Key French Vocabulary for Wedding Ceremonies
People Involved in the Ceremony
- Les mariés – The bride and groom
- La mariée – The bride
- Le marié – The groom
- Le témoin – The witness (best man or maid of honor)
- Les invités – The guests
- Le prêtre – The priest (for religious ceremonies)
- L’officiant – The officiant (for civil ceremonies)
- Les parents des mariés – The parents of the bride and groom
- Les demoiselles d’honneur – The bridesmaids
- Le garçon d’honneur – The best man
Ceremony and Celebration Terms
- Le mariage – The marriage/wedding
- La cérémonie – The ceremony
- La cérémonie civile – The civil ceremony (at the town hall)
- La cérémonie religieuse – The religious ceremony
- Les vœux de mariage – Wedding vows
- L’alliance – The wedding ring
- Le baiser – The kiss
- La réception – The reception
- Le banquet – The banquet
- La fête – The party
Important Phrases Used During the Ceremony
- Voulez-vous prendre… pour époux/épouse ? – Do you take… as your husband/wife?
- Je le veux – I do (literally: I want it)
- Échanger les alliances – To exchange rings
- Prononcer les vœux – To say the vows
- Vous pouvez embrasser la mariée – You may kiss the bride
Traditional Wedding Objects and Customs
- La robe de mariée – The wedding dress
- Le costume – The suit
- Le bouquet – The bouquet
- Le cortège – The wedding procession
- Les dragées – Sugar-coated almonds (traditional wedding favors)
- Le gâteau de mariage – The wedding cake
- La pièce montée – Traditional French wedding cake (often a croquembouche)
French Wedding Reception Vocabulary
- Le vin d’honneur – The cocktail hour
- Le dîner de mariage – The wedding dinner
- Le discours – The speech
- La danse d’ouverture – The first dance
- Les jeux de mariage – Wedding games
- Le lancer du bouquet – The bouquet toss
Tips for Learning and Using French Wedding Vocabulary
Practice these words and phrases with a language partner, or use language learning platforms like Talkpal to master pronunciation and context. Watching French wedding scenes in movies or TV shows can also help you understand how these terms are used naturally. If you have the chance to attend a French wedding, listen carefully and try to use some of these expressions to immerse yourself further in the experience.
Conclusion
Understanding the vocabulary used in a French wedding ceremony not only enriches your language skills but also deepens your appreciation for French culture. Whether you are preparing to attend a wedding in France or simply want to expand your French lexicon, these terms and phrases will help you feel more confident and connected. For more language tips and in-depth guides, explore the Talkpal AI language learning blog and continue your journey towards fluency in French.
