that jsut picked look in assorted vases and metal urns, cans. Have traditional music softly playing in the background and give the guests the experience of sitting down at a outdoor cafe, listening to La Vie En Rose( just as if they were actually there). For centerpieces have framed paris pics with vase of a single rose or a bunch of flowers, programs with the eiffel tower motif, etc. I wuld recreate the memory so the guests could “feel” like they are on a vacation. Hoping this helps.
Megan,
This would be the perfect theme to scour flea markets and thrift stores!! Mismatch? all the better!!
Hello! My name is Shakina.. I am currently engaged and planning my wedding for 9/24/11. My colors are going to be: Blue Topaz, Chocolate and Cream. I want a Parisan theme wedding and was wondering if anyone had any ideas for me. I am open for all suggestions.
Thanks!
MY NAME IS MICKY!!! I AM CURRENTLY ENGAGED///WAS WANDERING IF ANYBODY THINKS THAT A PERSON COULD GET AWAY WITH DOING A BLUE AND WHITE PARISIAN THEMED WEDDING? IM NOT QUITE SURE HOW THAT WOULD TURN OUT…I WANT A PARISIAN THEMED WEDDING BUT MY FIANCEE LIKES THE COLORS WHITE AND BLUE…I LIKE THE COLORS WHITE AND GOLD. WHITE AND SILVER, OR BLACK AND GOLD…IDK…ALL HELP AND ADVICE,QUESTIONS, AND COMMENTS ARE NEEDED AND GRETLY APPRECIATED…I AM ONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO TAKE AND RECIEVE CORRECTIVE CRITICISM. THANKYOU!!!
:heart: :hug: 
:wave:
Micky,
You could do a french blue and white.
* like this
THis is more of an antique blue that would work very well.
* paris theme wedding boards
* you could go this route, this is so pretty! you could have fun looking at flea markets for different vases and pitchers
*nice
* you could easily do this with blue and white
First thought is to go wedgewood patterns. Blue and white are perfect for a country french wedding and silver or small touches of gold would be nice, but I’d stay away from the black and gold. If you have ever heard of the magazine “Victoria”, no, not victoria secrets.This is a very romantic and proper mag that often has the style and feel you may be looking for. I’ve subscribed to if for years. Good luck and write back if you think this may be something you wish to explore.
BRIDES, okay!! here is my take on a paris wedding theme. la vie en rose song playing at the reception, ( a violin or accordian) hydrangea is popular,choose a antique muted color scheme such as blue or lavender. invites would be parisian postcards, or vintagepostcards. brides dress..knee length ( vintage style dress, with bolero shrug or elegant knee length a line dress) girls in simple knee length dresses,. stylish heels. and bride with simple blusher veil(the vintage type). guys in suits with ties, simple pocket square or a small piece of hydrangea tucked in the pocket.
ive read traditon states the bride broke off a piece of her bouquet, small, and unnoticeable. and tucked in into the grooms pocket. so simple yet personal. decor- dont be afraid of using feathers. reception have paris outdoor style, wrought iron, white table cloths, have a single flower in a vase with place settings, and a menu(optional), if you really have a big budget rent wrought iron fence to surround part of the tables,and black lamp posts( or find a venue that offers wrought iron outdoor tables, with fencing(shouldnt be difficult to find) have trees decorated with white lights( for city of lights), rent a striped canopy to cover a flower market when you walk into reception. replicate price tags, have “please take one” on paper on long floral pick( have each bouquet in the wrapped paper, in tall silver canisters)
i know some of the ideas are “high budget” but some could work for a budget friendly reception, theflower market idea could cut down on alot of floral decor.( although setting up the floral market might be pricey, it doesnt have to be a large market style to have big impact!! smile)
a great menu is a must!! you can go upscale or more simple (cheese is important). have buffet of meat, soup, cheese, salads( pasta salads is a cheap way to go!!) and breads. and beverages. with wedding cake or french wedding cake(croquembouche). coffee after dessert. have 1 eiffel tower with this only, set up in entrance. and dont 4get the silver dragees(popular) in paper cones or little bags, at each place setting. have beautiful signs here and there in black fancy writing( above flower market etc.) just some thoughts!!
PS the short vintage dress is by stepanie allin. For info on taking the groom’s bout. from the bride’s bouquet see “What Wedding Flowers Will You Have To Organise and For Whom?”. pretty neat huh? thats not the exact post i read a while back, where it said day of wedding, she did this. usually bouquets were hand picked then. so now,it is a flower just like the type in her bouquet.
brides,correction….. the tradition i read applies to past weddings, not just parisian. axe the boutonniere and tuck a flower sprig into his pocket!! beautiful!!!!
ALEXANDRA and brides, i wanted to get in on the fun of finding paris theme weddings!! dawn i love your posts and the favor idea for the bride! superb!!
* Paris Themed Wedding Mood Board
* AisleDash: Inspiration board: Paris
* HomeEnvy: “Christmas in Paris” theme table
* AskVille: “What are some good decoration ideas for a Paris themed wedding?”
* EAD: Flower Market
As you can see there is a little far East in here, this is sort of an Asian-meets-Parisian board with a cherry blossom focus in classic Parisian colors.
This is from Reviving Versailles: Getting Some Antoinette Magic into your Wedding
There’s no doubt that this board is leaning seriously french, and it’s one of my favorites. The post is Pink, Espresso, Ecru.
