Tag: inspiration

  • Wedding Trend – Celebrity Brides in Paris

    Last week we looked at some of the wonderful celebrity Weddings that have taken place over the years here in Paris, and this week, we’re going to show you how to create a red-carpet worthy Day of your own.  How did these beautiful Brides opt for to make their day look a million dollars?


    While the celebs definitely didn’t agree on style – with vintage vibes to modern Princess looks – they did seem to agree on colour scheme, all choosing to stay away from bright colours, instead opting for a traditional palette of White with touches of Red.  Accessories were delicate and minimal, with their designer dresses being the focus point.  However big, flowing veils did seem to be a hit, especially among Ricki-Lee Coulter and Eva Longoria whose were nearly as long – and voluminous – as their gowns!

    We’ve  put together a mood board of some of our favourite key pieces from these star-studded days.  We’ve got everything you need to get inspired for the Parisian Celebrity style Wedding Day of your dreams.

  • 12 Wedding Reception-Ready Restaurants in Paris

    12 Wedding Reception-Ready Restaurants in Paris

    It’s no secret that Paris has some great restaurants, in fact it’s likely one of the reasons you decided to hold your Wedding here in the first place.  However, there are restaurants and then there are Wedding Reception-ready restaurants.  With dozens of offerings on every boulevard, it can be overwhelming trying to pick out the right one. Well, that’s where Wedding Light Events come in; with our extensive Paris knowledge, we’ve made a list of the best of the best to ensure your dining experience is as perfect as possible.


     1. Lasserre

    From the moment your Wedding Car pulls up outside the charming, stand-alone structure of Michelin Star Restaurant Lasserre, you’ll be in good hands.  Priding theirselves not just on exceptional food and wines, but also on the perfect balance between attentive and invasive service, you’ll be able to sit back, and relax, while your Wedding Dinner is taken perfect care of in one of the many private rooms.  The restaurant was opened by Rene Lasserre himself, and has been sitting elegantly since 1942.  With the soft lift, ornate chandeliers and magnificent painted ceilings, you and up to 50 guests will feel like movie stars in this iconic setting.  Perhaps the most beautiful art on show, though, is the food, available to try on 3 different menus along with one wine tasting, starting at €130p/h.

    2.The Restaurant Hôtel les Bains – La salle à manger

    If you envisage your Wedding Dinner being a little off-the-wall, this quirky Parisian neo-brasserie might just be the one for you. With it’s extraordinary, cave-like domed ceiling and pillars, bright walls and contrasting monochrome flooring, it definitely has the wow factor.  The food is just as impressive, with a cooking approach developed by the two Michelin starred chef, Philippe Labbe.  All ingredients are bought from local and sustainable producers, with their honey sourced on site from their own rooftop bee hives – it doesn’t get much fresher than that! Whether it be a small party of six or a large wedding reception, Hôtel les Bains has lots to offer.   L-shaped tables are available for up to 26 guests at €100p/h plus an additional €3k for the space, or if you want to go all out, privatise the entire restaurant for €25k plus food and drinks.  There’s even a club available for hire downstairs if you want to keep the party going all night long.

    3. Les Ombres

    Who needs fancy decor when you can have Paris itself as the backdrop of your Wedding dinner?  Restaurant Les Ombres is located inside the Quai Branley Museum, making it one of the only places in the City offering panoramic views.  Letting the magnificent Eiffel Tower do all the talking, the decor is minamilistic and modern and the food contemporary, with an inventive offering influenced by many international cuisines.  Surprisingly affordable, with prices starting at €85 p/h including drinks for up to 40 guests, your dream of a Parisian wedding has never been more achievable.

    4. Restaurant le Saint James

    Looking for an intimate affair in a historical Parisian setting?  Look no further.  Located inside the hotel that was once a 1892 Chateau, The 3 Michelin Star Restaurant le Saint James is the epitome of luxury, with antique chandeliers, polished oak and striking oil paintings.  If that wasn’t enough, head outside and be greeted by a Pride and Prejudice-style patio, with beautiful parasols and white, lace-like seating.  Such a divine location requires equally impressive food and drink, something Chef Virginie Basselot and ‘wine whisperer’ Micael Morais definitely deliver on.  In order to assure a sophisticated and harmonious atmosphere, the maximum number of diners is limited to twelve, inside or out.  At a price of €130p/h plus drinks, it’s the perfect place to make your private Parisian Wedding dreams come true. 

