In France, wedding gifts are a way to express blessings and gratitude. However, as a foreigner, you need to be aware of some taboos to avoid making mistakes when giving gifts.
Avoid giving red or white gifts. In French culture, both red and white are associated with sadness and funerals. Therefore, gifts in these colors may be seen as unlucky or inappropriate.
Yellow flowers are generally considered unlucky or inappropriate gifts. This is because yellow is associated with negative emotions such as betrayal, jealousy, and deceit in French culture. Therefore, giving yellow flowers may be seen as unlucky or inappropriate. Additionally, yellow flowers are also associated with funerals in French culture. Yellow flowers, such as chrysanthemums, are often used to express mourning and sadness in French funerals.
Avoid giving gifts with negative symbolism, such as clocks or knives. Clocks are seen in French culture as implying the passage of time and the brevity of life, while knives are seen as implying separation and conflict. Therefore, these gifts may be considered inappropriate or unlucky.
Avoid giving overly personal gifts. In French culture, personal space and privacy are highly valued. Therefore, giving overly personal gifts such as underwear, perfume, or cosmetics may be seen as inappropriate or offensive.
Avoid giving overly expensive gifts. In French culture, excessively expensive gifts may be seen as ostentatious or inappropriate. Therefore, choosing meaningful but not overly expensive gifts, such as local artisan crafts or delicacies, may be more appropriate.
So, as a foreigner, what kind of wedding gifts should we give to a French newlywed couple?
Champagne or high-quality wine: France is renowned for its excellent wines and champagne, so giving a bottle of high-quality champagne or wine is a popular choice.
Exquisite porcelain or glassware: France is famous for its exquisite porcelain and glass products, so gifting a set of beautiful porcelain or glassware can be an elegant gift.
Cooking utensils or kitchenware: The French have a strong interest in gastronomy, so giving some high-quality cooking utensils or kitchenware, such as a cast iron pot, baking dish, or cutlery set, is a practical and well-received gift choice.
Home decor items: Gifting some exquisite home decor items, such as artwork, figurines, or decorative paintings, can add beauty and a cozy atmosphere to the newlywed couple's home.
Travel sets or experience vouchers: France is a country full of romance and culture, so giving a travel set or experience voucher, such as a weekend getaway package, city sightseeing tour, or concert tickets, can allow the newlywed couple to create wonderful memories together.
Customized gifts: Personalized items engraved with the names of the newlywed couple or their wedding date, such as personalized wine glasses, photo frames, or keepsakes, can add a personalized and special touch to the gift.