We have posted so much on the blog lately that’s closely related to the Parisian theme … should have posted about it here! I’m going to fix that. Here are a few boards that might offer some inspiration for brides just starting with a Parisian theme.
First up — looking into the fleur de lis motif in weddings. This is such a royal, timeless symbol. The post is Those Fabulous Fleurs de Lis. Click the image to see more.
Hi,
Im having a sweet 16 next month and my theme is “An evening in Paris”.
My invitations were so cute, they were custom made passports.
Im having trouble thinking of favors that arent too expensive but are creative & represent paris in some way.
Any other ideas about my party would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks!
Alexandra, vivid French macaroons, like Ladurée (not sure if you can get them in the states, but we can admire them and get local bakers to make similar ones) are very popular right now, and you can get them in all kinds of colors/flavors — to match your event.
If macaroons aren’t doing it for you, check out Kim Petyt’s blog, she’s an event planner in Paris who’s done some delicious, very authentic favor posts. Here are a few:
* Paris Theme Wedding: Eiffel Tower Favors
* More DIY French Wedding Favors
HTH!
PS would love to see pics of your invites!
Hi Alexandra, my suggestion would be perhaps a candy jar and use a sticker which may have an eiffel tower on it. I am working for A Night in Paris sweet sixteen and this is what we are giving the guests..email me at mbc1207@yahoo.com and Ill show you a picture. Thanks
I would like to rent an Eiffel Tower for wedding theme on 9/6/8. Any suggestions as to where I can find a light-weight one that I can drape lights on? Thank you!!!
Ms. Bride2B
For Parisian decor chek out Shindigz.com and promwishescatalog.com.
I’m planning a Parisian Engagement party in Sept and this is all I could find that’s worth it so far. Also, I’m gonna have postcards as invites. There’s a really cool site:images-de-paris for original Parisian postcards. I bought a couple there. It’s more expensive from the US of course. But if anyone is in the NYC area, there’s a unique French bookstore in Rockefeller Center that has postcards for 50 cents plus other things. Good luck and great thinking!!
hey guys… i just got married on July 25, 2009 and my maiden name was Paris so my whole wedding was a Paris Wedding theme … i have amazing centerpieces i’m trying to sale and mirrors with rose petals around them these center pieces were about $120 each but i’m just trying to sell them for whatever i can get so i can get some money back on them …. i had 25 but i only have 19 left i also have great ideas…if you need any help …. my email address is jenniferparis@parislimos.com
I am in a little predicament. I want my reception theme to be Paris but I don’t have a clever name for the invites. I am afraid that everyone will think that our honeymoon will be in Paris, which it won’t be. I just love the idea of Paris and hope to one day go there to visit. Do you have any suggestions on themes?
Hello! I need some Eiffel Towers as centre pieces for my tables! I seen there were some on here a while ago – does anyone have any idea where i can get any? You could select the height of them – they were ideal! Please please help! I need 7 / 8!
Julie-Ann
Check eBay for some great deals on the eiffel tower vases.
I was thinking actual eiffel tower models, possible about 15 inches tall. I had seen some on this website before. Thanks for your response though! Julie-Ann
Hi Julie-Ann, sorry I can’t remember where the original link might be, but are any of these items close to what you were looking for?
Eiffel Tower Miniature Replicas
thank you thank you thank you! all sorted and bought!
Julie-Ann
Oh fantastic!
So glad, finding these guys in the right price range can be tricky!
Hi Krista:
Check here for a bunch of very Parisian looking pics and ideas on the Pink Theme page:
pink/black/white bridal shower, wedding, cakes
I hope that gets you started … feel free to add your own ideas, or ask more questions!
i am getting married sept 13, 08 and my colors are black and white. i wanted the girls to carry red roses but others are saying white i am needing opinions on this…any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
I originally was going to have black and white with red flowers. Very romantic like those movies where just the red shows up.
If we would like to have a parisian style wedding at the end of September, what types of flowers would you recommend?
I’m stuck on flowers to match too, baby pink, lime green, champagne and ivory/
One of the most traditional French favors are dragées- candy-coated almonds (called Jordan Almonds or Italian Almonds in the United States). In ancient France, newlyweds gave 5 dragées to each of their guests at their wedding- The five candies symbolized Health, Wealth, Fertility, Longevity, and Happiness. You can personalize this tradition by filling a simple, small container with almonds, and having your calligrapher write the 5 well-wishes in French (la bonne santé, l’abondance, la fertilité, la longévité et le bonheur) along with your wedding date, on ribbons to decorate the outside.
Don’t forget the soundtrack to your Paris wedding! Guests can stream into the ceremony to a mix of “I Love Paris”, “C’est Si Bon” or “Sous Le Ciel De Paris”. You and your Amour can walk down the aisle to “La Vie en Rose”, and dance your first dance to “L’amour est un Bouquet de Violettes”. Classic Serge Gainsbourg from the 1960′s, Henri Salvador or Paris Combo will make for a very cool cocktail hour. And have your dj spice up the dance floor by mixing in MC Solaar, St Germain or Yannick Noah to create a truly Parisian wedding.
Shakina,
* these ideas would be great in your colors!!
* the look of this is the right style, it has that shabby chic look
* blue and brown damask
Shakina I would love to assist you in creating your parisean theme and bringing it to life. email me at FTD2events@yahoo.com!
shakina,
* look thru all of these
* use brown instead
* this style is gorgeous!!! type in the headline to see the rest of the wedding!
shakina,
* just found this i could see this with the damask runners.