Stylish Weddings in France with Rendez-vous in Paris

We've been published on Style Me Pretty!

2011-11-18T10:52:02Z

Check out one of our beautiful weddings on this fantastic blog :

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/11/03/paris-wedding-by-one-and-only-paris-photography-rendez-vous-in-paris/

Rendez-vous in Paris has moved our offices!

2011-11-07T12:08:51Z

We've moved our offices to the Champs Elysées!
We'll be happy to welcome you to the Louis Vuitton Building for a chat about your upcoming wedding or event! (As always, by appointment only)

Chateau wedding at Vaux le Victome!

2011-10-26T10:22:39Z

Here are some photos from our gorgeous summer garden wedding at the famous Chateau Vaux le Vicomte! Thank you to Kevin Hulett photography for these beautiful images.

...

Wedding Season is in full swing!

2011-07-06T13:37:00Z

Hello everybody!!

I am so sorry that you haven't heard from us in a while, but we've been très busy with our magnifiques Brides!!

I hope you are all following us on Facebook (pour page is called Rendez-vous in Paris, of course) for nearly daily updates on our adventures!!

Here's a sneak peek at some of our venues for this year :

We can't wait to show you the photos from these romantic weddings - Coming soon!!

As always, you can find out more about creating your fabulous wedding in France at www.rendezvous-inparis.com

Birthday Bash by Rendez-vous in Paris

2011-04-03T17:20:00Z

Check out a few shots from one of our recent Birthday Bashes in Paris!

At the end of the Red Carpet, a fabulous Step & Repeat was set up in the entry to the Party. Every guest was photographed by the paparazzi - and they all felt like celebrities!

Fuchsia orchids and feathers floated, dangling from fresh branches standing in tall vases placed in the lounge corner, and on the buffet tables & bar. Champagne flutes were stacked in pyramids, with orchids hanging like butterflies, and crystals dripping overhead, completing the look.

A totally fun birthday cake from Sugarplum Cake Shop!

A unique hall was selected for this once in a lifetime party! Born on the 13th, the Birthday Girl wanted to have her fête in this surprising room where the lucky lottery numbers used to be chosen. With 8.5 meter ceilings, and eight 3 meter high glass & iron globes lining the walls, this space was unlike any other!

Thank you to Jérôme Gorin, for the photos of our event!For that special Birthday Party, starring you, Rendez-vous in Paris will create a celebration you'll never forget!!

Congratulations to Krystle & Jeremy - February 28th 2011

2011-03-29T15:45:00Z

An adorable, joyful couple came to Paris just after Valentine's Day to celebrate an intimate wedding in the City of Love. Accompanied by the Groom's parents, they said "I do!" on a brisk afternoon -- but the Bride was so excited, she didn't seem to notice the cold!

She did her own hair & makeup, and we were impressed with the results - a beautiful feather accent on the left, set off her asymmetrical ruffled dress.

Check out some more of their sweet photos on our YouTube video :

Thank you to Krystle & Jeremy for trusting us with your big day!!
And thank you to Ian Holmes for the lovely photos he took of our happy couple!
For your own magical wedding in Paris, contact Rendez-vous in Paris!

Decoration Inspiration: A Mirror Image

2011-03-15T16:29:00Z

On your wedding day, everything will be exquisite. The flowers will be artfully arranged, the tables beautifully set, and the decorations elegantly hung. Your dress will flow around you, and your knight in shining armor will be right there holding your hand. Everything will be how you imagined it would, but might we suggest you magnify your dream with the aid of mirror reflections? Mirrors will add dimensionality to your surroundings while reflecting the splendor and magnificence already in the room.

Photos of our couples by One and Only Paris Photography

Many venues (especially in Paris) will already have big beautiful mirrors on the walls, so make sure to know where they are in order to utilize their full potential. Old mirrors can add romance, while new mirrors add depth. Some mirrors, like the one pictured below (right) even have a very long history of love stories!

Photos of our couples, by One and Only Paris Photography

Besides creatively using existing mirrors in your portraits, try using smaller mirrors in centerpieces, or as place settings, the lights and colors in the room will be reflected in interesting ways.

photo from Real Simple

Also for evening weddings, add candles to your mirrored center pieces. The combination of a flickering flame and a mirror not only produces twice as much candle light, but it is spell-binding.

photo found in weddingbee classifieds

A talented calligrapher can hand write your menus on small mirrored disks, or you can use a mirrored tabletop to reflect the entire table decor.

Platinum Pro Dance Floors

Or why not use a mirror to cover the floor of the stage on which you'll say your vows? The dramatic results will leave your guests stunned while creating a look of chic, unique, elegance. We advise against using mirrors on the dance floor, unless all guests are wearing pants or floor-length dresses.

We hope we've inspired you to capture the mirror image of your wedding!

