The wedding dictionary
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Accessories
Whatever style of wedding dress you choose, accessories are essential.
Wedding rings
He puts the ring on your finger… Traditionally, it is the groom who offers the wedding rings and keeps them until the fateful day. The majority of spouses choose a yellow or white gold ring. You can also choose a diamond wedding band or a large bangle encrusted with fine stones. You are still many to have them engraved (allow 15 days of delay). All jewelers offer them, even the supermarkets. You can also buy them by mail order. Musical entertainment
It's the keystone of your evening. Its success will depend on the longevity of the party and the memories that your guests will keep. Whether you choose a disc jockey or a friend, prepare the musical sequences well in advance. If you opt for system D, you will need to rent the equipment. Install the sound system the day before to check in peace that everything is working and do sound tests. To make it easier for your friend, prepare some CDs with him that will allow him to relax and enjoy the party too. If your personal disco and his are not enough, you can find compilations or rent records. A word of advice, impose that the disc jockey be the only one to handle discs and equipment, for their survival and the smooth running of operations. Finally, think of the musicians, singers, who will ensure you a crazy atmosphere, and an original evening.
Announcement
The publication of the banns officially announces your marriage 11 days before the date of the ceremony. The publication of the banns at the town hall and at the church is automatic from the moment you have submitted your files. If you want to announce it in the newspapers as well, you will have to take the initiative.
Insurance
It is not superfluous to take out civil liability insurance or to have your own supplemented to cover any incident during the ceremony and especially during the party. Insurance is also useful if you have to cancel your wedding at the last moment.
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Luggage Prepare your honeymoon suitcases in peace rather than waiting two hours before departure. Also plan on D-Day a small bag containing enough to give you a makeover, which you will entrust to one of your friends. Without forgetting of course, a small suitcase for the wedding night and for the next day. Slip some aspirin into your toilet bag, there's a good chance you'll need it. Bans Banns are small posters announcing your intention to get married 11 days before the ceremony. Their publication at the town hall and at the church is automatic from the moment you have submitted your files. Beauty To look your best on D-Day, consider a head-to-toe beauty treatment. - Face and body: watch your diet if you have two or three pounds to lose. Exfoliate, exfoliate, massage, firm body and face, in a salon or at home. Take the opportunity to take a course of good-looking food supplements. At the end of winter, treat yourself to a few UV sessions to remedy the pale face. - Your feet will have to support you for a whole day: go to the pedicure, for aesthetics and above all for comfort. - Your hands are going to be in the limelight: you can't skip a manicure session the day before the big day. The ideal would be to start taking care of them a few weeks before. Massage, nourish, polish as often as possible. Jewelry As with other accessories, don't choose them the day before. Do several tests and do not hesitate to borrow some from your mother or your friends to get an idea. Group them the day before, you won't have to run after an earring or after a string of pearls at the last moment. Beverages A quota of bottles is provided by caterers according to standards they know well. It is preferable to count the bottles consumed with the caterer at the end of the evening in order to avoid any dispute at the time of invoicing. If you supply the drinks yourself, some caterers may ask you for a corkage fee, but they are very rare to do so. Bouquet (of the bride) Tradition has it that it is the future husband who orders it and has it delivered, but these young ladies are more and more likely to take care of it themselves. Always for harmony, the bouquets of the little bridesmaids must match that of the bride. Finally, don't forget the white carnation that will strut around the buttonhole of the groom, dad and step dad. Budget The average amount is estimated at around 130,000 F, the reception alone often representing half. It is always prudent to plan for a 20% overrun. Ask the members of your two families what budget they have and see for yourself how much you can invest. Do not wait for the arrival of the invoices to go see your banker and find out what loans he can grant you. The bride and groom can also benefit from attractive loans from their company, town hall, CAF... Also think about economic solutions. And to check the state of your finances day after day, access your personalized budget! Buffet Used for the whole dinner or only for starter and dessert, the buffet combines conviviality and originality. It makes it possible to offer a greater diversity of dishes and varied gastronomic themes. But beware, this formula requires organization. To avoid waiting and crowding, set up the buffets in different places in the room and in sufficient quantity.