    5. Restaurant le Diane

    Have the best of both worlds for your Wedding Dinner at Michelin Restaurant Le Diane, situated inside of one of Paris’ famous hotels, Le Bouquet.  The circular, domed room opens out to an elegant summer patio, giving you both the comfort of an inside setting whilst having nature on your doorstep – literally.  A refined and feminine decor with plush velvet in romantic purples and striking wall lighting is used inside while the terrace is a much more minimalistic, modern affair.  A seasonal Menu by Chef Jean-Yves Leuranguer is offered for a party of up to 40 Wedding guests, with prices starting at €150, including drinks.  While privatisation fees of around €8k are added on to this, the versatility the location offers for wedding day, come rain or shine, is a priceless thing.

    6. Le Bon

    Nestled inside what’s considered as the most upmarket and socialite arrondissements of Paris, Restaurant BON offers exclusivity, excitement and extravagance.  With four different rooms, each offering an entirely different decor, there is something for everyone, and the space can be entirely privatised or partially, in order to accommodate numbers from 10, right up to 180.  Far from the traditional French affair, the menu is based around Southeastern Asian cuisine, something which is sure to make you Wedding Dinner one to remember. Set menus from €49.50 to €122 are available, or if you want something entirely unique and catered to you, tailored menus can also be discussed to ensure your day is as unique as you are.

    7. 114 Faubourg

    Far from the muted colours and monochrome theme of many of Paris’ finest establishments, Michelin Star Restaurant 114 Faubourg is sure to bring a splash of colour to your Wedding Dinner.  Set on two levels, with floral wall panelling and intricate, black and gold-leafed railing, the setting is vibrant and ornate.  The bustling and ambiance-enhancing open-plan kitchen sees Chef Jean-Charles Cauquil and his talented team creating their sophisticated but classic dishes right before your eyes.  Despite being situated inside the famous Hotel Bristol, the clientele are mainly loyal, local Parisians so tables are kept to smaller numbers, welcoming from 8-10 wedding guests with menus starting €160p/h including drinks. 

    8. Le Taillevent

    Restaurant Le Taillevent has a distinctively Parisian decor.  A classic and understated style, including wooden panelling, winding stairs and stone pillars is mixed with modern touches in the lighting, bright artworks and striking floral arrangements, giving just the right amount of wow-factor for a Wedding.  Multiple dining rooms can cater for up to 36 with prices starting at €120p/h for a taste of their three Michelin star menu which includes perfected balance of flavours and exquisite presentation.

    9. L’Oiseau Blanc

    Why have your Wedding Dinner anywhere when you can have it enjoying jaw-dropping views of Paris on what’s known as the best terrace in the City?  Sit surrounded by glass from floor to ceiling in their aviation-themed room and you’re sure to feel on top of the world – just as you should on your wedding day.  If you’ve got bigger ideas, their beautiful reception rooms can cater for up to 80 people including a dance area, champagne aperitif, 3 course dinner and much more from €265 p/h.  Whether your inside or out, Chef Sidney Redel’s traditional french cuisine with a hint of contemporary flair is sure to add the finishing touch to your experience in this stunning location.

    10. Le Meurice

    If you’re thinking of going big, bold, and beautiful, Le Meurice is the obvious choice.  With enough space to host the Wedding Reception of a lifetime and decor that wouldn’t look out of place at a Palace, you’d be stretched to find a more glamorous location.   Antique mirrors, bronze tones, marbles, and much more set the scene inside, while an astounding view onto the Jardin des Tuileries assures continued beauty wherever the eyes of your Wedding guests may wander.  A variety of Menus by Chef Alain Ducasse starting from €130p/h are offered, and with the array of reception rooms available all with varying privatisation fees, the options for your day are endless. 

    11. Le Cinq

    Another great option if you need somewhere capable of catering for big numbers – up to 315 to be exact – is 3 Michelin Star Restaurant Le Cinq, inside another one of Paris’ most prestigious Hotels,  Hotel George V.  Light and elegant, the textiles in shades of gold and grey and magnificently detailed pillars and wall panelings give the atmosphere of a private Chateau. Chef Christian Le Squer – who defines himself as a “creator of flavors and composer of tastes” – is paired with Eric Beaumard – once named vice champion in the Wine Stewardship Contest – to make this the ultimate fine-dining experience.  With the best in the business catering to your every need along with the stunning setting, the €359p/h includes everything you could ever dream of for your big day in the City of Love.

