Attire For A Parisian Wedding: Style Guide For Guests

how to dress for a wedding in paris

Planning to attend a wedding in Paris? It's important to dress appropriately for the occasion. The venue, location, season, and style of the wedding will influence your outfit choice. For a rustic or bohemian wedding in the countryside, a floral maxi dress and wedges would be perfect, while a sheath dress and heels are more suitable for a formal city or hotel wedding. As a guest, it's best to avoid revealing or provocative outfits and reserve white for the bride. Instead, opt for light colours, pastels, or a chic cocktail dress, and accessorise with statement jewellery, hats, and stylish shoes. Don't forget to pack a lightweight jacket and comfortable flats for exploring the city during the day. Now you're ready to dress up and enjoy the Parisian wedding experience!

Characteristics Values
Location Countryside or city
Season Summer or winter
Style Rustic, bohemian, formal, cocktail
Dress Code Chic, elegant, sophisticated
Women's Attire Cocktail dress, formal gown, floral maxi dress, sheath dress, midi dress
Men's Attire Suit, blazer, dress pants, loafers
Accessories Statement jewellery, hats, matching shoes and belts
Colors Pastels, bright colors, pale neutrals, light colors
Footwear Wedges, heels, strappy sandals, flats
Fabric Cotton, expensive-looking, lightweight

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Dress code, location, and season

When deciding what to wear to a wedding in Paris, it is important to consider the dress code, location, and season.

Dress Code

French weddings are known for their elegance and sophistication, so it is important to dress accordingly. Traditional French wedding attire for women includes a chic cocktail dress or a formal gown. The dress should be classy and elegant, and it is best to avoid anything too revealing. Men often wear a suit or a blazer paired with dress pants. Accessories such as statement jewellery, stylish hats, and matching shoes and belts are also common. If the wedding has a specific theme, it is a good idea to incorporate that into your outfit, perhaps through colour or style.

Location

The venue of the wedding can influence your outfit choice. For a rustic or bohemian wedding in the countryside, a floral maxi dress and wedges would be appropriate. A formal or cocktail wedding in a city or hotel calls for a sheath dress and heels. The length of your dress should also depend on the level of formality of the wedding. A long dress is perfect for a formal wedding, while a knee-length dress is more suitable for a semi-formal event. For a casual wedding, a midi or maxi dress would be ideal.

Season

The season and expected weather can play a significant role in your outfit choice. If the wedding is during the summer, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the heat. You may also want to bring a lightweight jacket for cooler evenings. For weddings in other seasons, prepare for unexpected weather by packing a versatile wardrobe.

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Accessories and shoes

When it comes to accessories and shoes for a wedding in Paris, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the formality of the wedding and the time of year will influence your choices. For example, a summer wedding in Paris might call for lightweight, bright, and comfortable clothing, with accessories to match. A hat or sunglasses can be a stylish and practical choice for a summer wedding, protecting you from the sun.

For women, the right accessories can elevate your outfit. If you're wearing a navy blue dress, for instance, you can create a chic and elegant look with the right accessories. Avoid clashing colours, but also avoid shoes that blend in too much. You might opt for heels or pumps in complementary colours, such as metallic or bejewelled styles, or bold hues like red or yellow for a pop of colour. For a more formal look, a clutch or small handbag can work well, while a tote or shoulder bag is better for a more casual vibe. Delicate jewellery can complement a sophisticated outfit, and silver or diamond earrings and necklaces can be a good choice. A brooch can also add a touch of glamour.

For men, accessories like cufflinks, watches, and belts can add a personal touch and complement the outfit. A suit clutch can add a sophisticated pop of colour, while a pair of suspenders can be a unique, vintage-inspired choice. A pocket square can also add a touch of personality to a light-coloured suit, which is a popular choice for summer weddings in Paris.

As for shoes, comfort is key, especially if you plan on dancing. Paris has many well-known shoe stores, including Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Tom Ford, offering a range of styles to suit your outfit and comfort needs.

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Fabric and colour

When it comes to fabric and colour, there are a few things to consider when dressing for a wedding in Paris. Firstly, the venue of the wedding plays a significant role in determining the dress code. For an outdoor wedding, opt for light and breathable fabrics such as cotton, chiffon, or linen. You can also go with vibrant prints, such as large floral designs, stripes, or polka dots. If you're attending a summer wedding, light-coloured suits are a good choice for men, and floral prints or pastel colours are perfect for women.

