French Inspired Wedding Details
Looking to add a little “ooh la la” to your wedding? Trying to put together a reception with that perfect “je ne sais quoi”? Why not give your wedding a chic European flair with these fabulous French-inspired wedding details? The results are sure to be “magnifique”!
When planning a wedding with French details, the only place to begin is with the wine. Make your wedding an event to remember by serving a flight of fine French wines with dinner. What that means is that a sommelier pairs each course of the meal with a wine which is the perfect complement to the food. It is a truly fine way to present an elegant dinner. Another idea would be to have a tasting of a selection of French wines during the cocktail hour, led by a wine expert. Naturally, French Champagne will be a priority for any Francophile’s wedding!
The food will be one of the highlights at a French-inspired wedding. You can really make a splash during the cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres such as canapes and mini quiches and stations overflowing with French cheeses (Brie in puff pastry!) and fresh baguettes. For dinner, consider serving classic French fare like escargots, poulet a la Provencale (chicken sauteed with white wine, capers, garlic, leeks and tomatoes), or filet mignon (make it special by topping it with a tasty French sauce). Follow with either a regular tiered wedding cake with a French design such as fleur-de-lis, or opt for the authentic French wedding cake, the croquembouche.
Little French touches can be infused throughout the rest of the wedding. The bride can wear a gown made from French lace paired with glamorous bridal jewelry. Music is a wonderful way to convey a mood at a wedding, so why not treat your guests to classic French songs such as those by Edith Piaf, the beloved French chantuese. Splits of French Champagne or wine could be the wedding favors, perhaps personalized with a tag reading “merci”. The style and romance of France is a wonderful source of inspiration for a memorable and chic wedding.
Filed under Bridal Jewelry, Wedding Planning | Tags: Bridal Jewelry, French wedding, wedding food, Wedding Planning, wedding themes | Comment (0)The Wedding Reception Viennese Hour
Let’s face it: everyone remembers a wedding which had really great food. My first encounter with a Viennese hour was at a Winter Wonderland wedding. The bride wore a beautiful beaded gown and dazzling crystal bridal jewelry. The band was amazing. But what I really remember about that wedding was the moment after dinner when the doors were opened to an adjoining room to reveal the most spectacular display of desserts I had ever seen in one place: the Viennese hour.
The basics of a wedding Viennese hour or dessert bar are cookies, bars like brownies and blondies, cakes, pies, and mini pastries. Regional specialties should certainly be on the menu; think New York cheesecake in Manhattan or beignets in New Orleans. Individual servings of favorite desserts like crème brule and chocolate pudding should also be on the menu. And this is only the beginning!
Chocolate and candies are another part of a Viennese hour. The most impressive way to serve chocolate is a chocolate fountain. Guests find them irresistible, and love the chance to dip fresh fruit, pretzels, and gourmet marshmallows into the flowing chocolate. Another option is to present chocolate dipped fruits like strawberries instead of having the fountain. An array of white, milk, and dark chocolate dipped fruits would be especially nice.
Once you have the basic elements of your wedding Viennese hour decided, it is time to choose your “wow” factor. Remember that a Viennese hour should be elaborate and indulgent, so this is the time to really pull out all the stops. Any number of specialized stations will work as your “wow” feature. Choose one, or if space allows, include them all to really blow your guests away. An ice cream sundae bar is one idea for the main feature. A custom crepe station with an attendant to make whatever your guests want is an elegant addition. Or go for a nostalgic carnival theme with cotton candy and funnel cake carts. With all of the elements in place, you can be certain that your guests will remember your wedding reception Viennese hour for years to come!
Filed under Wedding Planning, crystal bridal jewelry | Tags: crystal bridal jewelry, Viennese hour, wedding dessert bar, wedding receptions | Comment (0)