There are thousands of websites out there to help you plan a destination wedding. Here are a few that I may not have mentioned in my series that I believe are worth knowing.

WeddingMusicInFrance.com
13 Cite Dupont
75011 Paris

Phone: +33 06 31 27 61 75

Metro: Rue Saint-Maur

As a brick-and-mortar business in the internet ocean, they stand out immediately. Fluent in English, French and Spanish, they have been supplying international clients (Oracle, Hilton, Hotel de Crillon) for over 10 years. They provide advice on repertoire, instrumentation, location, amplification, and arrange pieces of your choice upon request. They offer six packages to choose from. Complete their Contact form on their web page to contact them.

Minimum price for a duo for 1-2 hours is 850 Euros ($929); for a trio, 1200 Euros ($1311); and a quartet, 1650 Euros ($1803).

En.ParisInfo.com

Email:internet@parisinfo.com

This is official website of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. They can help you navigate Paris and offer you a lot of in-country deals in the process.

BridesWithoutBorders.com

Contact Page

Brides Without Borders offers a wealth of information for the DIY destination wedding bride. They offer a list of proven destination wedding professionals for any location you want to tie the knot. They also offer an advice column and a blog to help you through the process. If I was planning a DIY destination wedding, this would be my go-to site for the nuts-and-bolts details.

FrenchWeddingStyle.com

Email: info@FrenchWeddingStyle.com

If Brides Without Borders helps you with the nuts-and-bolts details of your Paris wedding, French Wedding Style helps you to immerse yourself in French culture as it relates to weddings in France. From explaining what “couture” means to learning French wedding traditions to bridal accessories by featured (French) designers, you’ll feel like a real French bride by the time your big day arrives.

Raph & John with their Rolls Royce.

(Pssssssssttttttt. Check out Locarolls on French Wedding Style’s website for a Rolls Royce for your wedding day. A Rolls is a French bride’s go-to vehicle.)

Au revoir!

Image by CanStockPhoto. Image of Raph & John by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series. I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

Here are 7 factors to consider when booking your destination wedding in Paris hotel for you and your guests, as well as 4 recommendations.

Raph & John at Le Grand Hotel, Paris.

1. Price. Whether you or your guests are paying for their rooms, the price or a room or a suite is an important factor. It is also likely negotiable if you have enough guests staying in the same hotel. Look at search sites such as TripAdvisor Price Finder or Trivago to find the best price for the type of room you want. Then call the hotel and tell them you have ‘x’ number of guests coming on ‘y’ date, and the best price you found online is ‘z.’ Ask them if they have a group rate, and if not, if they can do better than that price. Even better, before you call the hotel you really want, do the same for at least two other hotels; no matter if the other hotels two have enough rooms to accommodate you, your dream hotel will never know. It’s possible your dream hotel will give you a better price than the one you’ve quoted. If they give you a group rate, you will likely have to pay a deposit based on the total number of guests. Notes: It is important to do this in a phone call rather than an email. Also, if you are considering to hold your ceremony and/or reception at your hotel, be sure to give this information at the time of booking.

2. Type of rooms available – single/double/suite. Consider not just your needs, but the needs of your guests. Is anyone coming with a child? Will you have guests who are elderly or have special needs? Some guests will likely be more comfortable in a suite (with additional seating and space to move around) than a single or double room.

3. Location near ceremony and/or reception. It is said that while in Paris, you are never more than a 10-minute walk from a metro stop. Still, in the event of foul weather, you would want to be close to metro if that is your mode of transportation, or, if your ceremony/reception is on the outskirts of Paris, you will want to stay as close as possible to your venue. If it is important that you stay near your reception, search the address on Google and click on “Maps.” From there, use the Nearby search and search for hotels close to it. There will be many, most likely. At least it will help you narrow down your search.

4. Location in view of favorite landmark(s). Have you always dreamed of staying in the 7e in full view of the Eiffel Tower? You will pay handsomely for that view, regardless of what kind of room it is. Again, use Google Maps to locate your favorite landmark, and search Nearby for hotels.