For indoor weddings, you can dress up in more elegant and formal attire. Expensive-looking, opulent fabrics are a good choice, such as tulle, organza, or chiffon. If you're attending a wedding during the spring, bright colours and lively prints are a great option. For men, a dark grey or navy suit is always a safe bet for a formal indoor wedding.

It's important to remember that French weddings are known for their elegance and sophistication, so it's best to avoid anything too revealing or provocative. Traditional French wedding attire for women typically includes a chic cocktail dress or a formal gown, but you can also opt for a fancy sundress or a feminine pantsuit. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly underdressed than overdressed.

As for colours, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid wearing white, as it is traditionally reserved for the bride. Pastel colours are a safe and popular choice for weddings in Paris, and you can modernise them with silver or nude colours. You can also opt for bright colours, but be careful not to go overboard, as too many bright colours can be overwhelming. Red is also an option, although it may be seen as too sexy for a wedding. Black is typically avoided for daytime weddings, but it is acceptable for evening weddings in Paris, unlike in some other Western cultures.

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Hair and makeup

Paris is a city of timeless elegance and fashion, and this is reflected in the hair and makeup styles for weddings. There are many talented hair and makeup artists in Paris who can create bespoke looks for brides, combining sophistication and glamour with a modern, natural glow.

Parisian bridal hair and makeup artists emphasise a fresh, radiant look, enhancing the bride's natural beauty. This means glowing, dewy skin, with a soft and delicate colour palette, perhaps a hint of pink or glossy lips. Brows can be bold yet refined, and the overall look is polished and sophisticated, yet never stiff or overdone. Many artists will work with the bride to create a bespoke look, ensuring every detail is perfect for the big day.

Some brides may prefer a bolder, more dramatic style, and Parisian makeup artists can certainly deliver this with a touch of French finesse. For those wanting to avoid heavy makeup, a lightweight, natural look can be achieved, with a focus on long-lasting, lightweight formulas. Parisian stylists are known for their precise techniques, and for celebrating each client's unique beauty.

There are many talented artists to choose from, including Samantha Pretto, who offers luxurious on-location services, and Mandy Dorian, who has 15 years of experience and a passion for making brides feel confident and radiant. Jiyoung is another sought-after artist, known for her calming presence and natural-feeling makeup, while Alesia Solo & Co. is a boutique agency that celebrates diversity and brings a modern, personalised approach to bridal beauty.

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Men's attire

When it comes to men's attire for a wedding in Paris, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the venue of the wedding plays a significant role in determining the dress code. If the wedding is outdoors, opt for light and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or chiffon. For a summer wedding in the south of France, a light-colored suit in beige, light blue, or light grey is a good choice. A linen suit paired with a white shirt, brown shoes, and a colorful tie or pocket square adds a touch of personality. Alternatively, for a more casual look, a linen shirt and trousers can be a great option.

If the wedding is indoors, you can dress up in more elegant and formal attire. A dark grey or navy suit is always a safe choice, as long as it doesn't match the groom's party. You can also consider wearing a blazer or sports coat with dress pants, a dress shirt, and a stylish hat. French weddings are known for their elegance and sophistication, so it's important to dress appropriately.

In terms of footwear, dress shoes are typical for men at French weddings. It is common for guests to change outfits two or three times throughout the celebration, so be prepared with multiple outfits if needed.

When packing for a trip to Paris, it's important to focus on classic, timeless pieces in neutral tones that can be mixed and matched. Invest in quality basics such as a well-fitted blazer, a crisp shirt, and dark trousers. Parisians value practicality and comfort, so ensure your clothes fit well and are not too baggy. Layering is also essential, especially during the colder months, and don't be afraid to accessorize with scarves, hats, and leather bags.

Frequently asked questions

There are several factors that influence wedding attire in Paris, including the dress code, location, season, and style of the wedding. It's important to dress elegantly and sophisticatedly, with traditional French wedding attire for women including chic cocktail dresses or formal gowns, and men wearing suits or blazers with dress pants.

It's best to avoid wearing all black or white to a wedding in Paris. Instead, opt for light colours or pastels, and modernise your outfit with silver, modern cuts, and fabrics.

Accessories are important to add personality to your outfit. You can accessorise with statement jewellery, stylish hats, and matching shoes and belts. It's also a good idea to bring a lightweight jacket in a neutral colour that goes with everything.

Comfortable shoes are a must for a wedding in Paris, especially if the wedding is in a rustic location or has a rustic theme. Mules, wedges, and other low, block high-heeled shoes will help you maintain your balance and keep your feet from hurting too much while you dance.

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