Rhiannon Hendricks
During the coronavirus pandemic, France continued to welcome international students and researchers, and allowed weddings to take place, provided government measures were respected. Venues could host weddings as long as they followed sanitary measures, and there were restrictions on the number of guests allowed, with weddings limited to 30 guests in September 2020. Couples could travel to a different town or region for their wedding, as long as they complied with local lockdown measures and limited their ceremony to six people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 15 October 2020 |
| Wedding restrictions | All private celebrations like weddings, student parties, birthday parties, and family reunions were banned in France |
| Reason | To limit private gatherings as much as possible to prevent new clusters |
| Wedding alternatives | Couples were encouraged to postpone their weddings or opt for a Zoom wedding ceremony |
| Wedding planning | Couples were advised to focus on their priorities, such as outfits, stationery, dishes, and flowers |
| Wedding trends | Smaller, more intimate weddings became more popular |
| Wedding insurance | It was recommended to get insurance and carefully check policy terms and conditions to ensure coverage for COVID-19-related eventualities |
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What You'll Learn
Private gatherings banned in public buildings
As France was hit by a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic, the government announced new measures to curb the spread. On October 14, 2020, President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation, recommending the "'rule of 6'" for private gatherings. The next day, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced a ban on private gatherings in public buildings. This included weddings, birthday parties, student parties, and other private celebrations. The government aimed to limit private gatherings as they were likely to cause new clusters of infections.
The ban on private gatherings in public buildings was part of a broader set of restrictions implemented during the second wave. These included a curfew, the closure of bars and restaurants, and social distancing measures. The French government was also facing pressure to lift its ban on religious services, with Catholics protesting outside churches across the country.
The wedding industry in France was significantly impacted by the coronavirus epidemic. Wedding planners and professionals had to adapt to new challenges, such as smaller guest lists, budget constraints, and the need for social distancing. Some couples opted for more intimate weddings or elopements, celebrating in small groups or outdoor locations. Wedding planners offered creative solutions, such as photoshoots in lavender fields or at iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
While the ban on private gatherings in public buildings was necessary for public health, it disrupted social and cultural traditions in France. Weddings are a significant event in French culture, and couples faced difficult choices about guest lists and venues. Some couples chose to postpone their weddings, while others explored alternative options, such as virtual ceremonies or destination weddings in countries with fewer restrictions.
Overall, the ban on private gatherings in public buildings during the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic in France reflected the government's efforts to balance public health and social well-being. While it was a necessary measure to control the spread of the virus, it also presented challenges and disruptions to social traditions and the wedding industry. Couples and wedding professionals had to demonstrate resilience and creativity to navigate the restrictions while ensuring the safety of all involved.
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Religious and civil ceremonies allowed
As of March 2021, religious and civil wedding ceremonies were permitted in France, provided that the government's new measures were respected.
During the coronavirus pandemic, couples have had to decide whether to go ahead with a smaller wedding, postpone to a later date, or cancel entirely. This has been a challenging time for wedding businesses, which have had to adapt to restrictions and the needs of their clients.
In France, there was a ban on private gatherings in buildings open to the public, including weddings, student parties, birthday parties, and family reunions. This ban was announced in October 2020, as France faced a second wave of the coronavirus epidemic.
Couples have had to adapt their wedding plans to comply with restrictions. Some have opted for more intimate weddings, choosing to celebrate in small groups, often outdoors, and prioritising aesthetics and simplicity.
In addition, couples have had to consider the safety of their guests and wedding staff. For example, buffets have been allowed but only waiters can handle utensils, and guests must go to the buffet area in small groups.
During the pandemic, some couples have chosen to have a Zoom wedding ceremony, getting married via video chat from a location of their choice.
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Intimate weddings preferred
As France experienced the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic, the government banned private gatherings in places receiving the public. This included weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, and charity events.
However, couples who still wanted to get married during the pandemic had to adapt to the new normal. A new trend emerged, with couples opting for more intimate weddings. These small, private weddings are logistically easier to manage than traditional weddings, even if they require more advance preparation.
Couples can choose to hold their intimate weddings in a private home or their own property, ensuring that the venue is aesthetically pleasing and elegant. They can also opt for an outdoor wedding in a picturesque location, such as a lavender field in Provence or the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, followed by a reception under the stars.
To ensure the safety of guests, couples can implement measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and adhering to curfew restrictions. Buffets can be allowed, but only waiters should handle utensils, and guests should be served portioned dishes to avoid sharing utensils.
