Inspiration for a Paris Theme

What is more romantic or elegant, or tres chic, than a wedding a la Paris?  Here are some ideas for infusing a Parisian theme into your wedding or event. 

You can go as understated or as Ooh La La as you want.  You may decide to create your own over-the-top City of Lights in your venue.  Or, you may decide to just use subtle Parisian design elements here and there (such as the Fleur-de-lis or toile).

You may focus on a certain Parisian (or other French) element.  For example, champagne could be your focal point and you could embellish on it – champagne bottles, corks and buckets; bubbles; champagne fountain; oversized wide-brimmed champagne glasses with clear glass “bubbles” floating in them along with either floating candles or flowers; toasting/clinking champagne glasses as a logo to use on various materials; and champagne bubbles candy in champagne classes or mini champagne buckets. 

Of course, a classic and enchanting design element for any Parisian theme is the Eiffel Tower.  You can purchase or rent large-scale replicas as well as smaller versions to use in centerpieces and other décor.  You could have an Eiffel Tower wedding cake, or cake topper, ice sculpture, fountain, etc.

Or, you might create a Paris Café scene, with wide striped awnings, fringed umbrellas, café tables and chairs, potted firs, street lights, urns, etc.  And, don’t forget twinkle lights at night!

As far as color schemes, your options are endless.  You may choose pink (from hot pink to pale blush) and white, or French blue and bronze and crème, or any other combination you like.

Incorporate French food into your menu: crepes (there are even companies that provide crepe stations), mini croissants, French bread, potatoes au gratin, pate, escargot, frogs legs, Foie Gras, caviar, and so on. For dessert, in addition to a Paris themed wedding cake (or a traditional Coquembouche Wedding Cake made of light puffs of choux pastry filled with crème patissiere and held together with caramel wisps), you might include chocolate mousse, soufflé, sweet breads, and sweet crepes. Drinks might include champagne, and maybe a signature cocktail (such as a champagne cocktail or your own creation using Gran Marnier or another French liqueur).

Wedding favors may include frosted Eiffel Tower cut-out sugar cookies, Gran Marnier chocolate truffles in decorative little boxes, or Eiffel Tower or Fleur-de-lis charms or ornaments.

More Parisian themed wedding/event ideas are coming soon