Monday 8 February 2010

A French-inspired Winter Wonderland Wedding Theme

winter wonderland in paris

I had been living in Paris for nearly three years before I found out that it never snows here. I had been blaming it on El Nino/global warming/dumb luck until finally my husband broke down and told me the bad news (he knows how much I love a white Christmas. Sigh.) Part of the reason that I hadn’t noticed it sooner was because Paris is just so beautiful at Christmastime. The Champs Elysees, Grand Magasins and most of the other popular streets are strung with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations. Tons of Christmas Markets are set up all over the city- little villages made up of “chalet-style” wooden huts with people selling regional treats, decorations, cider, wine and santons. There’s a huge ice-skating rink in front of the Hotel de Ville, and people sell roasted chestnuts on nearly every corner ( a good thing if you like the smell of roasting chestnuts…)
As summer is the height of tourist season, many people haven’t had the opportunity to see how beautiful Paris is during the winter holiday. So when they think of getting married in Paris, they typically think of Spring and Summer: they imagine themselves in a beautiful manicured park overflowing with flowers, or drifting along the Seine, or on a private terrace somewhere in Montmartre.  Couples who plan Paris or French-themed weddings in their home country often go the same route- choosing pale summery Monet-inspired palettes, or whimsical pink and black Art Deco inspirations. I’d like to pay homage to Paris at Christmas by highlighting my newest addition to the Paris themed celebration: the French-inspired Winter Wonderland Wedding. It’s chic and sophisticated, as well as warm and inviting at the same time. Take a look:

christel seiderer

A Winter White gown with fox fur wrap, from Parisian designer, Christel Seiderer

. plumes and rose bouquet

Tastefully incorporating feathers into your wedding decor will give it an authentic French flair- like in this bouquet made of plumes and roses.
scentd heart wreath

Heart wreath made of jasmine, mistletoe and olive branches interwoven with crystal beads, formed around a smaller heart (white hyacinths on floral foam). Photo © marie-claire
french winter white cocktail buffet

A simple refreshment table dressed with antique silver and glassware, offering cold champagne and scrumptious French goodies: chocolates from Fauchon, mini cakes from Lenotre, and guimauves from Lafayette Gourmet Photo © marie-claire

DIY glass cloche with etched design

Etch snowflake patterns onto small glass vases or bottles, then hang them around to hold candles or sprigs of mistletoe. Photo © marie-claire

curry oysters

Serve a contemporary twist on a classic French holiday appetizer, like warm curry oysters.
french dragées in feather sachet


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