It’s fair to say that the global wedding industry has been hit badly by COVID-19. Like many industries ‘business as usual’ has been anything but! However, like everyone else, here in France we’re holding our breaths and waiting for the storm to pass. As we approach summer 2021 it really is starting to feel like there is an end to these difficult days and already we’re busy with enquiries and bookings for late 2021 into 2022 and even 2023!
The message is clear! France remains one of the most popular wedding destinations in the world, and that doesn’t look like it’s going to change any day soon!
Our couples come from around the globe but a high proportion are from the UK. Until 2020, it was quite normal for couples and their families to arrive from the UK laden with goodies to adorn and assist them with their wedding celebrations. France is the perfect place for a DIY destination wedding and some couples also opted to bring their favourite ‘wedding professional’ with them too. But… Brexit has changed this.
Many food and drink items are no longer allowed or you will need an import license to bring them into the EU. Wedding professionals from the UK who wish to work in the EU must now conform to the EU working regulations and obtain the required permits. All of this will adds time and costs and indeed it is possible that some food or drink items may even be confiscated as you enter France.
Whilst losing the ability to bring your wedding favourites with you to France may seem like a problem to some, it actually isn’t! Instead it might just open up a whole new world of possibilities for you that you’d previously not considered.
France has world class wines, and even has many new craft breweries opening. Of course La Belle France is also home to some of the best food and produce in the world… and did we mention the cakes or chocolate?
There really is no need to bring produce from the UK, but if there is something specific you really want them have a word with your venue, caterer or wedding planner… they can help you source it!
One question that has been asked frequently over recent months, and certainly a topic that has been in the news, is how UK musicians can work in the EU? Before Brexit it was not uncommon for couples to bring their favourite local band with them to France. This has certainly changed and it is much more difficult for artists and groups to travel and perform across the EU (the Musicians Union in the UK has more information about this).
HOWEVER this is not a problem! France is home to some incredible musicians, artists, performers and bands! No matter what your preference, fabulous musicians abound and you can take your pick from Mozart to Motown, Classics to Contemporary… and everything in between.
As one of the top worldwide destinations, France is also home to some of the very best wedding professionals! Whatever style of wedding you want, and whatever your budget, France has something for you!
It may seem daunting planning your wedding from afar, even more so if you don’t speak French, but all of Simply Wed’s suppliers speak English! Added to this we live in France and we will be familiar with other local suppliers and venues and this knowledge will mean that we can adapt to any issues that arise along the way. So whatever your seeking from Food to Favors and Flowers to Fireworks, you really will find it in France!