5. Hotel also to be your ceremony and/or reception venue. If you hold your ceremony and/or reception at the hotel, it will certainly make it easier on your guests, if not yourself. Try to find a hotel with gardens or other public spaces so your guests won’t get bored with their surroundings.

6. Level of Luxury desired, including Wi-Fi (pronounced “wee-fee” in France). Gardens, restaurants, furnishings, all will have an impact on how you remember your wedding in Paris.

7. Close to metro and/or parking. Try to make it easy to get there. Check out the parking situation (if important) and tell your guests.

Le Bristol Paris
112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore
75008 Paris

Phone: +33 01 53 43 43 00

A Mercedes parked outside Le Bristol Hotel.

Email: reservation@lebristolparis.com

Amenities: 3 restaurants (a 3-Michelin star and 1-Michelin star) and a bar; Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie, one of the world’s most luxurious skin care names; Swimming pool; Fitness Centre.

Metro: Saint-Phillippe-du-Roule

Le Bristol came to my attention when it was featured in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. I fell in love with the plush interiors of the rooms, the flowers, the elegant look of the place. And get this — what really did it for me was the trim moulding on the walls; that detail just speaks luxury to me. History? Le Bristol was built in the 18th century and features furniture in the Louis XV and Louis XVI styles, along with paintings and fine fabrics reflecting the eras. Chef Eric Frechon is a recipient of the “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (“Best Craftsman in France”) title for his 3-Michelin star restaurant Epicure.The hotel makes many Top Hotels in Paris lists. Located in the 8th arrondissement, it’s located in-between the Champs-Elysees and boulevard Haussmann, two luxury shopping areas. Le Bristol is a 5-minute walk from Saint-Philippe-du-Roule metro.

Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris
2 rue Scribe
75009 Paris

Phone: +33 01 40 07 32 32 (Hotel)

Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom.

Email: parhbevent@ihg.com

Amenities: Cafe, Bar & La Verriere Restaurant (set in a winter garden); Spa treatments; Sauna; Shoe shine; Private limousine; Business Center.

Metro: Opera

The Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris, also known as “Le Grand Hotel,” opened in 1862 and is classified as historic. The 9th arrondissement is mostly known as the home of the Opera House, and Le Grand Hotel offers floodlit views of it. The hotel’s Opera Ballroom, which Raph & John rented for their reception, is said to be the most renowned ballroom in Paris, and is so stunning it took my breath away the first time I saw it.

Four Seasons George V Hotel Paris
31 avenue George V
75008 Paris

Phone: +33 01 49 52 70 00

Courtyard at the Four Seasons George V Hotel.

Email: Contact Page

Amenities: Spa (Massages, facials, hair salon); Health Club; Pool & whirlpool; Saunas & steam rooms; 24-hour Business Centre; Multilingual Concierge; Complimentary standard WiFi; Babysitting services; Internet access in meeting rooms; Family activities.

Metro: George V

I became familiar with the Four Seasons brand by the chain’s DC hotel where I used to have tea. Luxurious and elegant, I always felt at home there. The Four Seasons George V Hotel came into my radar when it was featured in the movie “French Kiss.” As you might imagine, it’s a 10-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe via the Champs-Elysees, the most famous shopping district in Paris. Other than shopping, the 8th arrondissement is known for the Place de la Concorde and the Elysees Palace, the official residence of the President of France.

Les Jardins de la Villa & Spa (Boutique Hotel)
5 rue Belidor
75017 Paris

The Les Jardins de la Villa is modern and ultra chic.

Phone: +33 01 53 81 01 10

Email: info@jardinsdevilla.com or Contact Page

Amenities: Garden terrace; Sauna; Steam bath; Massages; Fitness room; unlimited Wi-Fi; balcony with upgraded rooms; children under age 2 stay free.

Metro: Porte Maillot

This boutique is small with 33 rooms but has a lot of character and class; it is considered a small luxury hotel. Located in the 17th arrondissement, a relatively quiet living area for mostly upper-class and middle class young couples and families with children, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe, and very close to Porte Maillot metro.

Au revoir!

Raph & John at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Mercedes SLS outside Le Bristol Hotel by Ian McWilliams, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Courtyard at the Four Seasons George V Hotel by Calwhiz, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Les Jardins de la Villa by TripAdvisor.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

Selecting a wedding cake for a destination wedding in Paris has as much to do with who will bake it as to what kind of cake you prefer.