     12. La Maison Blanche

    The Champs Elysées is one of the most famous spots in the world, and the chicest, too.  Testimony to this great reputation is La Maison Blanche, a place both to see and be seen in. Sitting on the top of the Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Bruno Frank’s restaurant offers outstanding views over Paris set over two levels.  The decor is sleek and sexy with plus, textiles in neutral colours and dimmed mood lighting, completing this warm and intimate setting. The restaurant can cater for up to 40 for a Wedding dinner, with the price per head set at  €135 including drinks.  Why not have the Parisian skyline all to yourself and privatise the terrace for an extra cost of €2000 ?  It is your Wedding day, after all.


    Seen something that takes your fancy ?  The team here at Wedding Light Events are ready to advise, plan and bring to life your perfect day here in the City of Love.  Why not send us a message for some more information. 

  • Inspiration: Yachts and Boats of Paris

    Getting married in Paris on a Boat or Yacht along the Seine River is one of the most romantic venues this wonderful city has to offer. There are many options available to privatise a boat or yacht along the Seine River.

    Some couples like the fact that you get to marry on the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower in the backdrop; that makes for an elegant and even sometimes luxurious affair, depending on the style and budget of the couple the selection varies.

    Whether you’re only a couple or you’re marrying with a wedding party there is always a size boat or yacht that can suit your needs; dinner, privatization, wedding ceremony, receptions or rehearsals.

    You can cruise down the Seine river while sipping champagne, and mingling with your loved ones, as you take in the Parisian breeze and sights, or you can have a full wedding event with food, dancing and a DJ. The options are plenty, contact us at info (at) weddinglightevents.com

    Paris boat wedding
    Bride and Bridesmaid enjoying a glass of champagne day before wedding

     

     

    Fairytale Paris Weddings
    A Fairytale Paris Wedding

     

    Elopement Paris Boat on Seine
    View of one of the Paris Boats on Seine River

     

    Paris Mini model of one of the boats
    Mini model of one of the boats
  • Inspiration: Bridal Shoes

    All of our Pairs Destination wedding Brides and Grooms comes in all size and shapes and so does the preference for wedding day footwear!

    We’ve found that shoes are one of the most important aspects to having a great wedding day – if you’re walking around in uncomfortable shoes, or ones that you don’t really like you’re less likely to be able to focus on other aspects of your day. I also can’t stress enough the importance of great insoles and carrying bandages in your purse (just in case!).

    Whether you choose some snazzy Christian Louboutins or some Eco friendly and very comfy Toms. You’re shoes are a reflection of your wedding style and your overall life values.

    For this week’s wedding inspiration we wanted to showcase some pretty shoes and ideas.

    Paris wedding shoes shoot

    Wedding photos courtesy of Paris wedding photographer

    One of our WLE Brides wearing some sparkly Kate Spade wedding shoes.

     

    Writing on the bottom of wedding shoes

    via FYWI

    This was such a cute idea for the Groom to write a little note / poem on the bottom of his brides shoes – we love it!

     

    melissa vivienne westwood white heart wedding shoes

     

    via ruffledblog

    The shoe gods have put Dame Vivienne Westwood together with the Brazilian shoe brand Melissa to create these comfy mid-heel shoes, with the cutest heart detail! (here we see the bride wearing the white and gold combination of the Lady Dragon Love Heart).

     

     

    Toms wedding shoes

    Personally speaking, as a barefoot bride, sometimes it’s just impractical to wear heels. I’m a big fan of Toms and their philosophy to help children around the world and make shoes that are eco-conscious, so these simple white flats would work just fine. Toms has a wedding line of shoes  for Brides, Bridesmaids, Grooms, Groomsmen and Kids!

    ………..

    I’ve also seen on Etsy (if you are a DIY Bride you have to check out ETSY Weddings) tons of hand made and customizable  items, including shoes! Like these embroidered wedding converse ( with the wedding date and “I Do”).

     

    how are you selecting your wedding day shoes?

  • Advice: Before a Parisian “I do”

    Chapel to Marry in Paris
    One of our Brides Enters the Chapelle Expaitoire Paris

    Wedding photo courtesy of WeddingLight, Paris wedding photographer.

    Getting married in Paris, or any other destination location can be daunting for many couples. Sometime’s it can be the jet lag upon arrival and having to settle in for a few days to a new culture and environment or it can be the language barrier that can take a bit of adjusting. Whatever the reason,  we are here to make sure everything is smooth sailing – and that includes everything from help with the administrative aspects of marrying in France, to the hand-holding stage that might happen before you say the big “I Do” without your family and friends (if you’ve decided to elope).

     

    photo courtesy of Olivier Lalin