Provence is a charming region in the south of France that has captured the hearts of many. If you like the atmosphere of casual chic, grace and simplicity, this style will be the best solution and will win the hearts of your guests.
photo: Wedding in Provence style - chic and simplicity in one bottle
This was a small lyrical digression, and now let's talk about the main thing. It’s quite difficult to recreate the atmosphere of Provence; some couples think: “What’s so complicated about it! There I added a sprig of lavender, here I hung a linen curtain - and the stylization was a success” - nothing like that. If you want to spend this evening in “Russian Provence” you will have to work hard.
First of all, decide on the location of the celebration: a chic restaurant “a la the royal chambers” or the boring walls of the registry office - this is the beginning of the end. The best option is a cozy country house, mini-hotel or restaurant, decorated at least in country style - it is easier to remake it to suit the desired result. Even a clearing on the shore of a lake or a farm is easier to style than some typical cafe with plastic chairs.
Your shades are sand, warm lilac and muted purple, pink, light green, blue, milky, cream, olive, silver-gray.
A couple of ideas for a photo shoot at a wedding in Provence style
Let's be clear right away: the Provence style is suitable for the warm season. A frozen winter bride with a complexion the size of lavender is unlikely to be happy with an outdoor ceremony, and a fur coat would simply not be appropriate in her look.
Now about the photo shoot: Provence is famous for its nature: endless lavender fields, warm southern sun, emerald greenery - this is the best background for shooting. The newlyweds will look interesting in photographs against the background of ancient estates, village houses, gazebos roughly woven from wicker. Even walking along a country road, holding hands, the young couple will look amazing! You can also lie in a haystack, have a tea party in nature, weave a wreath of wildflowers - simple, but such sweet joys.
photo: Three components of a photo shoot in Provence style - sun, country road, vintage interior
Stock up on suitable props: a rough checkered blanket, a picnic basket, flowers, a lace shawl or scarf, a light guipure umbrella, a wreath of flowers. You can use retro bicycles, wicker furniture, antique cups from your grandmother's set and much more.
photo: Lavender is the main flower at a wedding in Provence style
Wedding trifles
Let's start with the invitations, keep them in the above-mentioned color scheme and add a little charm. A highlight can be aged paper, prints with plant motifs, satin ribbons or deliberately rough twine, a sprig of dried lavender attached to a letter. It will be great if the text of the invitations is also ornate and unusual.
photo: Example of a wedding invitation in Provence style
As a pleasant bonus for guests, you can prepare: jars with essential oils, sets of Provençal herbs, small pots of fragrant honey, handmade soap, fragrant sachets and much more.
Other stylized accessories also look charming. Instead of a boring saucer and plush pillows for rings, you can use stylish boxes filled with lavender branches, you can make modified “nests”, burlap pillows and much more. You can decorate bottles, glasses, make place cards, decorate napkins and cutlery yourself.
photo: It's all in the details. The atmosphere depends on them.
Wedding images of newlyweds in Provence style
This does not have to be a classic white dress; take a closer look at the shade of ivory, milky, ecru, soft blue, lavender. Pastel colors are your best friends. A “woman on a teapot” style dress with lots of ruffles and fluffy skirts is inappropriate for a celebration. Firstly, it is simply not suitable for walks in nature, and secondly, Provence is still a rural area, it is unlikely that brides will exchange a sundress for a shapeless “cake”.
photo: Images of the bride and groom for a wedding in Provence style
Flying silhouettes made from light natural fabrics, loose fit, lace, and floral motifs look stylish. Rhinestones, sequins, sparkles - not comme il faut. You can complement the look with vintage elements: an elegant hairpin, a large bracelet, an antique medallion or necklace, or an unusual belt. The shoes are as comfortable as possible; if you wish, you can wear comfortable ballet flats for the photo shoot. Shoes in a contrasting shade look interesting, but it will need to be set off by another element - a handbag, belt or hairpin to match. Natural makeup, hairstyles - curls, braids, half-tied hair with playfully strands.
photo: Light natural fabrics - ideal for a bride in Provence style
For the groom - a spacious linen suit or trousers and a shirt (light or with an interesting print). You can take plain trousers and a checkered jacket - a very intriguing combination. A classic tuxedo or suit - for social events, in Provence you should feel light and free. The tones are muted, not dark. Shoes can be replaced with comfortable moccasins or sandals. Accessories - a beautiful hat, cap, contrasting color suspenders, watch on a chain, cufflinks.