Raph & John selected a macaroon cake (left) and a croquembrouche as their wedding cake designs.

What is your wedding cake personality: traditional or modern? White or colorful? Butter cream or chocolate? Most brides look to colors and features of their theme for inspiration for their wedding cake. More about this later.

The traditional wedding cake in France — indeed, a traditional cake for all of life’s celebrations in France, such as baptisms, engagements and milestone anniversaries — is croquembouche, from croque en bouche, meaning “crunches in your mouth” — like a glazed doughnut hole, but with hard and thin layers of caramel as a coating. Croquembouche was invented by Antonin Careme, who is credited with creating many of the fundamentals of traditional French cuisine and pastry in the early 19th century.

A croquembouche wedding cake.

But just because you’re getting married in Paris doesn’t mean you’re limited to that particular tradition. Macaroon (macaron, in French) “cakes” — macaroons formed in a traditional pyramid (perhaps reflecting the shape of the Eiffel Tower) — have gained favor, and there is always la galette des Rois (“the Cake of Kings”), a flat, flaky cake that could be incorporated into your wedding cake. Ironically, many French brides are opting for multi-tiered American-style cakes, so if you have your heart set on that type, you will have no trouble finding a baker in Paris who will bake the cake of your dreams.

A white and silver cake with just a hint of blue.

The more concrete the dream, the better. Start by determining which type of cake you want, then look for pictures of examples. As I stated earlier, most brides take inspiration from aspects of their theme: the flowers; colors and decorative embellishments of your invitations; and the color of your bridesmaid dresses can all be incorporated into the design of your cake. You can even sneak in your “something blue” by having a small blue embellishment on your cake. (Hey, it’s an idea, right?)

Apart from the design, do you or any of your guests have any food allergies, and therefore need a gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free cake? Another option is to offer another cake or dessert for those with food allergies, such as gluten-free cupcakes or the like. I am actually not a proponent of cupcakes as a wedding cake because I like the idea of everyone sharing in the matrimony of the two people getting married. Just as “breaking bread” with people at dinner signifies the sharing of  a meal and yourself (through conversation) with others, everyone eating from the same cake at a wedding seems more intimate and sharing than consuming individual cupcakes. But as an alternative for people who have to follow a special diet — I’m all for it.

Your cake’s size will depend on the number of guests, and whether you want the top tier for your first wedding anniversary.

I have provided two bakers who will design a wedding cake for a wedding in Paris, and one located in Avignon, in case you want to marry near Paris but not in the city itself.  Go onto their websites to look at what they’ve done before — but just because you don’t see something resembling your dream cake doesn’t mean the baker won’t make it. They want your business, and as most say outright, they will design and bake a cake to your exact specifications.

Regardless of whom you select as a baker, be sure to get a contract that covers the following:

*Cake’s size
*Number of tiers
*Design elements
*Flavors of cake and icing
*Guarantee free of irritant(s), if applicable (ex.: gluten-free)
*Delivery charge/Time of delivery
*Final price
*Cancellation policy
*Deposit policy
*Set up (including whether touch-ups will be provided on-site)
*Whether a cake knife is provided (You might want to provide your own to have as a keepsake)

I don’t recommend trying to save money by transporting the cake to your reception yourself. What if something happens en route? Also, the baker can do touch-ups on-site if necessary.

Also, try to have some embellishments on your cake table to make your cake look more festive. Flowers, votive candles, large lace, and greenery are just some examples. A cake on a table by itself can look lonely. Start with a table skirt and work from there.

The best way to inquire about ordering a cake is to either email a cake shop or contact them via their Contact page with the following information:

*Name
*Mobile number
*Date of event
*Number of guests
* Design ideas

Paris Luxury Cakes

Cristina Lasarte

Phone: +33 06 07 25 12 94

Email: parisluxurycakes@gmail.com

Hours: None given

Hortensia flowers.

