When planning your wedding in France from the U.S., one of the most overlooked challenges is communication. French wedding vendors have their own pace, customs, and business etiquette — and navigating this landscape without support can cause stress and confusion.

As a bilingual French wedding planner with years of experience working with American couples, we know how to bridge the cultural and professional gap. Here’s how you can effectively and respectfully communicate with French vendors to ensure smooth collaboration and exceptional results.

1. Understand the Cultural Context

French professionals tend to be more formal than their American counterparts. Emails often begin with proper salutations and polite expressions, and it’s considered respectful to write in a structured, concise way.

Tip: Avoid overly casual language. Use clear subject lines, structured paragraphs, and polite openings such as « Bonjour » or « Dear [Name]. »

2. Use a French Wedding Planner as Your Liaison

This is where we come in. As your French wedding planner, we communicate directly with your vendors in French, confirm details, manage contracts, and avoid any misunderstandings.

With French Wedding Planner on your team, you won’t have to worry about:

• Language barriers

• Misinterpreted expectations

• Vendor availability assumptions

We advocate for your vision and keep everything aligned.

3. Know the Business Norms

French vendors typically:

• Respond slower than U.S. businesses (especially in August!)

• Operate Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6:00pm

• Prefer email to phone or text

• Close for lunch (yes, really)

Tip: Be patient and plan ahead — especially during French holidays or the peak wedding season (June–September).

4. Get Everything in Writing

Always ask for contracts and confirmations in writing. Many vendors will provide estimates (“devis”) and expect your signature to reserve the date.

If contracts are in French, we’ll help you review and understand them. We also ensure that expectations, timelines, and pricing are clearly stated.

5. Be Clear About Your Vision

Don’t assume your vendors understand American wedding trends. Share visuals, Pinterest boards, and written descriptions to express your style.

French florists, for example, may focus on natural arrangements unless directed otherwise. A planner helps interpret your vision and translate it into French execution.

6. Avoid Last-Minute Requests

French professionals value order and preparation. Try to lock in key decisions at least 6–8 weeks before your wedding. Last-minute changes may not always be possible — or may come with rush fees.

7. Use a Shared Planning Hub

If you’re planning without a full-service planner, consider using shared tools like:

• Google Docs (for schedules & guest lists)

• Dropbox (for contracts & visuals)

• WhatsApp (for approved vendor chats — always politely initiated)

But when you work with French Wedding Planner, we centralize all communications for you and offer a single point of contact throughout.

Final Thoughts

Clear, respectful, and timely communication is key to a successful wedding abroad. With a professional French wedding planner guiding your vendor relationships, you’ll avoid frustration and get the polished, beautiful celebration you deserve.