photo: Classic men's suit for a wedding in Provence style
Flowers at a wedding in Provence style
Let the greenhouse flowers remain in the greenhouses; your element is simplicity, lightness and conciseness. Wildflowers, herbs, dried flowers, twigs of trees and shrubs, berries, lavender, ears of wheat, anemones, hydrangeas, daisies, pansies, violets, small buds of milky or light pink roses look amazing.
photo: Wildflowers - wedding mood in Provence style
A contrasting ribbon or a piece of lace can be an addition to the bouquet. The boutonniere should also be as modest and elegant as possible.
Guest dress code
Bridesmaids can choose dresses in lavender or soft pink. For the groom's friends - shirts of similar style and color, bow tie or suspenders, colorful caps. Other guests can dress as they like, just write down color restrictions in the invitation: vampish women in red and men in a black suit, as if they ran away from a funeral, will look out of place.
Wedding decoration in Provence style
The newlyweds’ favorite arch can be decorated with wildflowers, green branches, lavender, willow, and discreet ribbons.
Forged products are also good - their elegance can be complemented with small floral compositions.
When decorating a wedding in Provence style, many people adhere to the rule: “more of everything.” The Provencal style will not forgive you for excesses: silk and velvet are replaced by chintz, linen and burlap, gold and silver are replaced by pastels, and exquisite porcelain is replaced by baked clay and primitive ceramics.
Decorations can include compositions of wildflowers, lavender, fruit baskets, pots with live plants, forged accessories - candlesticks, fruit bowls, coasters, etc. Old teapots, vases, jars and bottles - everything is used. Homespun materials and lace, faded fabrics with floral motifs look interesting.
The room will be cozy if there is good lighting: large windows, diffuse lighting, space - the main components of the Provence style. It is better to choose wicker, forged or wooden furniture; forget about plastic and newfangled leatherette.
Vintage suitcases, watches, bird cages, chests, even bicycles are an excellent backdrop for a photo shoot and non-standard decor.
Now a few words about the kitchen: the French are famous gourmands, so in the bins of the Internet you will probably find interesting recipes and surprise your guests. The most common delicacies are cupcakes, macarons - delicious cookies, farmer's pies, cheeses, nuts, meat dishes with Provençal herbs, baguettes, berries and much more. Drinks - French wines, homemade lemonade, liqueurs, etc.
The wedding cake should also suit the style; multi-tiered masterpieces can be decorated to suit every taste and color.
You can create the atmosphere of France with the help of properly selected music: chanson from the 60s and 70s is perfect. However, songs by artists like Patricia Kaas or Lara Fabian are also quite appropriate.
Car in Provence style
The destination itself asks you to: take transport in retro style. Wreaths of lavender or wildflowers, delicate ribbons and lace will complement the picture.
If desired, the bride and groom can even have their photo taken on bicycles or in a horse-drawn carriage - the main thing is that the vehicle matches the style. An SUV or a Cadillac in this case is not luxury, but bad taste.
Actually, we have dealt with the basics, now the most difficult and interesting thing remains - to bring them to life, but we are sure that you will cope with this task perfectly!
When organizing a wedding celebration, you should pay attention to the Provence style. The attributes of the southern region of France can make a wedding colorful and unforgettable. A certain color scheme, an abundance of lavender and antique details will give the holiday an atmosphere that matches the style. It’s not for nothing that a wedding in the Provence style is also called Lavender. It is worth paying careful attention to the selection of wedding accessories, because it is the nuances that create the overall impression of the celebration. A wedding in Provence style is a celebration in the lap of nature, a simple and romantic image of the bride, a comfortable suit for the groom, specific decor and floristry, as well as cheese and French wine on the wedding menu. The finishing touch is calm French melodies with their own charm and charm.
In this article you will learn everything about a wedding in Provence style:
- decoration of the hall;
- decor;
- a wedding cake;
- clothes for newlyweds and guests;
- photo;
- Original gifts;
- ideas for the script;
- thematic competitions.