For more fabulous wedding advice & design ideas, visit Rendez-vous in Paris

Elope with the Perfect Get-Away Dress

2011-02-03T16:20:00Z

Weddings can be elaborate and beautiful with months of planning and preparation. But a wedding can also be spontaneous, and as small and intimate as a couple eloping. After all, the true beauty in any wedding is that moment when two people pledge themselves to each other. With the free spirited atmosphere that lends itself to an elopement, short wedding dresses are a wonderful alternative to the traditional long dress. Many designers are now creating dresses specifically for elopements. These dresses are fun, beautiful and elegant. They truly compliment the intimacy of an elopement.

A flirty and fun dress like this one by Maggie Sottero is perfect for an excited, spur-of-the-moment bride.

Maggie Sottero

An incredible line of short whimsical dresses has been created by Sarah Sevens.

The Athena Dress The Powered Sugar Dress The Elope Dress The Polka Dots Dress

Sarah Seven

The elegance and beauty of the traditional long dress has been transformed into these capricious dressed by Delphine Manivet.

The Cyrus Guipure Dress The Théodore Dress

Delphine Manivet

Vera Wang with her Edie dress kept the chic design of a white dress with black sash, while creating a wonderful short elopement dress.

The Edie Dress

Vera Wang

A short dress can still make a bride feel beautiful and special while adding a bit of quirky excitement. Also for destination elopements, they are easier to pack!

Congratulations to Tiffany & Brian - October 19, 2010!

2010-12-23T14:44:00Z

A cute slideshow of the gorgeous photos from Tiffany & Brian's très chic October Wedding in Paris!

This couple's story really brings out the "awww's"

Engaged earlier this year, Tiffany & Brian started planning a large 2011 wedding in Napa Valley, from their East Coast home town. They chose several venues to visit, and took a week off work in October to go visit their favorite locations. While planning this scouting trip, they started to realize how big a process planning a big wedding was going to be. They looked at each other and said "We just want to be married!!" They couldn't wait a whole year to become husband and wife, so they decided to use their week of vacation to Elope to Paris!

We had 3 weeks to put together this romantic elopement, and while it was short notice, I think their ceremony & intimate dinner perfectly matched the personality of this fun and loving couple!

To start planning your fabulous wedding in France, check out www.rendezvous-inparis.com !

Congratulations to Amy & Nathan Septembre 13, 2010!

2010-11-29T19:29:00Z

Amy & Nathan from California, came to Paris for an intimate wedding surrounded by their closest friends & family! September weddings are the perfect opportunity for fall colors and crisp champagne. This couple chose the garden of an art gallery as their sweet setting, and had a divine dinner made by a private French chef in the gallery's main room. The small townhouse, turned modern art showplace was theirs for the night, and they made the most of it by dancing and laughing the night away.

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Rendez-vous in Paris! We had a blast working with you!

Thank you again to One & Only Paris Photography for these fantastic shots!

For your fabulous wedding in France, check out www.rendezvous-inparis.com!

Trash your dress Parisian Style

2010-11-19T13:40:00Z

So the big day is over. All the cake has been eaten and the champagne drunk. Now, as the flowers are thrown away and thank you notes written, you must decide what to do with that exquisite dress. There are a couple of options. You can sell it, box it up for a niece or future daughter or re-make it into a new dress. But what about having some more fun? Another reason to celebrate, perhaps? You have spent so much time and energy making sure you and that dress looked perfect for the big day, it makes you sad to think of it hanging alone in a closet! It is therefore time to declare that your wedding was a unique occasion, and the dress will never be seen or used again. Its purpose has been served. It is time to trash that dress!

American photographer in Paris Juliane Berry, recently shot this outrageous Trash the Dress session in the street of Paris. The free-spirited bride Christina, went all out while celebrating Parisian style!

While Christina lives in England, her husband is living in Paris. As a romantic gesture to celebrate their new married life, Christina decided to have a destination "Fearless Bridal" session (as the British call it) in Paris, as so much of their precious time together is now spent in this beautiful city.

As her Trash the Dress shoot progressed her dress became increasingly ruined. So when Juliane suggested they end the photo shoot in the fountain at the Parc de Sceaux, Christina happily replied “Let’s do it! If it’s going out, it’s going out in style.”

A destination Trash the Dress is an ingenious alternative or splendid addition, to a destination wedding. And with creative photographers such as Juliane to capture the moment, it will be yet another special memory and event in celebrating your marriage.

For fabulous French Weddings, check out : www.rendezvous-inparis.com

Decoration Inspiration : Hang it up!

