Planning a wedding in France but don’t speak French? You’re not alone. And no — you don’t need to be fluent to have the day you imagined.

Since moving to Bordeaux, I’ve learned a lot about the language. Not just the words, but the small things that shape how people speak, act, and connect here. And as someone building a wedding photography business in France — and learning French at the same time — I wanted to share a few things I’ve picked up along the way.

This isn’t a grammar lesson. It’s a personal one. If you’re an English-speaking couple planning a destination wedding and wondering about the language barrier, this post is for you.

French people are Lovely — especially when you try

I’m learning to speak French and some days I’m better than others. I mix up words, pause mid-sentence but 99% of the time, it’s totally fine.

What I’ve found is that effort matters far more than fluency. Most people are patient when they see you’re trying. And the same goes for your wedding as you don’t need to speak perfect French to work with planners, venues, or suppliers here.

One of the biggest mental blocks for me early on was the feeling that I sounded silly — like I was speaking with someone else’s voice. But I’ve learned that people appreciate the effort. Speaking another language isn’t easy, and people recognise that.

Give it a go. You might surprise yourself.

A few French words go a long way: The Fantastic Four

If you learn nothing else before your wedding in France, make it these:

Bonjour – Always open with it. Skipping it can feel abrupt here. With it, you’re instantly off on the right foot.
Merci – Self-explanatory, but don’t forget it.
S’il vous plaît – Adds kindness to anything you’re asking.
Au revoir – Say it on the way out. It wraps things up politely, even after quick exchanges.

The French place real value on courtesy. These basics can really help everyday interaction whether you’re picking up flowers or confirming a dinner reservation. And yes, it absolutely applies on your wedding day.

Bonus phrases I use all the time

If you want to shift it up a gear this will help you blend into everyday life in France.

Allez-y – Let someone go ahead of you in a queue or through a door.
Pardon – “Excuse me” if you bump someone or need to squeeze past.
Excusez-moi – To get someone’s attention. Perfect for shops, cafés, or asking directions.
Je ne parle pas bien français – “I don’t speak French well.” It shows honesty and effort.
C’est combien ? – “How much is it?” Handy for cafés, markets, and vendors.

Why Saying the Right Word in the Wrong Region Gets You a Funny Look

France doesn’t speak one kind of French. It speaks many. What you hear in Paris isn’t what you hear in Bordeaux, and I found that out the hard way.

I spent a few months getting odd looks every time I asked for a “sac” (carrier bag) in the supermarket. Turns out, in Bordeaux, people say poche. No one corrected me they just looked confused. Once I started using poche, those little interactions got easier.

It’s the same with pain au chocolat vs chocolatine, or reserving a table vs retenir one. These aren’t huge obstacles. They’re reminders that the language here is alive, regional, and full of personality.

A Local Mindset Makes a Big Difference

Since moving here, one of the biggest changes hasn’t just been about language. It’s been about pace.

Weddings in France often move more slowly. The meals last longer. The afternoons open up. There’s time between things. It’s not rushed, and that makes the day feel more settled.

At first, I expected everything to follow a UK-style timeline. But once I stopped trying to fit things into neat boxes, I started noticing how much more relaxed people became. With less pressure, the day starts to flow more naturally.

That approach has shaped how I photograph as well. I give the day space. I don’t push things too hard or interrupt when people are in their own rhythm. Most of the time, the best moments happen when you let them.

If you’re planning from abroad, it’s easy to feel like you have to get every detail just right. But some of the best weddings I’ve seen are the ones that lean into the pace of the place they’re in.

Final Thought: You Don’t Need to Speak Fluent French to Have a Brilliant Wedding in France

You don’t need to understand every menu or announcement. You don’t need perfect grammar. What really makes a difference is having people around you who help you feel calm and comfortable.

That includes your photographer.

And if you’re still learning the language like I am, you might find that letting go a little makes the whole day feel more real. It’s not about control. It’s about presence. And France is very good at helping you find it.

Getting Married in France When You Don’t Speak French: What Actually Matters