See also
Wedding decoration in Provence style: ideas and photos
If, with the help of your imagination, you are transported to the area of the south of France, then here you can observe a cloudless sky, striking in its blue, slender cedars and cypresses, endless emerald vineyards, olive groves and lavender valleys, rocky cliffs and a sea shimmering with azure. This whole picture underlies the Provence style, the main elements of which are:
- Delicate pastel color shades.
- Lots of colors and vintage details.
- Textile attributes.
A wedding in Provence style is original, and the decoration of the event is exquisite.
Wedding in Provence style: decor and floristry
The basis of the style:
- Attributes made from natural materials.
- Calm, peaceful colors.
- Various blue and pink shades.
- Lavender flowers.
- Cheese and French wine.
- Forging elements.
- Lace products.
- Many colors.
- Wicker furniture.
To understand the reasons for the popularity of the Provence style, it is not enough to see a lot of lilac and be at a Lavender wedding. To do this, you need to completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this romantic art, lose your head from its beauty and charm.
First of all, Provence is a region of France that has a rich history and is characterized by extremely picturesque nature. Small towns are nestled between lavender fields, and civilization is very organically intertwined with ancient traditions and national love for wines and French cuisine.
Provence is a rustic style, another name for it is French country. It is based on the simple shapes and varied colors of the southern landscape. The characteristic colors are slightly muted, they can be compared to those faded under bright sunlight. These are pale gray and milky white, cream, sand, pale orange, terracotta, olive, and lavender. The combination of pastel shades with a small inclusion of bright colors creates a special mood and cozy atmosphere.
But the Provence style at a Lavender wedding is not only about a certain color scheme. These are necessarily antiques that have their own history. If you are planning a wedding in Provence style, the decoration should be very thoughtful. Particular attention should be paid to tables and chairs, table setting, selection of dishes, and, naturally, the choice of color shades.
The selection of wedding accessories is important. After all, it is the nuances that create the overall impression of the wedding. The next question is decorating the wedding hall space in Provence style. When decorating, it is necessary to use antique elements, but the main thing is that they do not look pretentious. It is worth focusing on simple textiles, wicker furniture, forging elements, pillows, slightly aged wooden surfaces. The best solution is to decorate wedding tables with lavender.
Worn, vintage furniture is approved - chairs and tables, chests of drawers, antique cabinets. All this will give your wedding in Provence style the necessary look and the right atmosphere. It is good if the decorative elements are painted with one layer of paint in light, delicate tones so that the wooden base is visible. You can apply a pattern of flowers, also pastel, delicate shades to the surface.
As for textiles, it should only be made from natural materials - cotton, linen, chintz. Small patterns are allowed - polka dots, stripes, small checks.
A feature of the Provence style is the presence around a large number of small bouquets of flowers, vases and various dishes - ceramic peas, teapots and cups, buckets, jars and decorated bottles.
Wildflowers and dried flowers must be included in the bride's bouquet, even better if it contains lavender. If you want to create an unusual impression, the bouquet can be supplemented with French herbs and spices. But no bright colors! Red or burgundy flowers will ruin the whole picture. It is necessary to achieve the effect of restraint and tenderness, and therefore you need to choose buds of blue, pink, lilac and ash shades. Cream and white colors are suitable.
Wedding scenario in Provence style
The outfits have been chosen, the overall picture of the event has been created, and it’s up to the wedding organizers to decide. The first is the time of year. A wedding in Provence style should be held during the season when there is no snow. This could be the beginning of spring, when nature wakes up and the first flowers appear, the summer months or the beginning of autumn. The ideal time of year is July and August, as these are the months when lavender blooms!
To hold a celebration you need beautiful nature around. Therefore, for organizing a wedding, a manor outside the city or a flowering meadow is most suitable, where you can set up wedding tents and decorate them in Provence style.
The presence of bright, natural emerald shades, a lot of blooming greenery in the meadow will perfectly complement the planned holiday atmosphere. If this is how a Provence style wedding is organized, the photos will turn out perfect thanks to the natural background.
The outdoor ceremony is also organized in the lap of nature. The arch, path and chairs are decorated with lavender and other wildflowers. There should be no gilding or silk attributes. Let’s not forget that Provence is naturalness, restraint and at the same time elegance.