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Shoes Don't buy them at the last moment, so you can wear them at home, a few weeks before, in order to "break them". Remember to do the summer sales, if you are getting married in the spring or the following summer. You may be able to find the cream pumps you dream of at a lower price from the big brands. In silk, suede, satin, crepe, pumps, ballerinas, ankle boots or Charles X, everything is allowed. But if they are too precious, it will be difficult for you to dye them. If you have them made to measure, for example in the same fabric as your dress, count at least a month for their realization. Cocktail Under this term hide very different formulas, from the cocktail-aperitif to the cocktail-dinner. The classic cocktail lasts two to three hours. Served upright, it can include, in addition to canapes, hot pieces and sweets. The cocktail-dinner lasts longer (4 to 5 hours) and should satisfy the guests as much as a real meal. Served standing, it does not require a large living room and allows, if necessary, to receive at home. Do not hesitate to play on the palette of themes by offering, for example, alongside classic dishes, a few Vietnamese, Japanese or West Indian dishes. To find out more, consult our practical factsheets Vin d'honneur and cocktails and Types of dinner. Hairdresser Even if you don't have a precise idea of what you want, make a first appointment with your hairdresser about a month before. Bring her anything that can help her visualize the style of your outfit (photos, sketches, accessories, veil...) and don't hesitate to explain to her what style of wedding you are planning. If you need a cut, do it a week or ten days before D-Day: a cut always lasts better a week later. Conversely, if your hair is short and you dream of a bun, know that you will have to wait five to six months before it reaches the minimum length. For D-Day, the majority of hairdressers come home. Just ask them (early enough of course). For more information, see our article Choosing a hairstyle, as well as Hairstyles for long hair and Hairstyles for short hair, where you will find many models and tips. Marriage contract This defines the matrimonial regime under which you are going to unite. The role of the marriage contract is to list each person's own assets before D-Day, to define what will happen to those acquired during the marriage and the share that will be returned to each in the event of divorce or death. The steps are not so complicated and we often feel better when these material details have been said and written. Choose a notary and ask him all the questions that come to mind. The standard contracts are remodeled according to particular cases. If you do not decide on any specific contract, you will automatically be married under the regime of community of property reduced to acquests. The contract must imperatively be signed 15 days before the wedding because it is required for the civil ceremony. But don't sign it with your eyes closed, because you won't be able to change it for two years, after court approval. Procession Choose children over four years old and if possible a few older girls aged 8-10 who will take charge of the process. Also prefer children you know well, the others would misunderstand what they are doing there. For their outfit, it is a question of coordinating them with the colors and the style of your wedding dress. System D: if there aren't too many of them, you can always put your nimble-fingered aunt to work by providing her with a pattern and fabric. You can also ask the parents to buy the same plain outfit for each child and buy each the same boaters, the same gloves and make the same wide liberty or satin belt. Guaranteed effect at lower cost. A word of advice: have your photos taken before the ceremony. Afterwards, you risk finding yourself with a bunch of kids much less presentable... The procession, think about it! Groom's suit The tailcoat of very mundane weddings is lost in favor of the jacket, this jacket with long, rounded tails. It is generally gray or black and is worn with a white shirt with a broken collar, embellished with an ascot or a gray silk tie, a waistcoat and black shoes. The top hat completes the whole thing. The most common, the most practical and the most reusable is still the costume. Well cut, dark, gray or dark blue, with a white shirt and a plain silk tie, he is always elegant. You can brighten it up with a fancy waistcoat,all with the advantage of being recyclable. Know that costumes and accessories are rented. To find out more about masculine elegance, accessories and the latest trends, read our practical sheets.