For those who cannot travel to France for their dream wedding, a virtual option is available. Couples can choose to have a Zoom wedding ceremony, with an officiant in France conducting the ceremony from a location of the couple's choice, such as a park or garden. This allows couples to still experience a bit of France on their special day, even if they cannot be there in person.
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Zoom weddings
As of October 2020, weddings, along with student parties and private celebrations, were banned in France due to the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic. However, as of March 2021, it was possible to marry both religiously and civilly in France as long as the government's new measures were respected.
With the pandemic continuing, many couples have turned to video conferencing platforms such as Zoom to hold their wedding ceremonies virtually. Here are some tips for planning a Zoom wedding:
Planning and Logistics
- A virtual wedding requires careful planning and preparation, from the desired visual theme to the vows and music.
- Consider hiring a wedding planner or on-the-day coordinator to help with the logistics, even if they are not physically present.
- If you don't hire a professional, delegate tasks to witnesses or socially distant guests, such as managing the livestream and checking the audio.
- Decide whether to host your ceremony indoors or outdoors, taking into account the impact of sunlight and your onscreen appearance.
- Choose a location with a reliable internet connection.
- Send invitations with clear instructions, including the date, time, Zoom link, RSVP details, and dress code.
- Create a simple website to share information, your love story, wedding music, and slide shows with your guests.
Enhancing the Experience
- Decorate your setting with flowers and traditional wedding arrangements to create a special atmosphere.
- Encourage guests to dress up and adhere to a dress code to make the event feel more uniform and stylish.
- Send guests a "wedding box" with treats, noisemakers, confetti, and an official wedding program to make them feel involved.
- Utilize Zoom features such as live chat, private chat, and breakout rooms to facilitate interactions between guests.
- Practice good audio and video etiquette by ensuring the sunlight complements you rather than obscuring or blinding you.
- Consider asking guests to use a favourite photo with you as their Zoom background, creating a personalised backdrop.
Remember, while a Zoom wedding may not be your first choice, it can still be an elegant, memorable, and unique way to celebrate your special day with loved ones, near and far.
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Curtailed wedding rituals
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the wedding industry, with many couples forced to cancel or postpone their nuptials. In France, government-imposed restrictions have certainly curtailed wedding rituals.
In October 2020, France implemented a ban on private gatherings in places receiving the public, directly impacting weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, and other celebrations. This ban was part of the country's efforts to contain the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic. The restrictions aimed to limit potential clusters by prohibiting events in function rooms, community centers, and other public spaces.
During the pandemic, couples in France had to adapt their wedding plans significantly. Some opted for more intimate weddings or elopements, choosing outdoor locations like lavender fields in Provence or iconic spots in Paris, such as Parc Monceau. These smaller weddings allowed for simpler decor and a greater focus on personal touches. However, the curfew at 6 pm presented a challenge, requiring guests to remain on-site after the curfew until the next day.
To adhere to government measures, wedding rituals underwent changes. Buffets, for instance, were allowed but with adjustments—only waiters could handle utensils, and guests approached the buffet area in small groups. Shared objects like menus, oil cruets, and salt shakers were removed from tables. Traditions like tossing the bouquet, open bars, and sweet tables were also discontinued during this time.
The pandemic also gave rise to creative alternatives, such as Zoom wedding ceremonies. Couples who were unable to travel to France opted for virtual weddings, with officiants conducting the ceremony via video chat from iconic French locations. These virtual weddings allowed couples to maintain social distancing while still celebrating their special day.
While the restrictions certainly altered traditional wedding rituals, couples and wedding professionals worked together to create memorable experiences within the given parameters.
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Frequently asked questions
As of October 2020, private gatherings in buildings receiving the public were banned in France. This included weddings, birthday parties, and student parties. However, as of March 2021, it was possible to marry religiously and civilly in France as long as the government's new measures were respected. Couples were advised to opt for more intimate weddings celebrated in small groups.
The coronavirus pandemic has affected the wedding industry significantly. Many couples have had to cancel or postpone their weddings, losing money in the process. Wedding venues and suppliers have also been impacted, with some offering alternative dates at no extra charge.
Here are some tips for hosting a wedding during the coronavirus pandemic:
- Opt for an outdoor venue, such as a vineyard, garden, or by a lake.
- Encourage social distancing and provide guests with masks.
- Avoid shared objects on tables, such as menus, oil cruets, and salt shakers.
- Serve portioned dishes instead of a buffet, with only waiters handling kitchen utensils.
- Be mindful of local restrictions and curfews.