2010-11-16T17:17:00Z

While dreaming up remarkable ideas for decorating your unique wedding, much more can be imagined than simple table centerpieces consisting of flowers and candles. By using décorations suspendues such as ribbons and lights along with traditional table and ceremony decorations, you can really enhance the quality and feel of your wedding. With minimal material, we can create a big impact, which is visually stunning and can really transform the whole ambiance of the event. Whether it is lighting or garlands, streamers or lanterns, these little touches can make the difference.
The key with simple ribbon decoration is repetition, and the symmetry of the composition. To create a 'neat' pattern, tie the same number of ribbons to the last row of your ceremony chairs, or to each chair along the aisle. The ribbons don't have to be the same length, but should be tied in the same fashion. You can also set apart special chairs at your reception dinner with the use of ribbons.

Photo via Abby Ross

A little more sophisticated, chandeliers can add an elegant sense of grandeur, a flash back to la belle époque.

Photo via Laura Olson Photo via Karen Wise

Combining color and sparkle is one way to create an festive atmosphere. For example, a ceiling of fairy lights or small tinted glass jars can give warm candle light a whimsical feel. While larger dangling transparent lanterns can be completely enchanting during an afternoon ceremony, and light up the evening when filled with 2-3" candles.

Photo via Patricia Lyons Photo via Marianne Wilson

Draping ribbons, flowers and fabric can also dramatically enhance the tone of the room and really show off any venue. In fact, you could even create a venue - how about a garden pergola or beach side tent?

Photos via Megan Sorel

On a smaller scale, garlands and lanterns are an easy way to jazz up any setting.

Photos via A Bryan Photo Photos via Jennifer Klementti

The key is being able to tastefully combine this hanging approach of decorating to the tried and true method of flowers and candles. So think outside the box and enjoy yourself while exploring new, creative ways to make your special day unique and inspired.

Photos via Elizabeth Messina

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezous-inparis.com

Weddings in Paris by Rendez-vous in Paris

2010-11-14T21:16:00Z

We're now on YouTube!

We've just added a Client Recommendation Page to our website !!

2010-11-09T21:25:00Z

Check out our new page on : www.rendezvous-inparis.com/thankyounotes.html

A couple cute finds: Sweet wedding favours

2010-10-15T22:45:05Z

Struggling to find wedding favours? Trying to find ways to personalise your wedding? Then, think outside the box. Think inside the biscuit tin...

If you are feeling creative, you may want to take a leaf out of Martha Stewart’s book and get baking away yourself. Why not dig out that old family recipe? If your culinary skills are not quite up to scratch then you could just leave it to the experts and commission a batch from your favourite bakery! The joy of biscuits is that they can be customised depending on your theme. They can be made in advance and would make delicious place settings or could be bagged up as gifts for your guests.

Monogrammed cookies look elegant and add a personal touch, making the perfect souvenir. Simple iced biscuits can be stacked to make adorable mini wedding cakes. Even fortune cookies could be a fun way to end a meal and keep the guests smiling.

In fact biscuit gifts and favours have become sopopular that there’s even a website devoted to them! Have a look atwww.biscuiteers.com for inspiration. And for a Parisian wedding? There’s the miniParis collection. Oui, c’est chic!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezous-inparis.com.

Special thanks to Josephine Davies for this article contribution!

Winter Weddings in France

2010-09-24T15:06:00Z

Besides being the most romantic city in the world for spring, summer and autumn weddings, the appeal of Paris also spreads across the winter months.

Cozy winter weddings are rising in popularity, so we want to invite those couples dreaming of tying the knot in a snug yet scenic setting, to dream away with us on a few winter wedding ideas.

Be it a sumptuous mansion in the city centre, a Cinderella chateau outside of Paris, or a petit chalet in the French Alps –winter weddings in France have all kinds of charm.

Decoration can be simple & homemade, romantic& relaxed, or elegant & refined - depending on your wedding vision.

Choose aromatic elements with comforting scents like pine, berries, chocolate and pâtisseries to make your guests feel welcome &warm. Red touches here and there accompanied by a trail of warm light, add to the intimate ambiance.

Ice sculptures, sophisticated floral arrangements, glass crystals and candle light evoke the snow covered outdoors.

Wintery place cards & menus: another simple but charming touch creating cohesion and continuity.

For the cocktail, think warm foods & drinks, with soft accents. Treat your guests to hot mulled wine, freshly baked pain d’epices and decadent chocolate delights.

A winter reception dinner can fuse true French tradition with familiar winter flavors and be accompanied by soft lounge music or warm jazz and the sizzle of open fire in the fire place.

Voilà just some of our ideas on winter weddings, stay tuned for part deux!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Just another day in Paris

2010-08-24T12:41:00Z

Have a peak at this timelapse "video" of a day in Paris! Beautifully done!

Adventures in Timelapse (Paris) from cnobi on Vimeo.

Congratulations to Sallyann & David - August 11th, 2010!

2010-08-23T11:18:00Z

Paris is not only a place for beautiful weddings, but also for romantic anniversaries. Sallyann & David came all the way from New York to Paris to renew their vows with the Eiffel Tower as witness and celebrate their 10 year union.

