Bring a touch of Paris to a wedding with French-themed food, music and decorations.
Paris is often referred to as both "The City of Lights" and "The City of Love" because of its romantic atmosphere. Bridges along the Seine, bustling cafes and drifting accordion music are just a few of the qualities that create a truly Parisian ambiance. Giving a wedding a Paris theme will add a touch of international romance and transport guests to France -- without the pricey plane tickets. Proper music, ambiance and food are just a few of the things you will need for a Paris-themed wedding.
Instructions
1. Choose the right music. Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and Jacques Brel are all famous singers who sang in French. Hiring an accordion player for background music will also give the wedding an overall Parisian feel.
2. Find a French-inspired venue. A French restaurant is an excellent choice, but if that's not an option you can still transform any location into a Parisian-style cafe. Parisian restaurants use small square or round tables. Fill the reception hall with groups of these tables. Fresh baguettes can be used for decorative centerpieces.
3. Create a French-inspired menu. Imported wine, cheese and chocolate are just the beginning. For a truly Parisian wedding, serve mini-Croque Monsieur sandwiches or foie-gras appetizers to guests. Common dishes in a Parisian brasserie include "steak frites" (steak and fries), "pave au poivre" (beef filet with peppercorn sauce), a "crotin de chevre" (warm goat cheese on toast) or a "confit de canard" (duck confit.) Although these dishes may not be featured in expensive French restaurants, they are representative of Parisian food and will definitely add a French touch to the wedding. You can use macaroons, madeleines and profiteroles to garnish the wedding cake and give it a Parisian touch.
4. Choose famous landmarks and images for decorations. The Eiffel Tower and Le Moulin Rouge are well-known, but you can also look to local favorite spots like Le Marais, Pigalle and Le Canal Saint Martin to draw inspiration for decorations. Buy posters of vintage French advertisements, frame them and hang them in the reception room to give the wedding the feel of an authentic Parisian cafe.
Tags: give wedding, truly Parisian