25 Paris-Themed Wedding Ideas That Exude French Grandeur
Even if you're not actually getting married in France, these Paris-themed wedding ideas will transport you and your guests to the City of Love.
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Paris is one of the most famous, historical, and architecturally beautiful cities in the entire world—and many would argue that it's also the most romantic. If you're dreaming of having a Paris-themed wedding (or bridal shower), we've got everything you need to know about incorporating this glamorous, opulent city into your special day.
What is a Paris-themed wedding?
The Parisian theme wedding is a balance of ornate, luxurious details and simple, understated beauty. This wedding style skews formal, especially because we'd recommend getting married at a historic estate, garden, or other chateau-inspired location if you want to really embrace the French theme. It may sound superficial, but this is not the theme to choose if you don't want to put effort into the optics of your event—having impeccable fashion and decor is especially crucial for a Paris-themed wedding. You'll also want to do as the Parisians do and prioritize gourmet food and drinks.
To pull off a Paris-themed wedding, the overall aesthetic should be a combination of a romantic garden wedding theme with a touch of glamour and subtle Renaissance influences (like chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and brocade prints).
Paris-Themed Wedding Colors
Most Parisian and French-themed wedding color schemes consist of pastel tones, like blush, powder blue, and pale green. You can use metallic gold or silver as an accent color, or add touches of black instead to give your decor a dramatic, modern edge.
Our Favorite Paris-Themed Wedding Ideas
Looking for wedding inspiration for your French-themed wedding? We've started the job for you. Here are some of our favorite ideas.
Tassel wedding invitations
A Paris-themed wedding calls for the fanciest of wedding invitations. Let your guests know from the get-go that your special day is going to be a seriously grand affair by adding details like wax seal stamps, custom monograms or crests, and miniature tassels to your stationery.
Antique engagement ring box
Velvet engagement ring boxes are the norm these days, but an antique leather or satin ring box adds so much more charm and history to your wedding details. Make it an adventure to find the perfect vintage ring box by checking out local flea markets, thrift stores, and antique jewelry retailers.
Classic perfume or cologne
Paris is home to some of the most iconic beauty and fashion brands in the world. If your photographer is planning to do wedding flat lay photos on the big day, be sure to have an elegant perfume bottle on hand, like this COCO Chanel eau de parfum, to bring a touch of Parisian style.
Bridal hat
The beret might have a reputation as France's most quintessential hat, but it's not quite up to par for a glamorous Paris-themed wedding. Instead, make a bridal statement by wearing a flat-brimmed straw hat that's both chic and vintage-inspired.
Dress by Claire Pettibone
Natural bridal makeup
Parisian women are known for their simplistic, natural makeup routines, and we think this less-is-more mindset can be applied to your wedding day as well. The focus should be on bridal makeup that boosts your natural self without changing or hiding your features. Semi-sheer foundation, cream eyeshadow, flushed cheeks, and a hint of lip color will give you an understated but glowing look.
Dress by Monique Lhuillier
Lace ball gown
If you've always dreamed of having your very own princess moment, a lace ball gown is the way to go. This wedding dress style has been worn by many real-life princesses, including Princess Grace of Monaco and the Duchess of Cambridge. It's a must if you're getting married at a grand ballroom or estate.
Low ponytail with bow
The French approach to beauty puts a strong emphasis on balance—nothing should be too perfect (it's all about the je ne sais quoi). For example, if you're going big on makeup, skip the formal updo and wear a polished but slightly undone bridal hairstyle instead, like this flirty ponytail with a silk ribbon.
Shoes by Bella Belle Shoes
Black lace wedding shoes
A wedding inspired by such a fashion-forward city needs a statement accessory or two. Rock a pair of heeled bridal booties to make a definite statement, especially if they're made of black lace.
Dress by Sareh Nouri
Simple wedding bouquet
Carry a classic bouquet of white long-stem garden roses to enhance your wedding dress without overpowering it. Not into roses? Try other classic flowers instead, like peonies or hydrangeas.
Groom and groomsmen tuxedos
For a French-themed wedding, men should wear black tie or semi-formal attire (i.e. tuxedos). If you want to differentiate your look as the groom, you can don a white jacket or a different bow tie to stand out in the group.
Short wedding dress
As much as Parisian fashion is all about grandeur, it's also about practicality and fun. A short wedding dress is playful and stylish for a small microwedding or Paris elopement (photos in front of the Eiffel Tower highly encouraged).
Garden wedding venue
Even if you can't get married in the Jardin des Tuileries, you can recreate the scene by hosting your wedding at a similarly picturesque venue, such as a historic estate, museum, chateau, or castle (including famous venues like Oheka Castle and the Biltmore Estate).
Keepsake vow books
Reading your vows from your phone or crumpled piece of paper will throw off the elegant aesthetic of a Paris-themed wedding. Instead, invest in keepsake vow books that look beautiful and timeless in wedding photos.
Candle ceremony backdrop
This decorative ceremony backdrop looks gorgeous with or without a fireplace mantle. Use an assortment of short, medium, and tall white pillar candles to set the scene for a romantic vow exchange.
Crystal chandeliers
What could be more glamorous than chandeliers hanging above your dance floor? If your wedding venue doesn't already have chandeliers in place, reach out to local event rental and lighting companies to find out how you can add them to your decor.
Vintage getaway car
Whether you're actually whizzing through Paris or simply driving through your hometown, we think it should be done in style. Renting a vintage car is a fun way to make your wedding day feel extra-memorable—and it looks great in photos!
Carousel photo backdrop
The City of Light is filled with carousels. But if you can't make it all the way to France for your wedding day, you can still incorporate these whimsical attractions with the help of your local wedding vendors. You'll need plenty of outdoor space (and your wedding venue's approval) to rent a carousel for the day, but if you can pull it off, it's bound to be a highlight of the day for you and your guests.
Wedding place cards
Place cards in the shape of miniature scrolls look beautiful at each guest's table setting. Have a professional stationer write their names in calligraphy using gold ink for the most opulent effect.
Long banquet tables
Pretend you're at Versailles for the night and create a regal dining experience by seating your guests at long banquet tables during the wedding reception. Golden opera chairs will make the tables look especially fancy.
Antique-style settee
This vintage-inspired sofa can be used in a few different ways, whether you're planning to create a lounge area for guests to mix and mingle, or you want a unique seating option for your sweetheart table.
Accordion fan wedding favors
Hand-painted accordion fans are a unique wedding favor idea that your guests likely haven't seen before. They remind us of the type of accessory you would see at an 18th or 19th century ball.
Ornate place settings
Plain white china simply won't do if you want to create the grandest dining experience at your French-themed wedding. Choose dinner plates and chargers that are decorated with a metallic silver or gold pattern, such as filigrees, flowers, and scrollwork.
Gold flatware bundles
To add even more detail to your reception table, display each guest's flatware set by wrapping the cutlery in luxurious silk ribbon.
Taper candle centerpieces
Tall taper candles will bring a formal look to your wedding centerpieces. These black tapers in assorted candle holders add depth to a pastel tablescape, but you can find them in almost any color to match your exact color scheme.
Croquembouche wedding cake
Macarons are often thought of as the most popular French dessert, but a croquembouche is actually the most traditional option. This tower of pastry puffs is typically held together with caramel drizzle, creating a decadent dessert. If you can't choose, create a Paris-themed wedding dessert bar filled with cupcakes, crêpes, and classic pâtisserie, including madelines, mille-feuille, meringues, and gateau.