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Decoration This is what will give a lot of style and cachet to your evening, so don't neglect it! Consult our Decoration section: you will find things to do yourself, and many ideas. Quotes It's always best to get quotes, and all professionals do it for free. You will have to ask the caterers first. The time varies between two days and two weeks. Do not hesitate to ask what will be charged and what the price includes so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises when paying the invoices. Home Whether this house belongs to a member of your family or friends, consider asking them early enough if you want to use it as a place for your wedding. Celebrating your wedding in a family home offers greater freedom in organizing the reception. You can imagine the decoration that sings to you by playing on the toppings, hangings, flowers, crockery, lighting. For dinner, you can very well order the main course from a caterer and take charge of the appetizers, the cheese platter, order the evening cakes and the cake from your usual pastry chef. For wines and champagnes, cooperatives and small merchants will deliver to you without problems. You can also go to your local wine merchant or go to the wine fairs of supermarkets. Tables, chairs, tents and mobile heaters can be hired. Do not forget to warn the neighbors and to provide parking spaces. In addition to the plan that it would be wise to attach to the invitations, plan a signposting from the nearest main intersection. Marriage file This file is essential to be able to marry you civilly. You will need proof of address, a birth certificate less than three months old, the name, date of birth and address of the witnesses, an identity document, a medical certificate less than two months old certifying your good health and finally the marriage contract if you have decided to make one. Rights The labor code grants you four working days off. Some collective agreements are more generous. Check with the personnel department. If your company reserves part of its profits for its employees, you can request that your share be paid to you on this occasion. In addition, some works councils provide bonuses, gifts or gift certificates which are often enjoyed in department stores on certain occasions, such as weddings, births and removals. The family allowance fund grants very attractive bank loans to young families depending on age, income and how it is used, the same goes for certain municipalities and certain companies. Sugared almonds It is traditional to leave a small ballotin of sugared almonds to the guests.
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Savings If you call on service providers for everything (caterer, photographer, entertainer, florist, etc.), the best way to pay the right price is to always consult at least two of them, to ask for precise quotes and to compare. Then ask all the questions and do not hesitate to ask them why, for equal services, their price is higher than another. The bill may be readjusted. The surest way to save money is still to take care of as many things as possible yourself for the rental of equipment, tents, sound system... Just know that you will have to devote a lot more time to the organization , go see the suppliers, call them yourself... And to help you optimize your budget, follow the guide. Church Contact the priest as soon as possible to be sure that he will be free at the chosen time. You can request that the marriage be celebrated by a religious of your choice. Provide baskets for the quest carried out by the children of honor. If you don't have an idea for the music, there are discs grouping pieces of circumstance. Check that the church can accommodate the number of your guests. And think of the gospel, which will ensure the atmosphere and the beauty of the ceremony. Do not hesitate to ask all the questions to the priest: should we bring equipment (lighting, armchairs for the bride and groom) or help him to transport chairs? Remember to print the texts of the ceremony. A nice layout may make you want to keep them. And remember to decorate the place of worship! Sending announcements Update your address book. Establish a precise list of mailings as you go, in order to note the responses and know who to follow up when the time comes. Stamps are quite expensive. From a certain number, you can benefit from a "bulk mail" rate at the post office. If they are ready in advance, you can also ship them in slow rate, which is more economical. They will only take two or three more days. And to find out more, consult our fact sheet. Foreign (marriage to) Marriage follows the laws in force in the country. For it to be valid in France, however, the banns must be published in the town hall of your domicile. Prenuptial certificates must be submitted 11 days before the wedding date. On site, you will then have to have the act transcribed on the civil status registers at the French consulate, which will give you your family record book. Send to those who have confirmed their presence a small memento with all the dates, a quick presentation of the country, the city, its climate, a list of hotels where they can book (even if it means booking for them), car rental companies ... Also add some tourist curiosities and routes that they can follow. You can also negotiate attractive airfares with airlines and travel agencies, starting from a minimum number of guests. More information ? Read our article on international marriages. Prenuptial examination You will have to do it in the two months preceding the submission of the file to the town hall. Our practical sheet will reveal to you what it consists of exactly. Bachelor party Before you get married, you will have to bury your bachelor life with dignity. Custom dictates that it is your witnesses and friends who organize a small evening, which should have many surprises in store for you...
