AisleDash

A few weeks ago, I sat outside on the terrace of a friend's house, in a tiny, medieval village in France. It was a perfect late autumn afternoon. Sunny, crisp and gentle. It was also a perfect afternoon to get married, and as I sipped my wine, the village church across the road suddenly sprang into life. The great bells pealed joyously and a crowd of people spilled out of the ancient, stone building and filled the street.

A bubble machine at the side of the church entrance blew out clouds of magical spheres, drifting and bouncing across the happy throng. Then, in a burst of sound, a brass band struck the first note of a long medley of traditional French folk songs.

It was a spectacular finale to the wedding ceremony and more than made up for the tedious beginning to any French wedding.

French law demands that every marriage must take place before the village mayor. There is no getting away from this short, but deadly dull, bit of bureaucracy and it is not necessary to take the ceremony any further. However, once the papers have been signed, many French couples then proceed to the village church for a traditional wedding service.
Although the church is usually directly across from the town hall, many bridal couples eagerly prolong the journey, and show off their gorgeous outfits, be taking a circuitous ride in a horse-drawn carriage, through the tiny lanes and narrow streets of the village. Village residents line the streets and shout out good wishes and congratulations. The carriage is also followed by many of the wedding guests, each car hooting and parping for the duration of the trip. It really is a noisy and happy occasion.

Whilst you may not be able to make it to France for your wedding, there is still a way to add a bit of French flavour to your special day.

Perhaps, instead of lining the church aisle with rose petals, you could scatter laurel leaves, a French tradition.

Or, how about foregoing the usual tiered wedding cake, and having, instead, a glorious croquembouche, a delicious pyramid of cream-filled, caramel-glazed pastry puffs. Divine!

Another French tradtiion that can be emulated, is the old custom of children stretching white ribbons across the road, between the town hall and the church. As the bridal couple made their way to the church, the bride cut the ribbons.

You might choose to incorporate this custom by stringing white ribbons across the center aisle of the temple or church. (Seat your guests using the outer aisles.) Then, as you walk down the aisle towards your groom, you (or perhaps a young child) could cut the ribbons with silver-handled scissors.

Your wedding vows could also be translated into French and either put into the service program, or maybe you could read them out yourself...do practice thoroughly though, to avoid any stumbling hesitation.

A fabulous, traditional French drink to offer your guests as they arrive at the reception venue, is the Kir Royale, a sublime mix of champagne and creme de cassis.

Your wedding day is the most romantic day of your life...and what could be more romantic than getting married a la francaise?