We wish you love and happiness for the years to come ...

For fabulous French weddings (and other occasions) visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

French Masquerade Wedding

2010-08-19T09:20:00Z

Growing in popularity, themed weddings have transformed the traditional wedding ambiance with a unique flair – whether you choose Christmas, Carnival, Medieval, African or Beach – a theme will surely enhance your big day, making your wedding all the more memorable.

Even those having a destination wedding can add a theme to their reception, a wedding in France doesn’t have to be French-themed!

As we are approaching autumn, we thought about one special way to celebrate your love in France – with a masquerade themed wedding!

Paris has a rich and deep culture, perfect for this kind of setting and boasts many venues and a plethora of possibilities for a one-of-a-kind event. We musn’t forget that European Royalty regularly held all kinds of masked and costumed festivities in the many châteaux and mansions in and around Paris. From music and entertainment to costumes, accessories and masks, themed food to historic ballrooms – the options are endless.

Reviving the feel of ancient Venice, often exploited by French Kings for Royal Galas, your guests will be taken back in time and surrounded by the glamorous décor and playful aura of a more sumptuous time.

Carnival was a time of decadence and beauty, luxury and amusement! Why not bring these elements into your big day?

To recreate actual scenes from French Balls and Fêtes, burlesque dance shows or group Waltz classes can be arranged for your guests. Disguised in traditional costumes and masks, why not invite the Phantom of the Opera to sing for you?

What appears to be a simple garden or courtyard turns into a fairy tale forest at night, lit in colors of red & orange.

Enchant your guests and indulge in an evening full of vibrant ambiance, romantic mystery and magical moments.

For fabulous weddings in France visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Say Cheese!

2010-07-08T09:21:00Z

And no, I am not talking about photography.

Instead, I’m talking about the recently developed trend which sees couples abandoning the traditional wedding cake in favour of a ‘cheese cake’.

Visually, and from a distance, the cheese cake could easily be mistaken for a typical cake. Yet a closer inspection will reveal that in fact the ‘cake’ is composed of different sized wheels of cheese which are stacked to form tiers.

This is the perfect choice for couples who prefer savoury foods over sweet and can be an original addition to the wedding spread.

Article contribution from Josephine Davies.

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

L'atelier privé du mariage / Private Luxury Wedding Expo part 2

2010-06-28T17:35:00Z

It was a sunny afternoon when l'Atelier privé du mariage opened its beautiful flower-framed gates in the heart of Paris. The rich and vintage wedding pieces, robes and accessories transformed the classic gallery completely and took every visitor 80 years back in time. Wedding photographs in black & white as well as numerous chic flower bouquets added to the historic flair and brought back the feel of the 20s and 30s. Every visitor was enchanted by the ambiance and the opportunity to discuss their upcoming wedding over a glass of champagne. From wedding websites and online advice, to handmade lace and diamond studded tiaras, this event had it all for the modern-day vintage bride.

We loved meeting all you future Brides & Grooms (and quite a few mothers of the Bride or Groom!). Thank you so much for coming out!

Rendez-vous in Paris would like to thank all their partners for their cooperation and we are looking forward to future expositions together!

Many thanks to Luc Halard from Alliance Photo for these great shots!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Summer 2010 availability in this stunning French Château!

2010-06-20T17:57:00Z

Calling all procrastinating summer 2010 Brides & Grooms!

I know I've posted some of these photos before, but I just have to post them again because there has been a rental cancellation, and this amazing château is now available from now (June) until the end of August 2010 at a fantastic rate!! This château has been the set of several movies, and a "summer home" to many a Hollywood actor/actress.

Here you can hold a Marie Antoinette themed wedding with all the details from her "époque", or simply have the private château honeymoon of your dreams. Within 35 minutes of the center of Paris and 35 minutes from Giverny and Monet's Gardens, in the area surrounding this château you can enjoy golfing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, tennis, and more...

Don't hesitate to contact Rendez-vous in Paris if you're interested in having your wedding or honeymoon in this sumptuous château!!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

L'atelier privé du mariage / Private Luxury Wedding Expo

2010-06-16T09:27:00Z

Rendez-vous in Paris is very excited to invite you to our Luxury Wedding Expo in Paris. In exactly one week, you will have the chance to see the new collection from LOHR Couture gowns, a beautiful display of wedding photos from a prestigious photographer, the opportunity to discuss hair & makeup styles and learn about pre-wedding detox from the nutritionist to the jet-set... The event will showcase floral decoration, the newest in Planning techniques, vintage jewelry and more!

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Paris' first Private Luxury Wedding Expo: showcasing the most important vendors for your upcoming wedding.