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Invoices Keep safe, file and then pay. Before you even see the bills arrive, know exactly who will pay them between the two families, even if they arrive in your mailbox. In this case, keep a photocopy of each of them, this will avoid very unpleasant family disputes. The simplest would still be to ask suppliers to invoice the data subjects directly. Note that most caterers ask to pay the balance upon receipt of the invoice. Rare are those who demand it at the end of the evening. For the valuables you will receive (wedding rings, household appliances, silverware, furniture, etc.), do not hesitate to ask for invoices. They can be useful to you if unfortunately you were robbed. Announcements You have finally decided on the place (church, reception), the reception formula and the number of guests: it is time to worry about announcements. Traditional or more imaginative, send them at least six weeks before the date. - If you call on a printer, he will always have a catalog to present to you, a choice of typography and paper and will advise you according to your wishes. Always ask for a quote. For announcements and envelopes, count more than your guest list. A reprint always costs more than an order of 50 more. For envelopes, you will waste a few, since you will have to write the addresses by hand, do not forget returns due to address changes. Take the opportunity to print thank you cards for the gifts, the program for the church, the menus... The more you order, the easier the negotiations are. System D: if you have a computer or if you have a little imagination, you can very well create your own invitations. Don't forget that it will have to be done in 250 or 300 copies, so don't make it too complicated! Flowers They will be everywhere: at the church, at the town hall, at the place of reception, on the tables, on the cars, in the hands of the bride or in the buttonhole of the men. White flowers are always preferred, but you can choose a dominant color or style of composition that, again, goes with the style of the wedding. The flowers are there to brighten up the church and of course the reception. Don't forget the town hall hall, which is often sad. All you have to do is bring a few bouquets which you will then send to the church. Administrative formalities If you have decided to change your name, you will need to modify your identity papers and to do so provide supporting documents, civil status records or extracts from the marriage certificate, after having obtained the necessary forms from the town hall. . You will also have to notify various organizations of your change of situation: public treasury, social security, mutual insurance, pension fund... Don't forget your company and your bank either. Madam, you can keep your maiden name and therefore keep the same signature. If you add your spouse's name to yours or if you simply adopt his, you will need to change your signature. Mixed formula The starter or the main course will be served at the table (with or without the possibility of choice for the guests), the rest at the buffet. You can also opt for the cheese buffet or the coffee dessert buffet. This variant, less expensive than the seated meal, since it requires less service, has the advantage of taking a break. It's a good compromise between the whole buffet and the seated meal, as convivial and dynamic as the first and less rigid than the second. Some caterers also recommend the buffet dinner, with a starter served at the table and four different hot dishes to choose from the buffet, allowing two hot plates to be served per person. A piece of advice, the buffet is synonymous with waiting. To avoid this, it is better to increase the length of the buffet and provide sufficient service staff.
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Childcare Must be organized if you want everyone to have fun. Take an experienced babysitter, or more if necessary. Provide a separate table so that the youngest can eat together (many caterers offer children's menus). A room, if possible quiet, will be welcome to serve as a dormitory, with beds, sofas, mattresses, pillows and blankets. Don't hesitate to bring a VCR and television for a cartoon break, and organize a party for the children. Cake The traditional cake (croquembouches) is still the most economical. You can also choose an all-chocolate entremet, a strawberry or a fruit mousse, which will be "dressed" for the occasion. The price of the cake is not necessarily in the estimate that the caterer will present to you. Many of them only offer it as an option.