Portfolio

Cristina Lasarte excelled as a teacher of the English language and Literature in her native Buenos Aires before she became a luxury cake baker. Her portfolio of wedding cakes is one of the finest I’ve ever seen. To prove it, compare the picture of Hortensia to the cake with Hortensia flowers (called “Classic Hortensia”) in her portfolio. My favorite, however, is the cake with the bow.

Sugar Plum Cake Shop

68 rue du Cardinal Lemoine
75005 Paris

Phone: +33 01 46 34 07 43

Email: info@sugarplumcakeshop.com

Hours: Tues-Sun 12:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Closed Mon

Portfolio

Sugar Plum Cake shop opened in Paris in the spring of 2010. The three-woman team has received world-wide press for their unique cake designs using traditional North American recipes and their coffee shop.

Made in Cake

Phone: +33 06 08 65 20 00

Email: infos@madeincake.net

Hours: Not given

Wedding Cake Portfolio

They do not provide information on their website as to who they are and how they got started. If you go onto their website, their Contact page is a pop-up to prevent spam. They are located in Avignon. Rates start at 6.50 euros per person, plus extra for decorations, depending on complexity. Minimum order is for 10 people. They will deliver within 100 km of their bakery for a delivery charge. Why did I feature them? Not everyone selects Paris as their France-destination-wedding location, and their flower designs are spectacular.

Au revoir!

References: “Beyond Brioche: When Wedding Bells Ring, Croquembouche,” by Lucie Rose, French Morning, published September 20, 2015. “Your Wedding Cake,” Modern Wedding Planner, pp. 100-104. “Croquembouche,” by Wikipedia, CCBY 3.0.

Image of Raph & John’s wedding cakes by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Croquembouche wedding cake of Lalie & Steeve by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. White and cornflower blue wedding cake with silver accents (created by Graceful Cake Designs) by Grace Tan, Flickr,
CCBY 2.0. Image of Hortensia flowers by Dietmut Teijgeman-Hansen, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

Slideshow: Wedding cake of Anais & Christophe by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Eiffel Tower wedding cake from Pinterest (via Etsy), CCBY 2.0. La Gallette des Rois by Gael Chardon, Flickr,
CCBY 2.0. Image of horizontal wedding cake by Tracy Hunter, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Chocolate fudge wedding cake by Heather, CCBY 2.0. Wedding cake by Tracy Hunter, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Wedding cake and Macaroons by Carl, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of wedding cupcakes by Cat, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

Flowers have a direct affect on the mood of your event. They are nature’s way of showing us the beauty of color. When selecting flowers for your wedding, think of the overall feel you would like your guest to experience. If you are looking to create a romantic feel, choose softer palettes of colors with larger blooms like roses or peonies. And if you are looking for a more festive feel, choose flowers with brighter hues and interesting shapes like daisies or hydrangea.

— Andrea Davis, Event Expert & Creative Director, Entyse Lyfe Entertainment

The flowers for Raph & John’s reception work with the tableware to set a romantic mood.

When a bride first thinks of flowers for her wedding, the first thing she usually thinks of is her bouquet. While it is true that pictures of a groom arm and arm with his new bride holding her bouquet will be an enduring memory, as Andrea Davis is quoted above, flowers set the mood for guests, as well. To illustrate how right she is, purchase a bunch of three types of flowers you’re considering, one type for three weeks straight. Put them in a place in your home in which you spend a lot of time. Do you notice yourself and others speaking softer when you have pink roses displayed, as opposed to another flower? Do you feel happier around one flower more than another? You can also get feedback from members in your family. Chances are, different flowers will have a different affect on you and those around you (and don’t forget to consider if anyone might be allergic). Consider this information, as well as the color(s) for your theme when making your selection.

Having trouble selecting your flowers? Buy one bunch at a time (or one mixture at a time, as you will likely use 2-3 different flowers at once) so you can see how you feel around them. This is even more important when planning a destination wedding.

Most wedding planners suggest you budget 8-10% of your overall wedding budget for flowers. Since the average wedding in 2015 cost roughly $31,000, that’s $3,100 for flowers. It sounds like a lot to spend on flowers until you look at the flower checklist from Brides.com. The list is long! When selecting your flowers, my suggestion is to keep your theme in mind and prioritize the list: Is it more important to add life to a dark-wooded house of worship, or to have more flowers throughout a reception venue? I’m not suggesting to cross off anything on the above list; rather, to simply spend less on placements that have a lower priority. Also, be sure to read The Knot’s 15 Most Common Wedding Flower Mistakes to Avoid.