When decorating a photo zone for a Lavender wedding, you can use an antique table and place a vintage typewriter, French envelopes, stamps and seals on it. Wine boxes and suitcases with appropriate decor would be appropriate in this case. Provence-style wedding guests can be offered bonbonnieres in the form of lavender soap, a variety of jars with Provencal herbs and honey.
The main thing is to create a cozy, calm atmosphere of the French south, especially highlighting its charm and unique charm. When preparing for a wedding in Provence style, the decoration includes the selection of the right musical accompaniment. Choose calm French melodies. As an option, you can hire musicians. Live music with French charm will add true Provence charm to your wedding celebration.
Clothes of newlyweds and guests at a wedding in Provence style
A romantic mood, sophistication and at the same time naturalness should be components of the bride’s image, which modern designers have worked very well on.
A wedding in Provence style, the photos of which reflect all the beauty of the design, suggests naturalness and simplicity in the image of the bride. Her dress should be elegant and at the same time very simple. A light, flowing style without tight fitting elements or a corset is suitable. A fluffy skirt and expensive fabrics are inappropriate for a Provence style wedding.
The ideal image is a beautiful, touching bride. A weightless flying veil will match the dress, which will make the silhouette even more romantic. In addition to your outfit, you should choose open sandals or elegant shoes with a small heel. Shoes should be comfortable and look simple. Expensive jewelry is unnecessary in the image. It is better to prefer gold items combined with precious stones. They will most of all emphasize the beauty of the newlywed.
That is, when creating an image, one should not forget that Provence is, first of all, simplicity, convenience and vintage.
Now about the outfit for the groom. Its main characteristics should be comfort and simplicity. It is better to choose a suit made of natural lightweight fabric in a calm shade. Pretentiousness has no place here. Echoes of retro style are allowed, but in general, the groom’s suit should not look very strict and formal.
In addition to the suit, you can choose a light cap or an interesting hat, belt or suspenders. All this, together with an ancient costume, will look quite fashionable and very harmonious. It is also worth noting that formal wear for the groom in the form of a tuxedo or tailcoat is not the best choice for a wedding in the Provence style and can ruin the overall impression.
Wedding cake for a wedding in Provence style
Provence is an amazing cuisine. Therefore, the wedding event menu must include:
- Wine and cheese.
- Berries and fruits.
- Fragrant fresh bread.
- Different varieties of honey.
As a dessert, you can use a farmer's pie with apples, exquisite French macaroon cookies, freshly baked baguettes, cupcakes, and berries.
When preparing a wedding cake, essential ingredients such as milk, honey and spices must be used. All this will surprise the guests of the holiday and amaze the taste of even the most sophisticated gourmets. As an alternative, we can recommend a cake made from pancakes or different types of cheese. A real French pastry chef must prepare the cake, as he will be able to understand all the nuances of Provence wedding cuisine. So, your treat will become a real masterpiece at a Lavender wedding.
Original gifts for newlyweds for a wedding in Provence style
Guests of a Provence-style wedding will be interested to know that creative gifts for such an event are already prepared for the newlyweds in stores. Popular gifts in the Provence style for a future family can be: vintage interior items, dishes and other kitchen items, ceramics, paintings, textiles, souvenirs symbolizing the past era, interesting things for decorating the garden and yard. You can get many gift ideas from the photo, or simply check with the celebrants of the Lavender wedding.
Ideas for a wedding in Provence style
Provence is a region of France whose nature and terrain are extremely picturesque. Fabulous blue sky, endless valleys with lavender, interspersed with small towns, groves with olives, blue sea and cliffs - this is exactly the picture that left its mark on the Provence style. Its main details are delicate colors, pastel shades and textile items, lavender and other flowers of calm colors, vintage elements.
A great idea is a wedding in Provence style. The exquisite atmosphere of such a celebration will surprise everyone present.
Each of us has heard at least once about such a wonderful region of France as Provence, famous for its picturesque nature. Fabulous blue skies, endless valleys with lavender, giving way to small towns, groves with olives, azure sea and cliffs - these are the main sources of inspiration for the Provence style.
Its main details are delicate pastel colors, textile items, lavender and other flowers of calm colors, as well as items from the well-known vintage. Decorating a wedding in Provence style is the dream of many newlyweds. After all, such a refined atmosphere of the celebration will definitely surprise everyone present.