Rendez-vous in Paris and LOHR Couture are proud to present -

- L'ATELIER PRIVE DU MARIAGE-

Vernissage June 23rd from 7PM

9 Place Furstenberg - Saint Germain Des Pres

Come and meet the individual vendors, see our work and discuss the many possibilities for your wedding over a glass of wine!

The showcase includes -

• Rendez-vous in Paris - Paris' premier wedding & event planning service

• LOHR Couture - Custom creations of couture wedding gowns

• Alliance Photography - Distinct and unique wedding photography

• Evenement Beauty - Hair and makeup for the most discerning brides

• Frederic Bertin - Stunning floral arrangements.

• ByPia - Invitation designer and wedding website designer

• Lora Krulak - Nutritionist to the Jet-Set with a program for you gorgeous brides

• Exclu-Mariage - online help with your Parisian wedding

• Vinyles - Champagne & wines - from the small producer to the famous vineyards

Wednesday June 23rd - 2PM - 10PM

Thursday June 24th 11:30AM - 10PM

9 Place Furstenberg, 75006 Paris

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Congratulations to Cruise & Ruby - May 24th, 2010!

2010-06-15T08:26:00Z

Congratulations to Cruise & Ruby who had a beautiful ceremony in a sweet Parisian chapelle on May 24th, 2010!
This young, happy couple was a pleasure to work with, and we all enjoyed the sunny May afternoon ceremony!

Thank you to Cruise & Ruby, for choosing Rendez-vous in Paris!

And thank you to One & Only Paris Photography for the lovely images!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Destination Wedding Tips

2010-05-23T09:53:00Z

To some, marriage is the undeniable, undebatable, next step in any love story worth telling. To others it’s a logical, thought-out decision to unite households or to "pool assets" (as my father so innocently suggested to my mother, who 25 blissful years later, still recounts her “romantic” engagement with a weary smile ) based on a loving relationship that works.

To others still, marriage is an adventure! Like with any good adventure, a pending marriage is a source of excitement. To add to the thrill, some begin this joyous journey far from home, with a unique destination wedding!

If you pride yourself on being an unconventional Bride(zilla), looking for a less-than traditional wedding, and you don’t care to be surrounded by 350 of your closest friends to say “I do”, you can safely consider yourself a candidate for a destination wedding.

Even the most zen Bride (and Groom for that matter) still want to know what their wedding will look like, and what their options and constraints are. I obviously suggest calling an onsite wedding planner for a destination wedding, but if that is not in the cards, here are a few flags to place on your wedding map :

Finding reception venues

The easiest wedding venue abroad is the 5 star hotel. One of the major hotels or resorts in the city or on the coast you've chosen will have the expertise to help you plan a chic event. This option is generally turn-key and simple, as they do weddings all the time. If you are looking for something more original (but also a little more work), look into Lofts (big trend in Paris this year), museums, manor houses or restaurants on the beach (think Côte d'Azur).

Legal aspects

There are many countries to choose from, some with less requirements than others. Though there are some simple ways to wed in France, civil (legal) ceremonies are not among them (unless you have a home in France). Most of the ceremonies for foreigners in France are either symbolic or religious. See recent post on Marriage Requirements in France for detailed information.

Time differences & Language Barriers

When planning a destination wedding, be prepared to work with the time differences & to be patient with the language barriers.

Having a wedding in a foreign country often means dealing with time zone issues (unless you are already living in the GMT+1!) Be prepared to adjust your schedule to call venues and vendors during their working hours (9am-6pm Paris time, if wedding in France).

Though most hotels ensure a constant presence at the reception desk, the Banquet Managers may not be available during your free evening hours. And if you're not dealing with an internationally oriented company/association, you can assume that the staff of your chosen florist, or even the Church Pastor will be gone by 5 or 6pm each weekday.

Also, the cozy boutique hotels, chic Lofts, charming abbeys, historical museums and private gardens, may not be equipped with a bilingual personnel, so pull out your your dictionary and practice a bit of that long lost highschool French (or Italian, or Spanish...)!

When calling venues in France, you can start by saying : “Bonjour (Monsieur or Madame), Je souhaite organiser mon mariage (à l’abbey, au jardin, dans le Loft X)... Then quickly ask if there is someone who speaks English that can help you (“Est-ce qu’il y a quelqu’un qui parle l’anglais qui pourrait m’aider”?) Don’t forget “Merci (Monsieur or Madame).” The more proper you are, including M. or Mme, for example, the better service you will receive.

Timing

Time is of the essence with any wedding, but sending out your invitations early for a destination wedding will give your guests time to get time off work, save up to buy tickets and book hotel/apartment rooms at a lower cost.

In the midst of your excitement, don't forget to give them advanced warning with a "Save the Date", and as much information as possible about where they can stay, and what the event will entail (will there be planned events all weekend long? anything they definitely shouldn't forget to put in their suitcase?) Some of your guests may not be familiar with your chosen destination. Help them get the most out of their trip by giving them a heads up.