Here are three florists/wedding flower designers to consider:

1. L’Artisan Fleuriste (2 locations)
95 rue Vielle du Temple
75003 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 78 40 40

Hours: Not given

A dark-wooded house of worship needs white or light-colored flowers to lighten it up.

Fax: +33 01 42 78 20 40

Metro: Saint-Sebastien-Froissart

L’Artisan Fleuriste
6 rue Commaille
75007 Paris

Telephone: +33 01 42 84 40 40
Fax: +33 01 42 84 40 41

Metro: Sevres-Babylone

Contact Page

Detail of Hydrangea. While the flower comes in many colors, this could be your “something blue.”

Facebook Page

Contacts:
Alexis de Matharel, Communications & Media
Telephone: +33 06 27 18 48
Email: amatharel@gmail.com

Anne Wehr, Direction de Creation, Graphic Design
Telephone: +33 06 70 67 71 64
Email: wehranne@gmail.com
Personal Website: www.annewehr.com

I selected L’Artisan Fleuriste because they are so accessible – a real plus when planning a destination wedding.

2. Estelle Preston
Estelle Preston is an independent floral designer who “specializes in haute couture wedding work tailored to a bride’s exact wishes.” She says she was inspired by Christian Tortu, a master floral designer, largely considered to be the leading seller of flowers in New York City, and who taught her how to buy the very best flowers. She was featured in Meet the Experts in French Wedding Style.

Detail of Peony, a popular wedding flower.

Contact Page

Telephone: +33 06 03 13 02 15

Hours: Not given

Email: estelleprestonflowers@gmail.com

3. Un Jour de Fleurs 
22 rue Jean Nicot
75007 Paris

Flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs.

Telephone: +33 01 45 50 43 54

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 A.M. – 8:30 P.M.

Contact: commandeparis@ericchauvin.fr

Metro: Invalides or La Tour-Maubourg

Eric Chauvin on Pinterest

Eric Chauvin, owner of Un Jour de Fleurs, was voted Paris’s poshest florist by W Magazine in 2009. His creations are sought after by Dior and the Hermes’ Paris Flagship Store, among many
others.

Flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs.

Au revoir!

Detail of image of Raph & John’s reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Roses+Peonies+Flowers by Maegan Tintari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of dark-wooded church by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of detail of Hydrangea by Nyaman Kamome, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Peony by Wikimedia Commons, CCBY 3.0. Image of flowers at a wedding reception by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at the Opera Garnier by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of Art Nouveau lighting at reception by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers at an entrance to a garden wedding by Un Jour de Fleurs, Eric Chauvin’s website, CCBY 2.0. Image of flower-covered chuppah by Sarah, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of flowers giving light to an area at a wedding by L’Artisan Fleuriste, Facebook page, CCBY 2.0. Image of White Calla Lily Wedding Cake (created by Graceful Cake Creations) by Grace Tari, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of tall vase of flowers on a table by Anne Ruthmann, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.

Planning the reception for a destination wedding in Paris is likely the toughest part of the entire process, simply because there are so many details to coordinate from a distance. If you don’t have a planner helping you, arm yourself with reception checklists and feedback from others to check you haven’t forgotten anything. Like a proofreader of a book, it’s good to have a second pair of eyes to review what you’ve planned.

Raph & John selected the Opera Ballroom at Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris as their reception venue for a romantic and elegant setting.

Hopefully, you’re getting an idea as to where to hold your ceremony in Paris (see my previous post in this series), and now you’re thinking of a reception venue to complement it in theme and tone.

