Are you getting married soon and wondering how to organise the perfect vin d'honneur? You're not alone! This unmissable tradition of French weddings raises many questions among future brides and grooms. Don't worry, we'll explain everything you need to know to ensure that your vin d'honneur is a magical moment that your guests will remember for a long time to come.
What exactly is a vin d'honneur?
The vin d'honneur is that special moment that bridges the gap between your ceremony and your wedding dinner. It's a cocktail reception where you and your guests gather in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, over canapés and drinks. More than just a tradition, it's your first official celebration as a married couple!
This French tradition dates back to the time when wine was served to honour the gods and kings at weddings. Today, the vin d'honneur is still a must for sharing your happiness with your loved ones.
When is the vin d'honneur served?
Perfect timing? Just after your ceremony! Whether you are leaving the church, the town hall or a secular ceremony, the vin d'honneur usually takes place in the late afternoon or early evening. This is the ideal time for :
- Allow your guests to relax after the emotion of the ceremony
- Making a smooth transition to dinner
- Take your photos of the couple while your guests wait for you
- Welcoming guests who were unable to attend the ceremony but came for the reception
What is the ideal length for a vin d'honneur?
This is a question that all future brides and grooms ask themselves! The ideal length of a vin d'honneur is between 1h30 and 2h30.Why this range?
- 1h30 minimum : the time it takes for your guests to arrive, meet up, chat and enjoy the petits fours
- 2h30 maximum : If you go overboard, your guests may be too hungry and the mood may fade.
Our expert advice: allow 2 hours for the perfect timing, neither too short nor too long!
What is served for the vin d'honneur?
Petit-fours: the art of indulging without satiating
For your vin d'honneur, focus on variety and quality! The goal is to offer bites that awaken the taste buds without satiating your guests before the main meal. Each bite should be a pleasure in itself, a taste discovery that will make you want to savor more.
Recommended quantity :
- For a wine reception lasting 1h30: 8 to 10 pieces per person
- For a 2-hour vin d'honneur: 12 to 15 pieces per person
- For a wine reception lasting 2h30: 15 to 20 pieces per person
Do you necessarily need warm items? Not necessarily, but it's a plus! The choice between warm and cold items depends on your budget, the season, and your preferences. In the world of wedding food, a balance between the two is often favored to satisfy all tastes.
Cold cuts (perfect for a light choice) :
- Verrines colorées aux saveurs méditerranéennes
- Canapés au saumon fumé et crème d'aneth
- Tartines de chèvre frais et miel de lavande
- Macarons salés aux herbes de Provence
Hot dishes (for a delicious treat) :
- Traditional mini quiches from Lorraine
- Cheese gougères with character
- Miniature Queen Mushroom Bites
- Spinach and ricotta pastries
The art of dressage and presentation
In the refined world of the reception, presentation is as important as taste! Your guests eat with their eyes first. Choose elegant presentations on different levels and harmonious colors that match your wedding theme. A large, well-arranged buffet with varying heights will create a true visual spectacle that will impress all your guests.
What types of drinks should be served at a vin d'honneur?
Champagne & vin d'honneur: an obligation?
No, champagne is not compulsory! Even if it's the traditional star of the vin d'honneur, you can propose other alternatives to suit your tastes and budget. However, if you need advice on how to buy THE right champagne, click here.
What drinks should you choose for your vin d'honneur?
The must-sees :
- Champagne or crémant (cheaper)
- Dry white wine (Sancerre, Chablis)
- Rosé wine (perfect for summer weddings)
Alcohol-free alternatives :
- Freshly squeezed fruit juice
- Light and refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails
- Waters flavoured with seasonal fruit
- Artisanal quality sodas
In the modern wedding world , more and more couples are choosing to offer creative alternatives. Consider signature mocktails featuring your names, or local drinks that reflect your region. Your guests will appreciate this special touch that makes your reception unique.
