The Bridesmaid's Plus One: A French Fiasco

In France, bridesmaids are referred to as witnesses and can be male or female. The bride and groom each have a mix of male and female witnesses, who all contribute to the planning of the wedding. Witnesses are often the couple's best friends or close relatives. Witnesses are expected to attend the wedding ceremony and assist the couple on the day. In some cultures, it is customary for bridesmaids to be young girls rather than grown women, who carry flowers during the procession and pose with the couple in bridal photos. In modern English-speaking countries, this role is separate from that of the bridesmaid, and the child performing it is known as a flower girl.

French brides tend to focus on family unity, not bridal parties

In French weddings, the focus is on family unity, and brides tend to focus on this rather than bridal parties. The bride is not the centre of attention, and instead, the attention is on the two families coming together.

French weddings tend to be less gendered, and the bride and groom each have a mix of male and female witnesses who contribute to the planning of the day. The witnesses are the nearest equivalent the French have to best friends taking part in the wedding. The bride and groom can have one or two witnesses each for the ceremony, and these witnesses are not restricted by age or gender. They usually wear whatever they like, although more couples are opting for bridesmaids and groomsmen in the Westernized sense.

The witnesses sign the wedding registry, and the witnesses of the groom may also participate in the wedding planning. The witnesses are not required to entertain in honour of the bride, nor to wear dresses they cannot afford.

The focus on family unity is also reflected in the fact that French couples have two ceremonies: a civil and a symbolic service over two days. The civil ceremony is held the day before the wedding celebration, with only close family and witnesses in attendance. The second day is the "real" wedding, with more meaning, whether it is a religious or secular ceremony.

French weddings also have a strong focus on food and drink, with the cocktail hour being the most important time of the wedding day. The cocktail hour usually lasts two to three hours, with quality food and drinks, especially wine. The newlyweds make their entrance at the end of the cocktail hour in a "broom car". The reception or "wedding meal" is called repas de noces, and dinner is served late, with the dancing usually starting around midnight and going as late as 7 a.m. the next morning.

There are no bridesmaids in France, only witnesses

In France, the wedding is not focused on the bride but on the joining of two families. As such, there is no concept of a "bridesmaid" in French weddings. Instead, the bride and groom each have a mix of male and female "witnesses" who contribute to the planning of the wedding. These witnesses are the closest equivalent to the best man and maid of honor in other cultures. The witnesses are also often called the couple's "best friends".

Witnesses are typically dressed in their own clothing, rather than matching outfits. While the male witnesses usually wear the same type of suit, the female witnesses wear whatever they like.

Witnesses are expected to help with the logistics of the wedding, such as addressing invitations, and to provide emotional support to the couple. They may also be involved in pre-wedding events such as engagement parties, bridal showers, and bachelor or bachelorette parties.

On the day of the wedding, witnesses may be asked to run last-minute errands, be included in photo opportunities, and interact with guests at the reception. The witnesses also sign the marriage license as official witnesses.

In addition to witnesses, French weddings also include children who lead the way for the bride and groom, similar to flower girls and ring bearers in other cultures.

Witnesses wear their own clothes, not matching outfits

In France, the bride and groom each have a mix of male and female witnesses, who are the closest equivalent to best friends or members of the bridal party. Witnesses are not required to wear matching outfits, and can instead wear their own clothes. This is in keeping with the French wedding tradition of being less gendered, and focusing on the two families coming together, rather than the bride herself.

In French weddings, the witnesses are involved in the planning of the day, and often help with the logistics of the wedding. They may also be involved in pre-wedding events, such as the engagement party, or "fiançailles", and the bachelorette or bachelor party. Witnesses also often help with the setup of the wedding venue, and the creation of gifts for the guests.

On the day of the wedding, witnesses are involved in the procession and may be asked to sign the marriage license. They are also expected to provide practical and emotional support to the bride or groom.

Witnesses typically wear their own clothes, rather than matching outfits. This is in line with the French tradition of embracing laid-back beauty and a bohemian vibe. While groomsmen usually wear matching cravats, ascots, or bow ties, witnesses are free to wear whatever they like. This adds to the overall DIY feel of French weddings, which tend to be very hands-on and personalised.

The role of the witness in a French wedding is an important one, providing support and assistance to the bride or groom throughout the planning process and on the day itself. By wearing their own clothes, witnesses are able to express their individuality and feel comfortable while fulfilling their duties.

The bride and groom's witnesses help with wedding planning

In France, brides and grooms have "witnesses" instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen. These witnesses are typically a mix of male and female friends and family members, and they play a crucial role in the wedding ceremony. They are mandatory for both the bride and groom, as their presence validates the marriage in the eyes of the law. The witnesses stand alongside the couple during the ceremony, offering support and companionship. They may also be entrusted with tasks such as reading texts during the service and presenting the wedding rings.

The bride and groom's witnesses can help with wedding planning in several ways. Firstly, they can provide emotional support and help the couple make important decisions such as choosing the location, vendors, invitations, attire, theme, and decorations. They can also assist with practical tasks such as addressing invitations, keeping records of gifts, and helping the bride choose her wedding dress.

On the day of the wedding, the witnesses can help ensure the smooth running of the event and attend to the needs of the couple. They can also organise activities and games for the guests, and make toasts to honour the newlyweds.

In addition to their role in the wedding ceremony, witnesses can also participate in pre-wedding events such as the "fiançailles", an engagement party where the two families get to know each other. They can also help with preparations such as decorating the venue and making gifts for the guests.

Overall, the role of the bride and groom's witnesses is to provide support, companionship, and practical help throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day itself.

The witnesses are involved in the bachelor/bachelorette parties

In France, the bride and groom each have a mix of male and female witnesses, who are the closest equivalent to best friends or bridesmaids and groomsmen. These witnesses are involved in the bachelor/bachelorette parties, as well as the wedding planning.

Witnesses are typically involved in the bachelorette party, which is a celebration thrown in honour of the bride-to-be, usually by her closest friends or bridesmaids. The witnesses, as part of the bridal party, are usually invited to the bachelorette party. The bachelorette party is often planned by the maid of honour, but anyone can take on this role. The planner will discuss finances with attendees, send out invites, and keep track of gifts. The bachelorette party usually takes place around two months before the wedding, but it can be held within weeks of the wedding, too.

The bachelorette party is an opportunity for guests to spend quality time with the bride, celebrate her upcoming marriage, and make unforgettable memories. Guests typically bring a gift for the bride, stay with the group, and follow an itinerary of fun activities. Bachelorette parties can range from a night out on the town to a weekend getaway or a destination trip.

Witnesses, as guests, are expected to bring a gift for the bride, stay with the group, and participate in the itinerary of activities. They may also be asked to split the bill for the party and cover the bride's portion.

In France, the tradition is to kidnap the bride for the bachelorette party, whisking her away for the weekend and making her dress up and perform embarrassing dares in public.

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