While researching for this post, I realized I could probably write a small book on planning a destination wedding’s reception. (And perhaps I will!) There are so many checklists and books with checklists and magazines with checklists out there! (Whew!) It’s been tough to wade through them all. I decided to think like (an older) bride would: I went to a bookstore to see what they had available in the planning-a-wedding department. They had plenty of bridal magazines (I bought two), and they offered a few wedding planning booklets (soft cover books): Unbelievably, I didn’t think the destination wedding booklet was very informative because it didn’t give much specific information on planning a wedding in France. Instead, I bought Modern Wedding Planner from modernwedding.com.au (that “au” is for Australia, folks). Do you think I’m ridiculous for purchasing a wedding planner meant to plan a wedding in Australia, when I’m writing about Paris? Before you pass judgement, take a look at it. It is 128-pages on virtually every topic a newly-engaged bride needs to know about planning her big day — and yes, it contains checklists galore. The section on planning a reception is very informative and a lot of information for someone to absorb if they’ve never planned an event before. (That doesn’t include me, by the way.) It made me realize that this post should be more about opening your eyes to the possibilities of reception venues in Paris, with a few key questions.

I bought the Modern Wedding Planner because it is so informative and well-organized.

Most of the information I found on the internet about planning a destination wedding in France was about planners who would plan it for you — not do-it-yourself information. In my view, even if you hire a wedding planner to do it for you, you should still have an overall idea of what you want your day to look like. Working with a wedding planner is best when it is collaborative with a give-and-take, and not just a planner asking you questions.

Key questions for possible reception venues:
1. How many people does your venue hold?
2. Do you have your own caterer, or do I have to hire my own?
3. Do you have a list of vendors you often work with? (This can save you time.)
4. If indoors: How many people sit at each table? (Called “rounds of 10” if a table seats 10 people.)
5. If outdoors: What provisions do you make in case of rain? (More than a light sprinkling.)
6. What is your cancellation policy?
7. How many guests are served by each waiter?
8. Are there places for the wedding party to change?
9. How many bathrooms serve the guests?
10. What is the time limit for my reception?

Here are three types of reception venues in Paris:

1.Rooftop Terrace

The breathtaking view from the Shangri-La’s rooftop terrace.

Shangri-La Hotel Paris
10 Avenue d’Iena
75116 Paris

Phone: +33 01 53 67 19 98 (Hotel)
+33 01 53 67 19 38 (Weddings)

Metro: Iena, Line 9

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines shangri-la as “a remote, beautiful, imaginary place where life approaches perfection: utopia.” James Hilton originated the word as a paradise four travelers find in the Tibetan mountains in his 1933 novel entitled “Lost Horizon.” With that as background, you should expect the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris to be very luxurious — and very pricey. Their rooftop terrace is available for rental for events during the summer months.

They do not give a minimum number of people required to rent space, nor do they advertise on their website that they rent out their terrace (that I saw): it looks like this is one of those details you can only find out from someone who lives in Paris, as I did. Click here for Shangri-La’s Wedding page; you’ll see several links, including a Start Proposal Request link. Write in the comments that you’d like to rent the terrace for “X” number of people, and inquire as to whether you have your choice of catering from any of their three restaurants: La Bauhinia, which offers Asian/French fare and has a casual atmosphere; L’Abeille, which offers authentic French gourmet, or Shang Palace, which offers authentic Chinese (Cantonese) food. All three restaurants are under the helm of Executive Chef Christophe Moret; each of the latter two have a
1-star rating in the Michelin Guide.

Mama Shelter

Mama Shelter offers a less formal atmosphere in the 20th arrondissement.

109 rue de Bagnolet
75020 Paris

Phone: +33 01 43 48 48 48 (Hotel)
+33 01 43 48 48 08 (Events)

Email: events.paris@mamashelter.com

Metro: Alexandre Dumas

Mama Shelter is, in the mind of this writer, an ultra-hip hotel with a millennial vibe located in the 20th arrondissement (Gambetta); the 20th is itself in transition from being an old working-class neighborhood to one with renewed life as the younger set moves in. The 20th arrondissement is most known by tourists as the location of Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Mama Shelter is not as luxurious as the Shangri-La, but it also isn’t as pricey. To privatize the Rooftop Restaurant, they list:

For 15 people or less, 1035 euros ($1,121.00) TTC
For 16 people or more, 69 euros ($74.73) per person, TTC

Click here for their Rooftop Restaurant menu for groups. Note they also can provide Add-Ons.

Click here for their “Instant Quote ” link.