The most original :
- Signature cocktail in your name
- Local sparkling wine from your region
- Light white sangria (perfect for a big summer wedding)
- Artisanal kombucha for fans of trendy drinks
Serving tips for your guests
Beverage service deserves special attention. In the world of receptions, every detail counts to ensure your guests have a great time. Schedule servers to circulate regularly to offer drinks, thus avoiding queues at the bar. This approach allows each guest to fully enjoy the moment without interruption, creating a fluid and elegant atmosphere that perfectly precedes your wedding meal.
How many drinks do you need?
For alcoholic beverages:
- Champagne: 1 bottle for 3 to 4 people
- Wine: 1 bottle for 4 to 5 people
For non-alcoholic drinks:
- Plan on 1 or 2 glasses per person (some guests just drink it!).
Practical tip: Always allow for 10% more than expected - it's better to have too much than too little!
Hard or recyclable glassware?
This is a practical question worth thinking about!
Hard glassware :
- ✅ More elegant
- ✅ Best tasting
- ❌ More expensive
- ❌ Risk of breakage
Recyclable glassware :
- ✅ More economical
- ✅ No risk of breakage
- ✅ Ecological if well chosen
- ❌ Less prestigious
Our advice: for an outdoor wedding or one with lots of guests, opt for quality recyclable glassware. Indoors and for small groups, real glassware makes all the difference!
How do you choose a budget for a reception?
The budget for the reception reception generally represents 15 to 25% of your total reception budget. Here's how to optimize it:
Main expenditure items :
- Catering: 60% of the wedding reception budget
- Drinks: 25% of the budget
- Equipment hire: 15% of budget
Tips for saving money :
- Choose a crémant rather than a champagne
- Limit the number of hot parts (more expensive)
- Negotiate a package deal with your caterer
- Opt for seasonal products
What are the key stages in organising a successful vin d'honneur?
1. Choosing the perfect location
The venue for your vin d'honneur is crucial! It must be :
- Plenty of room for all your guests
- Easily accessible after the ceremony
- Adapted to the weather (plan B in case of rain!)
At Château des 3 Fontaines, our 10-hectare park and 1,200 m² lawn facing the Orangerie provide the ideal setting for an exceptional vin d'honneur in Provence.
2. Planning logistics
Guest traffic : Avoid traffic jams! Spread out several buffets rather than one central one.
Animation : Provide a soft musical backdrop to accompany the conversation without overpowering it - a jazz band or an acoustic duo are perfect.
3. Attention to detail
- Signage : Guide your guests with elegant signs
- Guestbook : Take advantage of this relaxed moment to gather messages
- Photographer: Time for group photos and relaxed portraits
Why organise a vin d'honneur?
As well as being a tradition, the vin d'honneur has many advantages:
For you, the bride and groom:
- A special moment with all your guests
- A smooth transition from ceremony to dinner
- Opportunity to see those who are not staying for dinner
For your guests:
- A relaxed atmosphere for getting to know each other
- No strict table protocol
- Freedom of movement and trade
For your planning :
- Perfect weather for your couple photos
- Allows reception to be spread out over the day
- Prevents downtime
Making your vin d'honneur a magical occasion
Your vin d'honneur should reflect your personality as a couple. Don't hesitate to add your own personal touch:
- Signature cocktail with your first names
- Music that suits you
- Decoration in your colors
- Original animation (photobooth, games, etc.)
Château des 3 Fontaines: the perfect setting for your wedding reception
Organising your wedding reception at the Château des 3 Fontaines means choosing excellence in an exceptional historic setting. Our team will take care of every detail to ensure that your occasion is perfect:
- Single frame : 10-hectare landscaped park with romantic waterfall
- Flexibility : Modular spaces to suit your needs
- Expertise : Over 20 years' experience in organising weddings
- Top-of-the-range services : Network of selected caterers and service providers
Dreaming of an elegant and memorable vin d'honneur? Contact us to find out how we can make your dream vin d'honneur a reality in our Provencal château.
The vin d'honneur is the first moment of celebration in your new life together. By following our advice, you'll create an unforgettable moment that will mark the start of your wedding reception in style!
