In many smaller French towns, the groom will meet his betrothed at her home on the day of the wedding and escort her to the ceremony. Across the road, children stretch white ribbons which the bride cuts as they proceed towards the chapel.
At the church, the bride and groom are seated upon two red velvet chairs beneath a silk canopy, or “carre.” Sometimes laurel leaves are scattered across their paths when they exit the church, or small coins are tossed for the towns’ children to gather.
During the reception, the couple often uses a toasting cup called a “Coupe de Marriage.” In fact, the origin of giving a toast began in France when a small piece of toast was dropped into the couple’s wine to ensure a healthy life. Hence the reference to lifting your glass in a “toast.”
Another tradition that is finding its way into wedding celebrations is that of "beheading" a bottle of champagne with a sabre specially-made for the occasion. Begun as a means of showing off their skill on horseback, the Hussards under Napoleon's command celebrated their victories by 'sabring' off the top of a bottle of champagne. As legend has it, these skilled horsemen would ride on horseback at a full gallop while brave (or foolhardy!) ladies would hold up the bottles. With over 100 lbs. of pressure per square inch in a bottle of champagne, the sabre must strike the neck at exactly the right angle.
The practice spread throughout France as a way to celebrate special occasions such as weddings, and nowadays celebrants can purchase decorative replicas of these sabres that have been faithfully recreated by artisans in Thiers, France - the French capital of cutlery. (You can view one of these specialized sabres by clicking on the related link at the top righthand side of this page...)
On an equally dynamic note, some bridal couples choose to serve a croquembouche instead of a wedding cake. This tasty desert is a pyramid of crème-filled pastry puffs that are drizzled with a caramel glaze.
A fairly boisterous French wedding tradition involves continuing the celebrating into the wee hours of the night. After the reception, friends gather outside the newlyweds’ window and bang together pots and pans. These raucous revelers are then invited inside for a few more drinks in the couple’s honor before they are finally allowed to spend their first night together as husband and wife…
**If you'd like to add a romantic tradition to your wedding day, consider wearing a bridal garter that features an Eiffel tower charm created especially for readers of this site.
Email me at: erinscelticcorner@hotmail.com to learn more about this very special offer!
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