Observing a Common French Wedding

I have always been to France and got so accustomed with the French tradition that I virtually thought I could live there alone. But the moment a wedding invitation landed on my tabletop, I assumed there was one thing lacking in my French tradition immersion—witnessing and taking part in an authentic French wedding. The good thing was that the invitation was from a French companion who was to marry a childhood love.

My companion's wedding was a traditional French procedure, not so much like the Western practices. The groom, who was my companion, met the bride at her lodge and walked with her to the church. For the procedure duration, the couple sat beside each other under a soft silk canopy, which is a symbolic protection from dreadful omen. In the reception, the groom and the bride made use of the “Coupe de Marriage” or a cup applied for toasting, which they would pass on to the next generations. In some countries I know, the wedding cake is as important as the bridal gown, so much so that each couple would spend a vast amount. But in France, it is more conventional to serve croquembouche, a pyramid-shaped velvety pastry, in place of soaring cakes.

Amidst the unconventional view of the entire world about weddings, I was elated that one of my companions chose to legitimize his partnership with his beloved, so, to the newlyweds, congrats and best wishes!