Basic attributes for a wedding in Provence style
Like any other stylized celebration, Provence requires the presence of mandatory elements, which include:
- Abundance of lavender;
- French wine and cheese;
- Peaceful colors, pink and blue shades;
- Forged products and lace;
- Wicker furniture.
This style is based on the uniqueness of the French southern nature, such delicate colors as olive, lavender, milky, light gray, sand. In addition, you can use small splashes of bright colors, for example, terracotta. But you should understand that decorating a wedding in the Provence style is not just characteristic colors, lavender and old-fashioned things. The atmosphere of such a celebration should combine sophistication and simplicity, because it is not for nothing that this style is also called French country.
If you are planning a Provence wedding, the decoration of the hall should be very well thought out. It is necessary not only to carefully select colors, but also to select suitable furniture, dishes, and table settings. All holiday accessories should be harmoniously combined with the decorations.
See also
Wedding in Provence style: bride's dress and groom's suit
The main elements of the bride's image are naturalness and simplicity, combined with sophistication, and, of course, light notes of romance. A wedding in Provence style, photos of which can be seen in the selection, reveal all the charm of the images.
As for the dress, the style should be weightless and flowing, elegant and at the same time very simple. A romantic look may include an almost sheer veil. Shoes - simple and elegant sandals that reveal the foot, or light shoes with small heels. The only jewelry allowed is gold and a few precious stones. Corsets and tight-fitting details, rich fabrics, a full skirt, and expensive jewelry are definitely not suitable.
Don't forget that Provence is a combination of convenience, simplicity and vintage elements. The same points should be taken into account when drawing up the image of the groom. The fabric of the suit should be very light and natural, and the shade should not be provocative. His image may be in a retro style, but excessive formality is not at all welcome, not to mention tailcoats and tuxedos. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to complement the groom’s vintage suit with details such as suspenders, a belt or a hat.
Wedding decoration Provence
The first thing you should start organizing a celebration with is choosing the time of year. Avoid the colder months; the best time to celebrate is in the summer, spring or early fall. July and August are considered ideal months; it is during these periods that you can catch the blooming of fragrant lavender. Then you will have a real lavender wedding in Provence style.
It is better to hold a wedding banquet outdoors, somewhere outside the city, among flowering meadows and fields. It is good to use wedding tents decorated in the spirit of Provence. All shades of green and meadows with an abundance of delicate flowers will create the right atmosphere. It is also better to arrange an outdoor ceremony in a picturesque corner. Using delicate wildflowers, you can decorate a path and arch with your own hands. Silks and elaborate gilded elements will not be acceptable here. And of course, don’t forget about the main wedding decor in Provence style - lavender.
Particular attention should be paid to the design of the photo zone. Alternatively, use a vintage table, an antique typewriter, envelopes, seals and stamps from France of yesteryear. You will need to recreate the natural atmosphere of the south of France, reflecting all its charm.
Wedding decor in Provence style
Here it is important to follow the main rule: no pretentiousness! The furniture is antique and simple, we focus on natural fabrics, wicker and forged elements, lace, pillows, wooden surfaces with a worn effect - these are the main attributes for a lavender wedding.
All vintage furniture, antique cabinets and chests of drawers, tables and chairs are definitely suitable. The main decorative items are coated with light paint over the wooden surface so that it is visible. Images of flowers, as well as light, delicate shades, are applied on top. Textile elements involve the use of only natural materials, such as chintz, linen or cotton. They do not have to be monochromatic; a small pattern is possible, for example, a cage, polka dots, stripes.
The bouquet of the future wife is made from lavender with the inclusion of wildflowers. To create a more accurate image, it can be supplemented with spices and French herbs. As a result, you should get an effect of tenderness and restraint, flower buds only pink, pale blue, light ash, lilac, cream and snow-white. Bright shades are not allowed, they will only destroy the image.
Provence wedding: what to put on the table
Provence is an ancient French cuisine that surprises with its unique and refined taste. Treats for guests should include fresh bread with a unique aroma, cheese, French wine, fruits and berries, honey of all kinds. For dessert, you can offer your guests cupcakes and berries, baguettes, and French cookies called macaroons. A regular farm apple pie will also work.
