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Weddings are a universal celebration of love, and in French culture, they come with their own unique charm and language. French is often considered the language of love, and its wedding-related terms add a romantic flair to any ceremony.

Whether planning a destination wedding in France or wanting to sprinkle some French elegance into your big day, understanding common French wedding terms can make the experience even more special. Here’s a guide to some key French wedding terms you may encounter as shared by Hello-Hello a top French language learning app developer for iOS and Android devices in this blog.

Wedding Terms that are used in a French Wedding Ceremony

Le Mariage (The Wedding)

The most basic and essential word you need to know is “le mariage,” which means “the wedding.” This word encapsulates the entire event and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, “la cérémonie de mariage” refers to the wedding ceremony, and “la réception de mariage” refers to the reception following the ceremony.

Les Fiancés (The Engaged Couple)

Before the big day, the couple is referred to as “les fiancés.” The word “fiancé” (male) or “fiancée” (female) is used to describe someone who is engaged to be married. This term is commonly used when referring to the couple leading up to their wedding.

La Mariée et Le Marié (The Bride and Groom)

On the wedding day, the engaged couple transforms into “la mariée” (the bride) and “le marié” (the groom). These terms are essential, as they are used throughout the ceremony and festivities. For example, “la robe de mariée” refers to the bridal gown, and “le costume du marié” refers to the groom’s suit.

Les Témoins (The Witnesses)

In French weddings, “les témoins” play a significant role. These are the witnesses who stand by the bride and groom during the ceremony, akin to bridesmaids and groomsmen in Western traditions. However, in French weddings, the role of the witness is more formal, as they are legally required to validate the marriage by signing official documents.

Le Cortège (The Bridal Procession)

The term “le cortège” refers to the bridal procession or entourage that accompanies the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. This can include flower girls, page boys, and family members. The “cortège” is often an elegant and ceremonial part of French weddings.

La Cérémonie (The Ceremony)

“La cérémonie” refers to the official act of marriage. In France, civil ceremonies are mandatory, and most couples also opt for a religious or symbolic ceremony afterwards. The civil ceremony usually takes place at the “mairie” (town hall), conducted by the mayor or a representative.

Le Vin d’Honneur (Reception Drinks)

After the ceremony, many French weddings begin with a “vin d’honneur,” which is a cocktail hour or reception drink. This term literally translates to “wine of honor” and involves serving drinks and light snacks to guests before the official reception dinner.

La Réception (The Reception)

The “réception” is the wedding party or dinner that takes place after the ceremony and “vin d’honneur.” This is where the formal celebrations begin, including speeches, toasts, and the wedding meal.

Le Faire-Part de Mariage (Wedding Invitation)

The “faire-part de mariage” is the wedding invitation sent to guests. French wedding invitations are often quite formal and beautifully designed, reflecting the elegance of the event.

La Lune de Miel (Honeymoon)

After the celebrations are over, the couple embarks on “la lune de miel,” which is the French term for honeymoon. This phrase literally translates to “moon of honey,” signifying the sweet period of the newlyweds’ life right after the wedding.

Le Plan de Table (Seating Arrangement)

The “plan de table” refers to the seating arrangement at the reception. In French weddings, the seating plan is an important part of the event, as it ensures that guests are seated in a way that fosters interaction and enjoyment.

La Pièce Montée (Wedding Cake)

Unlike the traditional multi-tiered cakes seen in many countries, French weddings often feature “la pièce montée.” This is a tower of cream-filled profiteroles or pastries held together by caramel, making it a delicious and visually stunning centrepiece.

French weddings are a beautiful blend of tradition, romance, and elegance. Understanding these French wedding terms can add a special touch to your wedding planning or help you navigate the customs if you’re attending a wedding in France. From “le mariage” to “la lune de miel,” these terms will enrich your wedding experience and ensure that your big day is filled with the magic of the French language.

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Learn French (Hello-Hello) is a full-fledged language course with 30 LESSONS developed in collaboration with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), so you can be assured that these lessons follow an effective research-based methodology. All lessons are conversational based on realistic dialogues and situations, rather than a collection of out-of-context words and phrases. iTunes store link of Learn French (Hello-Hello)