What to Expect (and Not to Expect) from a Luxurious Bespoke French Riviera Wedding—And How to Bring the Riviera to You

As we step into our era of international destination weddings, it only seems fitting to not only show you how you can bring elements from overseas weddings here, to your Bali wedding. But also showcase weddings abroad so you can see just what we can make possible for you anywhere, anytime! We've made some incredible connections and relationships all over the world to ensure wherever you choose to marry, we will be by your side, engaging with only the very best in the industry, to execute your vision exactly as you want it. Today's article is a guest blog article written exclusively for Plan A by our friends over at Tres Chic - The Agency in the French Riviera. Sophie Kobouloff took time to showcase just why the French Riviera should absolutely be on your list of destinatons to tie the knot! I'll let her words transport you to the world of romance, champagne and luxury.

Ah, the French Riviera—a place where the sun kisses the sea, rosé flows like a never-ending love

story, and weddings look like they’ve been plucked straight from a Vogue editorial. If you’re

dreaming of a luxurious, bespoke wedding on this glamorous coastline, here’s what to expect—

and what to forget about entirely. And if you can’t make it to France, fear not! We’ll show you how

to bring the Côte d’Azur straight to your doorstep.

What to Expect from a Luxurious French Riviera Wedding

Iconic Backdrops: Think cliffside châteaux, five-star beach clubs, and yachts that make you

question all your life choices up until this moment. Every photo will scream, "Yes, we live like this

now."

Champagne (And More Champagne): Forget Prosecco—this is the land of Cristal and Dom

Pérignon. But beyond these world-famous labels, the Riviera also gives you access to hidden

gems from smaller Champagne producers, many of which are not exported abroad and can

only be found in select cellars or luxury venues. And it’s not just about Champagne—the Riviera is

home to some of the finest wines, particularly exquisite rosés and elegant whites from

Provence and full-bodied reds from the Var region. Expect chilled, pale pink rosé flowing

endlessly, because here, it’s practically a religion.

Effortless Elegance: French luxury is all about understated opulence. That means tailored

wedding dresses that flutter just right in the Mediterranean breeze and floral arrangements that

look like they just happened to grow there naturally (even though a team of florists spent eight

hours placing them).

Michelin-Star-Worthy Cuisine: This is not the place for dry chicken and overcooked salmon.

Think truffle-infused everything, seafood fresh from the morning’s catch, and desserts so beautiful

you’ll hesitate before taking a bite (but only for a second).

A Night of Dancing Under the Stars: The Riviera doesn’t do “party over at midnight.” You’ll be

twirling under fairy lights, with a DJ who knows exactly when to drop an Edith Piaf remix and when

to switch to deep house at 3 a.m.

An Array of Eclectic Venues: The French Riviera offers a dazzling variety of settings to match

every luxury vision. Whether you dream of a sun-drenched beachside restaurant, a glamorous

five-star resort, a Michelin-starred gastronomic experience, a medieval castle perched atop a hill,

or a ch

What NOT to Expect

A Bargain: Luxury on the French Riviera comes with a price tag that makes your wedding

budget weep softly in the corner. But let’s be honest, it’s worth every Euro.

Over-the-Top Bling: Forget ostentatious displays of wealth—here, it’s all about quiet,

sophisticated grandeur. Think vintage Cartier, not a tiara that could double as a weapon.

Predictable Weather: The Riviera is mostly sunny, but when it rains, it really rains. Always

have a Plan B (and maybe a stack of chic umbrellas just in case).

A Rushed Experience: The French believe in savoring the moment. Weddings here are a

marathon, not a sprint—so pace yourself with the Champagne.5. An Endless Outdoor Party: While the Riviera is famous for its dreamy open-air celebrations,

noise restrictions mean that after midnight, most parties move indoors. However, a savvy wedding

planner might unearth those rare venues where dancing under the stars until dawn is still

possible—depending on guest numbers and venue capacity.

Empty Streets and Smooth Traffic: The Riviera is a magnet for jet-setters, especially in

summer. Don’t expect deserted promenades or a quick drive from Nice to Saint-Tropez. However,

an off-season wedding can offer all the magic—minus the crowds and gridlock.

Bringing the Riviera to You

Can’t make it to France? No problem! Here’s how to sprinkle some Riviera magic into your

wedding, no matter where you are:

Venue Vibes: Choose a setting with an open-air feel—rooftops, gardens, or beachfront spaces

with lots of natural light and a touch of blue and white décor.

Cuisine & Cocktails: French gastronomy is key. Have a raw bar with oysters and caviar, serve

Provençal specialties like Niçoise salad and lavender-infused dishes, and offer an endless supply

of chilled rosé.

Fashion & Beauty: Channel Riviera chic with flowing gowns, linen suits, and that effortless “I

woke up like this” hair and makeup. (Spoiler: You did not wake up like this.)

The Right Tunes: Hire a live band with a French twist or a DJ who can seamlessly mix classic

French hits with modern beats. And yes, “La Vie en Rose” must make an appearance.

The French Touch—Literally: The ultimate Riviera touch? Bring in a destination wedding

planner from the French Riviera as a consultant. They know the style, the spirit, and the savoir-

faire to turn your dream into reality—wherever you are. Not only will they ensure every detail

exudes authentic French charm, but they can also help source guest gifts that are truly

emblematic of the region—think artisanal olive oil bottles, lavender sachets, handmade ceramics,

or even locally crafted perfumes. If you want to infuse traditional French wedding customs into

your celebration, they’ll be your secret weapon for adding that extra French elegance to your big

day. They can also help set up a Provençal or Riviera-inspired lounge area with elegant rattan

seating, soft linen cushions, and rustic wooden tables adorned with fresh herbs and citrus fruits.

For an extra dose of French flair, consider a cheese and wine bar featuring regional delicacies, a

Champagne tower, or even a croquembouche instead of a traditional wedding cake. And don’t

forget a late-night French comfort food station with mini Croque-Monsieurs, truffle fries, or

crêpes to keep the party going in true Riviera style.

Et voilà! Whether you say “I do” on the sun-kissed shores of Saint-Tropez or bring a slice of the

Riviera to your own city, your wedding can still exude that signature French charm. Santé!

Want to know more about Tres Chic - THE AGENCY?

At Très Chic The Agency, we don’t just plan weddings—we craft unforgettable cultural experiences. Based on the iconic French Riviera and led by visionary planner Sophie, our boutique agency is a collective of creative partners—multicultural by nature and united by a shared passion for excellence, artistry, and human connection.

With over 150 years of combined expertise and fluency in French, English, Russian, Spanish, and Italian, we specialize in curating bespoke, luxury celebrations that honor each couple’s unique heritage and story. Cultural awareness is in our DNA—it's who we are, not just what we do. This deep understanding allows us to seamlessly blend traditions, values, and aesthetics into celebrations that feel both profoundly personal and universally elegant.

What sets us apart? A boundary-pushing creative spirit, a refined yet heartfelt approach, and an unwavering belief that the most extraordinary weddings arise from embracing culture, emotion, and detail in perfect harmony.

You can find them through their website and on Instagram.

Happy browsing!

All images were provided with permission from Tres Chic - THE AGENCY.