Also, plan on arriving to your destination before your guests. Your wedding is not at your home, but you are still hosting the event! Being there to give them tips, to help them to acclimatize, and seeing their awe at the gorgeous spot you’ve chosen will make the experience more exciting for you all!

Try to know when your guests are arriving (day-of, 3 days before?) and plan a meeting, or a way to communicate with everyone, if possible.

Priorities & etiquette

Though most often, an intimate destination wedding will cost (much) less than the grande soirée you’d have planned at home, there are etiquette issues that will influence the usage of your budget.

According to Emily Post, it is not an obligation to pay for airfare and hotel costs for your guests, however it is expected that you negotiate on their behalf, reserving blocks of tickets or hotel rooms at a reduced rate for them, if at all possible.

Also, if you are not able to help them with one or the other, make that clear ASAP. In the invitation, you could write : “A block of rooms has been reserved at a reduced rate at XX hotel or YY hotel, under the name M. & Mrs. John Smith.” to let them know that their accommodation is going to be at their charge.

A grey area is the Bridal Party : your best friends who are supporting you, and already incurring the extra costs of color coordinated dresses/suits, shoes, hair/makeup, etc... Though not obligatory, it is customary to help them out with accommodation costs, often including them in the same hotel or Château as yourselves.

While it is acceptable to leave the travel/accommodation costs up to your guests, it is important to make it known that there is no expectation of additional gifts. Their presence at your exotic event is gift enough for you!

Also, think about creating gift baskets, with any items your loved ones might need to feel welcome and important (see some creative ideas for French gift baskets here)

Though you’ve done your best to plan a glamourous destination wedding in St Tropez, or a charming event in the vineyards of Provence, there will be important people that simply won’t be able to make it. Consider throwing a festive party at home, like a back yard BBQ, an afternoon tea reception or a night out to the bar, for those who couldn’t join you, but whom would still like to share in your happiness!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Congratulations to Vilma & Victor - May 2, 2010 !!

2010-05-15T10:20:00Z

A romantic and intimate elopement in Paris was the dream of Vilma & Victor. Coming from Chicago to France to celebrate their love, and explore this beautiful city, this sweet couple enjoyed their big day to the fullest!

Even some sprinkles here and there, just made their bright love shine through all the more!

Congratulations on your union, Victor & Vilma!!

(Merci to Pascal from Aoshi Studio, for the fun photo session!)

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Introducing LOHR Couture

2010-03-17T09:12:00Z

After so much anticipation, I’m delighted to finally introduce Aimée Lohrebauer, an utterly romantic wedding & cocktail gown designer who has just opened the most inviting atelier in Paris : LOHR Couture!

Aimée is Swedish, and world travelled, with experiences in the fashion industry in New York and Milan, and recently has settled on the historic Fashion capitol of Paris for the location of her very private, very chic boutique!

A talented designer, during a previous stint in Paris, she taught at Parsons School of Design, and freelanced for companies like Ralph Lauren, Kenzo and Nina Ricci. She worked for the Nelson Mandela Charity organization, participating in a fashion show benefit, but was constantly designing and sewing wedding gowns in her spare time.

After years of working for other brands, she is now putting the finishing touches on her first official gown collection, signed LOHR Couture.

This créatrice accorded me an afternoon, and while sipping tea out of vintage china, and nibbling sweet macarons seated in velour covered chairs she’d spotted at a local brocant (flee market) she talked frankly and earnestly of her passion for design and fashion and weddings.

While chatting about Fashion in Paris and Wedding Trends of 2010 (Brides are leaning toward easy to wear dresses, less corsets and structured bodices, and more vintage), I asked her, what’s the best part of being a gown designer?

First, with her gaze drifting towards the sunny window, she came out with a true artist’s response : “Draping,” she said, “the step between the design on paper and the first pattern. While working, laying, scrunching and draping the silk, satin or lace on the dummy, the fabric is full of possibilities and has the potential to become anything.”

Then, she looked me in the eye and came out with a true woman’s response : “And, the moment the dress is ready. I take 2 steps back and realizes it’s perfect - there’s a feeling of accomplishment, admiration and 2 seconds of pride, followed by excitement. Once it’s done, I can’t wait to show the bride!”

"Being a designer in Paris, I can’t imagine it being hard to find inspiration," I told her. Then again, there is so much going on in the Fashion world, it must be a challenge to stick to one’s own personal style. So I asked her, what is her style, and where does she get her inspiration ?

Her favorite époque is the 1890’s-1930’s, which is evident in the way she’s decorated her very welcoming boutique. She loves perusing old books, and flee markets, letting the quality and romance give her ideas for new creations. She particularly loves the intricate details that were so important to this time period.