Note: TTC in French means toutes taxes comprises, or “Grand Total.” In other words, all taxes, including VAT, are included in the price.

2.Hotel

Compare this picture of the Opera Ballroom in the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel with the one above of Raph & John’s reception. What a difference their color choices make.

Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris
2 rue Scribe
75009 Paris

Phone: +33 01 40 07 32 32 (Hotel)
+33 01 40 07 35 35 (Sales/Events)

Email: parhbevent@ihg.com

Metro: Opera

The Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris, also known as “Le Grand Hotel,” opened in 1862 and is classified as historic. How grand is Le Grand Hotel? It has hosted royalty and public figures throughout its long history, and has been the subject of novels. It is also the setting of Roman Polanski’s 1988 film “Frantic,” starring Harrison Ford.

Unfortunately, while they offer a section on Meetings/Events (and “Weddings” is a subset of this) along with a Request a Quote link, when you click on the link you only see information on corporate meetings and events; for weddings, they seem to prefer contact by email. They do not have a full-fledged Wedding section where you can learn about wedding services. I have notified them of my findings and that this makes it hard for couples to investigate what they have to offer. Though, in all honesty, this could also be to purposely limit the number of people they have to get back to: only seriously interested people will take the time to email an inquiry.

They do offer the menu of their Cafe de la Paix online, and their Discovery Menu is 82 euros ($88.81) per person, TTC; this might give you an idea as to how much you’ll pay (for food) for an event.

The Maison des Polytechniciens is lit up for the “Forfait Passion” wedding package.

3.Garden

The Maison des Polytechniciens
12 rue de Poitiers
75007 Paris

Phone: +33 01 49 54 74 74

Metro: Solferino, Line 12
RER: Musee d’Orsay

The Maison des Polytechniciens is an 18th century mansion built in the Second Empire Style, and is a short walk from Musee d’Orsay. It’s located in the 7th arrondissement, about a 10 minute drive from with Eiffel Tower. For a minimum of 100 people, it can be privately let (rented), and can accommodate 250 people for a sit-down dinner and up to 600 people for cocktails. Le Poulpry, headed by Chef Ygor Swietlik, is the on-site restaurant that provides catering; it is rated #1,813 of 13,924 restaurants in Paris by TripAdvisor reviewers, which I consider pretty impressive.

But what really got my attention is the garden with a terrace and the availability of air-conditioned tents. Writers shouldn’t let their pre-conceived ideas to influence their writing, and I have to admit here my general reluctance to feature gardens as a wedding venue because…what would you do if it rains? Still, even though I wouldn’t want a garden as a wedding venue (okay, I admit: I hate bugs), many other people wouldn’t care if it rained and thundered on their ceremony, or if they had a beetle crawling up their leg while being congratulated for marrying the person of their dreams. I love the outdoors — to a point. Not in bridal dress or formal wear. But with air-conditioned tents available, rain and bugs would be no problem.

Maison des Polytechniciens offers three wedding packages:

*Forfait Tendresse (Tenderness)        173 euros per person, TTC
*Forfait Bonheur (Happiness)            183 euros per person, TTC
*Forfait Passion (Passion)                   199 euros per person, TTC

Notes: “Forfait” means “flat rate.” Also, these quotes are to rent the entire Maison; ask if you can rent just the gardens, if that is your desire.

The wedding packages vary according to their menu.

Au revoir!

Image of Raph & John’s reception at the Opera Ballroom of Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris by Agence Tophos, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Modern Wedding Planner from modernweddings.com.au, CCBY 2.0. Image of Shangri-La Rooftop Terrace by Wicker Paradise, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Mama Shelter Rooftop Terrace from mamashelter.com, CCBY 2.0. Image of Opera Ballroom at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel Paris by Twiga269, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Maison des Polytechniciens from en.convention.parisinfo.com, CCBY 2.0.

I am featuring photos of Raph & John’s wedding in Paris for this series (see above). I want to make it clear that I do not know this couple: I selected their photos from an album on Flickr because I love their theme and the photos are available for use under the CCBY 2.0 license. If I married in Paris, I would want a theme somewhat similar to theirs–in terms of colors and formality.