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Accommodation You probably won't be able to accommodate all the guests in your home. Book hotel rooms for close family (grandparents, aunts and uncles) as soon as possible. For others, prepare a fairly large list of hotels or bed and breakfasts (think of all budgets) with address, telephone number, quick description (number of stars) and price range. You will photocopy this list and send it to the guests, who will then make their own choices and reservations.
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Taxes In the year of the wedding, you will have three tax declarations to make: one for each until the date of the wedding and another for the couple after the wedding. Know that Madame has the right to keep her name, wearing that of her husband being only a custom. Guests (list of) Hard task but essential since it is from this list that you will be able to evaluate the expenses and choose an appropriate place. In general, each family takes care of its own guests. Of course, you shouldn't forget anyone, but you can't necessarily invite 300 people. Ask the two families to make their list, then readjust. If you are on the verge of a nervous breakdown, set a maximum number per family, then it will be up to them to eliminate friends who are too distant. If no one can resolve it, then you can offer a wine reception or a cocktail that will allow you to quickly receive the less intimate, neighbors and others, the dinner then being reserved only for relatives. To make sure you don't make any mistakes and deal with all situations, see our article Guests: caution and good manners.
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Garter It is traditionally part of the bride's outfit. According to the peasant custom, it is sometimes sold at auction during the banquet to offer the honeymoon to the young couple or to round off the first ends of the month. To learn all about the garter and other traditions, see our article What traditions are all about. Wedding diary Since you will already have a lot to do during this day, ask your friends to become reporters for a day. Everyone will then be responsible for writing a short article on a particular moment (at church, at the town hall, the children heckle each other, grandma dances rock, friends put on a show...). The ideal is still to be able to scan a few photos and incorporate them into the journal. You don't have to be 32 pages. Photocopied, this diary will be one more reason not to forget this big day and also to share it with those who could not come.
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Reception location It is chosen according to the number of guests (count two people per m2 for a cocktail and one for a seated meal), your budget, the proximity of the two families, and the style wedding chosen. If the family home and its garden are back in force, know that everything can be rented: castle, abbey room, boat, barge, palace lounge, wine cellar. For an economical formula, consider the village hall. If you hesitate, it is always possible to take an option for two rooms, the time to decide. If you are in need of addresses, the caterers will always be able to provide you with them, as well as the tourist offices in your region or the houses specializing in French tourism. Remember to ask all the questions and go through the quotes. Wedding list It is advisable to file your wedding list before sending the announcements. Upon receipt, guests will want to know where it has been deposited. Design your list according to your needs. For those who have lived together for a long time and who don't miss a teaspoon, you can also drop off a list at an antique dealer, a furniture store, a music store, a travel agency... overwhelmed, remember to thank as you go. The stores where you dropped off your list will be happy to tell you over the weeks who got you what. Rental Everything can be rented, don't forget that. From the groom's dress and outfit, to tables, chairs, tablecloths, tents, heating, cars, sound system...
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Town hall You will necessarily be less numerous there than at the church, especially if the civil marriage takes place the day before or even a few days before. Your respective parents and grandparents, witnesses and very close friends will be present. Be aware that the Mayor is likely to delegate the wedding to one of his deputies. The ceremony follows a specific ritual but lasts only a few moments. Maître d'Hôtel All caterers will tell you that. The success of a reception depends on the quality of the service as much as on what's on the plate. Whether you opt for a seated meal or a buffet, it is therefore imperative not to skimp on this item. Makeup You can have your makeup done by a professional or do it yourself. It is better to do a few tests before the big day. If you are not an expert in the subject, prefer the natural style. Reception equipment Often provided by the caterer, reception equipment includes table linen, napkins, plates, cutlery, glassware, serving equipment, ashtrays... Beware of loss or breakage. The caterers will present you with the bill if your guests have been too clumsy. Some caterers offer breakage insurance, but you can also request an extension of your personal "civil liability" insurance from your insurer. Accompanying music at the church You can record your songs on cassette or buy a ready-to-use wedding music CD. Many churches are equipped with a player, otherwise bring your equipment. You will entrust the handling to one of your relatives, by preparing a written outline of the ceremony so that he knows when to start the music and stop it. If the church has an organ, ask the priest for the organist's contact information.