And when she comes across a beautiful tissue or inspiring lace, she sees it illuminated with possibilities of what it could become. With a love of delicate French silk and lace, and appreciation for French pattern-maker & couture talent, what better place to open up shop than Paris!

Being a couture designer means she creates 2 collections per year, but these are mainly meant to serve as ideas & trials for clients. Every creation is modifiable, and fully sur-mesur gowns (custom-made) are her passion.

The ideal client for LOHR Couture is very feminine and sensitive, fashion conscious and appreciates vintage. To her, it’s not just a dress, it’s her wedding dress, and she wants a relationship with it, to see it created from start to finish, after-all it is the robe she’ll be wearing when she says her vows!

Aimée’s unique oeuvres run from 2 500 - 5 000€, and she insists the best timing for brides to come in is minimum 3-6 months before the wedding - to avoid the stress of waiting until the last minute! When something is customized, you need more time to dream about the design, and then make sure the finished product is exactly what you want.

I asked who her favorite vendors are in Paris, and she said :

“For men’s wedding attire, I always refer clients to Samson (www.samson-paris.com). For fabulous Jewelry that can dress up or dress down the perfect gown, I recommend the talented Genevieve (http://www.etsy.com/shop/genevievejewelry) whose bijoux can also be found in my salon.

And for the most creative event design and Wedding Planning assistance, I suggest calling Heather from Rendez-vous in Paris!” (aww isn’t she sweet!)

LOHR

31 rue Etienne Marcel, Paris 1er.

www.lohrcouture.com (website scheduled to be unveiled in April 2010)

Article by Heather, Wedding Planner from Rendez-vous in Paris (www.rendezvous-inparis.com)

Weddings & Events in France : Surprising, luxurious, creative and unmistakably “you!”

Photos by One and Only Paris Photography (www.oneandonlyparisphotography.com)

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Red Tape : Marriage Requirements in France

2010-03-03T16:46:00Z

The low-down on destination weddings in France

Having an elegant ceremony in the City of Lights is the dream of many. As a wedding planner in Paris, I should know. And as an affirmed lover of France, I can see why!

It's true, there are a plethora of exquisite places to wed. From a simple terrace to a famous garden, from a luxurious private yacht to an ancient chapel, Paris itself has many unique venues. And just outside of Paris you can find a charming abbey or a castle built for Kings. Take a short train ride to the South, and you can be married in a sunlit vineyard, in a field of lavender, or on the solemn steps of a historic church.

However, if you thought finding the love of your life was going to be the hard part, you might be disappointed by all the red tape you need to untangle before tying the knot in this gorgeous country. If you’ve chosen la France as your dream wedding destination (and rightly so!!), your next step should be to contact an onsite wedding planner! But if you're confident your tante in Toulon and your cousine in Cannes are going to be able to take care of all the décoration details, let me at least give you some tips on how to efficiently fulfill the marriage requirements necessary to have the wedding of your dreams in France.

Symbolic or Religious Ceremonies in France

Most destination weddings are symbolic or religious ceremonies, which are administratively, the simplest ways to wed in France. After going to your local city hall and getting civilly (legally) married in your home country, you come to us to create a meaningful ceremony in France. A Professional Wedding Officiant can symbolically marry you during an intimate wedding in a park, in the salons of an ornate hôtel particulier, on a secret balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower or in the halls of a stylish museum...

For religious ceremonies, often preparations and permissions are needed beforehand, but once the requirements are met, a traditional wedding in a Cathédrale or other house of worship in the heart of Paris can be planned. As every religion is different, you'll need to talk to your local religious leader, and the leader of the establishment in which you hope to wed. Professional's side note : it's always easier to get approval from religious authorities when someone close to you actually attends the house of worship in question. However, great wedding planners have relationships with a variety of English speaking Priests, Pastors and Rabbis and can help your requests be heard.

Civil Ceremonies in France

Foreign couples who wish to be civilly married in France (without first being legally married in their own country) should prepare themselves for quite a bit of paperwork. Even a foreigner marrying a French person must comply with the following requirements.

First of all, there is a residency requirement of 40 days (only one of you has to be there for the 40 consecutive days preceding the wedding).

Second, you must post a wedding announcement at the French city hall (la mairie) where you will wed, 10 days before the ceremony.

In addition, you must prepare a file with the following documents (list needs to be confirmed with the mairie where you will wed):

Recently obtained (3 month old max) original birth certificates (extraits d’acte de naissance) generally with a state issued Apostille, plus the translated copies of each of these documents. These French translations must come from a sworn translator (traducteur assermenté), which are listed at every mairie: (http://france.usembassy.gov/consul/guideoas/translators.pdf).
Valid passports, and if you have them, your residency permits (cartes de séjour).
You will also need affidavits of law, and/or of marital status which can usually be supplied by the American Embassy in France.

