Provence, a particularly romantic destination, attracts lovers of nature and rustic landscapes and offers an idyllic setting for a wedding. A land of traditions, filled with the sound of cicadas, vineyards, and olive groves, this region invites you to plan a wedding in harmony with the customs and heritage of the local terroir. Here is a brief overview of these traditions for a truly Proven\u00e7al celebration.<\/p>\n
Before the Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n It is customary to place salt in the groom\u2019s suit pockets and in the bride\u2019s shoes to ward off evil spirits. In Proven\u00e7al tradition, the bride\u2019s father must also offer her a gold coin and a glass of water before leaving for the church, symbols of her emancipation from paternal authority.<\/p>\n During the Religious Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n When kneeling, if the groom managed to step on the train or hem of his wife\u2019s dress, it was believed to guarantee him authority within the couple. However, the bride could respond by bending her finger during the exchange of rings, signaling that she too would share authority in the marriage. It was also traditional to present the bride with a bouquet of white flowers<\/a> to enhance the couple\u2019s fertility.<\/p>\n At the End of the Ceremony<\/strong><\/p>\n Traditionally, lavender was thrown over the newlyweds as they passed beneath a floral arch. Once united, the groom would hand the keys to their home to the bride, who would wear them attached to her belt. The bride would then offer a sheaf of wheat to her in-laws and her husband, symbolizing her wish to bring prosperity to her new family. To represent \u201ca love that overcomes all obstacles,\u201d the newlyweds were required to jump over a flower-decorated stick held 20 centimeters above the ground.<\/p>\n