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Wedding night First advice, do not choose a hotel 30 km from the reception venue, you will most certainly be exhausted. A majority of hotels offer wedding night packages with a bottle of champagne and flowers. If this is not the case, ask the gentleman to be far-sighted.
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Parking If the castle or the room of your dreams does not have more than 10 parking spaces when you will receive 100 people, you will have to find solutions: the guests having turned around for an hour before finding a place might arrive at the party in a bad mood. If there are enough places, but distributed in several places, take the time to indicate them on the plan that you will print on the back of the invitation card. On site, before the reception, remember to fix cardboard signs attached to trees or pylons. If you are hosting at an aunt's house or at your house, warn the neighbors and ask them nicely if they don't mind your guests overflowing into their own parking spaces. Sharing the tasks Chances are that most of the planning of the wedding will fall to you (you are never better served than by yourself), even if the bills are shared. But you can very well delegate certain things to your relatives (for example sound system, animation, photographer, confirmations with suppliers, search for rental companies, etc.). Staff Staff must be sufficient in number and therefore constitute an important part of your reception budget. For a dinner at the table, count a maximum of one butler for 20 people and one for 50 people for a cocktail. You will need competent people. If your finances do not allow it, prefer to appeal to a hotel school rather than recruiting a few students who have never handled glassware and trays. It is advisable to also take a lady for the cloakroom and to maintain the toilets. From a certain hour, you will surely be charged overtime, but it is not necessary to keep a whole team for a few night owls. Photos and videos As with the other service providers, contact them very early, and book at least 4 months in advance, especially if you are getting married during the busiest periods. Again, quotes are imperative (know who takes charge of the prints and at what price). Call them or go see them at least 15 days before to determine with them the course of operations. Table plan The rules of etiquette dictate that in general, the head table is presided over by the bride and groom and their witnesses. The father of the bride and the mother of the groom will preside over another, as will the mother of the bride and the father of the groom. If there is only one table, the groom and the bride must always occupy the center. Then you can either leave the family and groups of friends together and place the isolated people or couples at a table, or mix all the guests so that they get to know each other during the meal. Group the children by age groups if there are many of them. Prepare a large sign at the entrance of the room indicating the precise location of each table, the alphabetical order of each person and the name of the table where they should sit. To name each table pleasantly, all you have to do is find a series of names related to you, your hobbies, your passions... On each table, if you have the courage, you will indicate the names of the guests, alternating between man and female. To find out all about the different arrangements, consult our practical sheet. Imperative planning even if you do not delegate anything. Make a month-by-month plan to distribute the tasks, especially if you have the prudence to start a year before. You will check off as you go along what has been done, and carry over to the following month what has not been done. Also make a schedule week by week, a month and a half before, and a schedule for the day hour by hour for the day before D-Day. If you delegate certain tasks, for more security, prepare a schedule for each person, with the tasks to be done and the date by which it must be done. For the day before and D-Day, make a very detailed schedule, person by person. The ideal being to bring together all those who will have something to do, two or three days before, for a small dress rehearsal. Tipping It is not an obligation but you can think of tips for the waiters, the driver, the delivery man and the erector of the tents… if you have been satisfied with their services. Publication If the publication of the banns at the town hall and at the church is automatic from the moment you have submitted your files, it is up to you to take the initiative for the newspapers.