As you can see the civil ceremony requirements are quite complicated, but with a little understanding of the French system, and the help of this article, your dream day can become a reality!

PS To create a French wedding unlike any before, let Rendez-vous in Paris unlock the doors and open the gates to unique and incredible ceremony and reception sites you’ve never even imagined!

For more information on Marriage Requirements, visit the website of the US Embassy in France

United States Embassy

American Citizen Services

4, avenue Gabriel 75382 Paris Cedex 08 France

Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 12 22 22

Website: http://france.usembassy.gov

E-mail: citizeninfo@state.gov

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Save the Date Perfection

2010-02-01T19:59:00Z

Paris.

Love.

Celebration.

Save the Date.

Two people decide to celebrate their love in the City of Light. To announce the date to their friends & family, they send a film to all future guests, setting the tone, and sharing their happiness & excitement!

The most talented Parisian videographers from Studio Artifice created and filmed this fantastic Save the Date video.

And after seeing how they work, I simply can't wait to have a client looking to send out a creative Save the Date like this one!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

2010 Wedding Trends

2010-01-30T09:36:00Z

2010 American Wedding Trends

According to theknot.com, 2010 wedding styles will be “intimate” and “comfortable,” and we’ll be seeing more small weddings with a lot of personal touches. Tea-length dresses made of light flowing materials will replace strict bodiced ball gowns as soon as the weather permits. Retro/Vintage style is still going strong, carried over from 2009, which is probably related to the economic situation of the past few years - In rough times, we want feel-good events. We want to be reassured, surrounded by our loved ones, and be reminded of easy, happy times. What a marvelous ambiance for a wedding!

(Photos from www.delphinemanivet.com - Parisian gown designer)

2010 French Wedding Trends

It’s interesting to note that the French weddings I’ve been to tend to be a lot less “orchestrated” though rather traditional, and most are very DIY. Often, couples plan their wedding within their family, craft their own decorations and devise the day-of itinerary themselves. Though the table is set, and the meal is served with proper etiquette in due French form, the rest of the evening is neither perfectly timed, nor meticulously executed, but relaxed and enjoyable.

As I've said in previous posts, the professionalization of wedding planning and coordination is still relatively new to France.

A big wedding trend for 2010 in France is the outdoor wedding! They are just starting to adopt this concept, and French Ministers are just starting to accept leaving their echo-y, chilly (yet historic and beautiful) églises, for simple garden ceremonies!

(Mas de la Rose)

One of the main reasons the French have been slow to adopt the outdoor wedding is probably because of the marriage laws in France. A couple has to be civilly married in a Mairie (City Hall) before any religious ceremony can take place. And the Mairie are often so beautiful, many couples don’t need another wedding location!

(Photos from One & Only Paris Photography)

Two big 2010 trends in the US that the French haven’t yet taken to, are themed engagement shoots (actually the French don’t generally do engagement shoots at all), and the hiring (or creating) of photo booths for their receptions (though I do have a contact for a company that has launched this service in Paris!).

They do however have beautiful floral arrangements and fantastic DJ’s that keep the party going until at least 4am! They also have a tradition that I haven’t seen at too many American weddings... Slide shows & comical videos to accompany the many, many speeches! Instead of just the Best-Man and Maid of Honor or the Father of the Bride giving a speech, the numerous different groups of friends and family pick up the mike, turn down the lights and do tribute after tribute to the couple!

At a friend's lovely French wedding, the groom even joined in and sang a song to the mariée (bride)! Such romantics, those Frenchmen

Whatever the trends, and traditions, the goal of a wedding year after year, and in any country, is to join two people, and two familles. And the best weddings anywhere in the world, and anywhere in time, are filled with l'AMOUR!

(The beautiful Sarah & adorable Martin)

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Gorgeous wedding video to swoon over

2010-01-12T12:24:00Z

During my daily browsing session I came upon this moving, sweet wedding video. It's full of love and definitely inspirational!

It was shot in California, but astonishingly resembles some venues we have in the South of France (fields and fields of lavender)!

Thanks to Crystal for posting this stunning video production by Anton Lorimer !!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.

Inspiration Board : Swedish Designers inspire

2009-12-14T18:05:00Z

I hope you've been following my tweets and updates on Twitter & Facebook! At least then you'd know I'm still hard at work, even if I haven't posted here in a bit...

I have some great articles coming up, just putting some finishing touches on an interview with the designer of the most romantic dresses in Paris, and an exposé on some newly uncovered venues!

In the meantime, here are some photos that have recently inspired me, from a swedish style website called Svenska Stylistgruppen. Check out their site: amazing interiors, table settings, and decorating ideas from many different stylists await you!

I just love the rich color schemes and femininity in these photos!! They are from a designer called Tone Rörseth. Enjoy!

For fabulous French weddings visit www.rendezvous-inparis.com.