To prepare a wedding cake, it is better to use the services of a French pastry chef, because only a professional of this format knows all the intricacies of the kitchen for a wedding in the Provence style. Usually, honey, milk and spices are used as traditional components of the cake. Then the taste will definitely be unusual, and the guests of the celebration will appreciate it. You can also try an alternative variation of the cake, which is made from suitable types of cheese or pancakes. This will be a real masterpiece!
And final advice for those newlyweds who are having a wedding in Provence style. The design should include musical accompaniment in a similar style. Famous French melodies are perfect. Of course, it would be best to hire professional musicians to perform them. Live music in French style will make your wedding simply enchanting.
Provence style. He came to us from the south of romantic France and immediately won girls’ hearts with his slight modesty, sincerity and genuine charm. In this region, everything radiates warmth and fills the soul with harmony: lavender fields, picturesque village landscapes... Looking at this enchanting beauty, you experience a real sense of freedom, and there is a touch of aristocracy and peace here... Anyone who has been there once will never will forget those impressions from the vast views stretching out before your eyes, and those who have not yet had such an opportunity can create this fabulous story for themselves at their own wedding!
The shades and colors that you should stick to when planning a celebration are soft powdery tones, as if bleached by the sun: cream, blue, light pink, purple, lilac. These are indeed the “signature” colors of lavender fields - the calling card of France! Why not use lavender itself in the design? This will be a great solution for wedding decor.
The bride's outfit should also match the overall style of the wedding. As a rule, girls choose fitted silhouettes, or styles that emphasize the figure of their owner.
A distinctive feature of Provence is the use of small delicate bouquets. In a wedding bouquet, as well as bouquets for bridesmaids, feel free to use lavender. Shades of lavender can also be seen in your fiancé’s outfit.
For mini-gifts of gratitude to guests, brides, as a rule, prepare lavender soap and jars of jam or honey. There is no need to throw a luxurious banquet at a celebration. Rather, your wedding dinner will turn into a warm buffet. It would be logical to include French cuisine in the menu - an abundance of salads, baked lamb, cream soup, and of course, a variety of sauces and wine! For light snacks, it is recommended to use cheese, various spices, olives and amber bunches of grapes.
You can also use vintage details as decorative elements. Furniture can be wicker or with an aged surface - “antique”.
For dessert, present your guests with a real French treat - apple pie, cupcakes, freshly baked baguette and berries.
A wedding in Provence style is a real warm holiday with a friendly atmosphere, it will not be forgotten by the guests, and the newlyweds will remember their wedding for many years to come!
Text: Yulia Chernaya
If you are planning your wedding, the first thing you should think about is the style of the event. If you adhere to traditional views, then the classic style will be just perfect for you. But if you want something unusual, sophisticated and super photogenic, a wedding in Provence style will be just the perfect option for you.Provence, one of the regions of France, is a cozy and stylish place with an atmosphere of simplicity, spicy smells, and beautiful landscapes all around that you simply cannot help but fall in love with. A wedding in such a slightly rustic Provence style will automatically add tenderness, warmth, and comfort to the event, so certainly none of the guests will be able to remain indifferent to such a beautiful and fashionable celebration.
In 2017, the Provence style gained incredible popularity, because it makes a wedding simply incredible, unique and colorful. If you don’t yet understand the intricacies of this style and you need unusual and fresh ideas that you can later use for your wedding, then look at professional photos, including. Note every detail, because they are the ones who create the overall atmospheric picture that will be remembered by both you and all your guests.
The Provence style is characterized by the use of natural materials, vintage items, muted colors, French cuisine and lots and lots of lavender, the smell of which permeates the entire festive event. That is, decorating a wedding in this style is not very complicated, but due to the abundance of many small decorative elements that delicately create a whole stylish picture, the task of choosing the appropriate decorations may seem quite difficult.
If you are planning to organize a wedding photo shoot, without which, of course, it is quite difficult to imagine such an important and responsible event, then keep in mind that they look especially cool, do not forget to do them. By the way, if you are planning a certain dress code for guests, be sure to warn them about this in advance in the wedding invitation so that they have time to find an outfit that suits the style. Indicate the mandatory conditions and wishes for costumes to make it easier for your guests to navigate the style of the event.