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Religion You have chosen to marry religiously: whatever your denomination, notify the person in charge of the religion as soon as possible, in order to make sure of their availability, to plan the preparation and to organize the ceremony. Acknowledgments Heavy task if family and friends are numerous. In addition to thanking you for gifts, on or off the list, don't forget those who sent you flowers. If you decide to get down to it after the wedding, you can slip a few photos in the envelope, especially for your close family and those who couldn't come. Sit-down meal The sit-down meal is more conventional. It is usually preceded by a welcome cocktail for which professionals recommend 5 to 10 pieces per person. A sit-down dinner is often better enjoyed by family than friends. If it seduces for its saving of time (lasting from 2h to 2h30) and of space (compared to the mixed formula with buffet), it however sins by its gastronomic rigidity, the menu being obligatorily imposed. However, a seated meal does not necessarily rhyme with classicism. You can very well add a touch of exoticism or opt for regional cuisine. Wedding dress The choice will be difficult. Take enough time to reflect. The dress will have to be in harmony with your morphology, your personality, the place of the wedding, the style of reception and of course your budget. If you opt for made-to-measure, plan many fittings, and be attentive to the choice of materials. For thrifty people and small budgets, a seamstress aunt can very well adapt a pattern bought in the trade according to your ideas. Savvy bargain hunters can also make finds at second-hand shops or flea markets. Go over the dress from every angle to check that there are no irreparable tears or indelible stains, a visit to a good dry cleaners and presto! That's it.
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(Wedding) fair To glean all kinds of information (dresses, caterers, flowers, travel, administrative formalities, contracts, loans, etc.), do not hesitate to survey the wedding fairs which are organized each year in Paris and in the provinces. They are now found in the main cities of France. Department stores also organize their own events. Souvenirs The most beautiful souvenirs you will leave with your guests will be those festive images that they will cherish in their memory. But treats and small gifts are always a plus. For dragees, they can eat them on site, presented in bulk in a cup and/or take them away. It is then necessary to provide a kilo for 50 sachets. You can buy them already wrapped or in bulk and you take care of the filling by having bought small pockets of paper, cones, bags of fabric, veil or lace marked with your two names. But why not also offer them matchbooks to place on the tables, porcelain ashtrays, offer cigars with rings bearing your two names at the end of the meal or buy engraved champagne flutes?
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Witnesses For the civil and religious ceremony, you should not skimp on their choice. Reception tent If your reception takes place outside, it is always wise to provide tents or parasols if your guests are not very numerous. You will need 2 m2 of tent for three people. Also consider parquet. Themes Remember to choose a theme that you will use for the decoration, entertainment, dinner, etc. Toilets There must be a sufficient number of them. To avoid the queue, know that mobile toilets are rented. Remember to indicate them and don't forget the toilet paper… Caterers The success of your reception will depend on the good choice of a caterer. Don't forget that today their role no longer stops at filling the plates. They have become real conductors. They can help you find the small 18th century mansion of your dreams, advise you on the formula best suited to your budget, offer you fireworks, a sound system or an orchestra. The list of their services is long: invitation cards, cloakroom equipment and staff, marking of plates with the first names of the spouses, car rental, driver, children's service, children's menus, photo reportage, lounge lighting, menu printing. .. Each wedding is unique, they are there to make it tailor-made. Do not hesitate to ask them for a gastronomic test. This will allow you to taste the quality of the dishes and the freshness of the products. Should we opt for a seated meal, a cocktail dinner or a mixed formula? They are there to advise you according to the number of guests, your budget, the location chosen... Trousseau Times have changed. It is no longer a question, like our grandmothers, of pulling the needle to adorn sheets, pillowcases and towels with ladder days or embroidery. To start your life as a couple in fine linen, all you have to do now is drop off a duly thought-out list in a specialized store or department store. In addition to the usual sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, terrycloth towels, bathrobes, tablecloths and kitchen towels, you can treat yourself by adding a superb down comforter, linen sheets. You can of course have your initials embroidered toweling towels and bed sets. All the big houses and department stores offer it.