What is the French Touch?
When couples choose Scotland for their wedding, it’s because they’ve fallen in love with its breath-taking landscapes, rich traditions, and warm hospitality. My role as a wedding planner here is to make your Scottish celebration unforgettable. But being French myself, I naturally bring what I like to call the French Touch.
When I talk about the French Touch, I refer to a unique blend of elegance, refinement, and attention to detail that is deeply rooted in French culture. It’s not about transforming your wedding into a “French wedding,” after all, you’ve chosen Scotland for a reason. Instead, it’s about weaving in subtle elements – my attention to detail, my sense of elegance, and my passion for romance – if this is something you’re looking for. Think of it as a little extra layer of refinement, professionalism, and creativity to complement your vision.
The French Touch is about creating harmony between every aspect of the day: the way the table is set, the flow of the celebration, the delicate details in the décor, and the sense of effortless sophistication that ties everything together. It’s about balance – making sure that nothing feels forced or “too much,” but instead curated and natural. Think of it as bringing a little Parisian chic or Provençal warmth into your Scottish celebration.
The language
French has long been called la langue de l’amour, and for good reason. In my opinion, it carries with it a poetic cadence, a softness, and a musicality that instantly evokes romance. When I meet people and say I am French, I often see their eyes light up at the mention of the language – it has that kind of universal charm.
When planning your wedding, I can help weave French expressions, sayings, or even short passages into the décor and stationery to add subtle romance and charm. For instance, imagine your table names inspired by French words like Étoile (star), Bonheur (happiness), or Rêverie (daydream). These could appear on menus, table plans, signage, or even small tokens for your guests.
Another beautiful touch could be bilingual elements in your invitations or vows – a phrase in French alongside its English translation, which feels inclusive while still adding sophistication. And of course, I’ll make sure everything is accurate, as online translations can sometimes lose the nuance or give a completely different meaning!
The food and wine
Food in France is not just about eating; it’s about celebrating, sharing, and savouring. From rustic countryside dishes to refined haute cuisine, every region offers something unique. Incorporating French gastronomy into your wedding is a wonderful way to surprise your guests and indulge in new flavours.
You could consider a cheese and charcuterie station featuring French classics like Comté, Brie de Meaux, or Roquefort paired with artisanal bread. Or why not a dessert table inspired by a Parisian pâtisserie, with delicate macarons, éclairs, and fruit tarts?
And then, of course, comes the wine. France has some of the world’s most renowned vineyards, from Champagne to Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Provence. While I am not a sommelier myself, what I can do is help you think about how you’d like wine (or champagne!) to play a part in your celebration – whether that’s a special toast, a wine display, or simply making sure the service flows beautifully on the day.
The traditions
Every country has its own wedding traditions, and French weddings are no exception. Some are light-hearted, others more symbolic, but all of them can bring something unique and personal to your celebration.
For example, in some regions of France, it’s customary for the newlyweds to drink from a coupe de mariage – a special two-handled wedding cup, often passed down as a family heirloom. Another tradition is the pièce montée, a tower of choux buns bound with caramel, which is the traditional French wedding cake. It’s dramatic, festive, and always a delight for guests.
Other smaller gestures can also be incorporated: distributing small favours such as dragées (sugar-coated almonds symbolising prosperity and happiness) or even creating a champagne tower – a dramatic and joyful way to mark the celebration.
Each tradition can be adapted to suit your wedding style, adding a touch of authenticity while still feeling very much your own.
The atmosphere
France is a country of diverse landscapes and cultural identities, and each region has its own distinctive charm. This diversity can be a wonderful source of inspiration when creating the atmosphere for your wedding.
If you love glamour and elegance, you might be drawn to a Parisian-inspired wedding, with chic black-and-white details, refined table settings, and luxurious florals. If your heart leans toward warmth and rustic charm, then a Provençal or countryside ambience could be perfect – think lavender sprigs, olive branches, wooden tables, and soft candlelight. For something light and breezy, a Mediterranean vibe with bright colours, citrus details, and airy fabrics can bring sunshine into your celebration.
These ambiences don’t need to dominate the entire wedding – they can be expressed through small, thoughtful touches: the choice of linens, the flowers, the tableware, or even the music. Together, we can create an atmosphere that evokes the romance of France while celebrating your love story right here in Scotland.
In the end…
Your wedding in Scotland will always be your wedding – built around your story, your dreams, and the magic of this extraordinary country. My French Touch is simply an added layer, one that you can lean on if you’d like: an eye for detail, a love for romance, and a passion for creating beauty in every corner of the day.
If this sounds like something you’d love for your celebration, get in touch, I’d be delighted to chat with you about how we can make it happen.
And if you’d like to know more about the differences between French and Scottish Weddings, check out this post.