Many of my Paris-based wedding clients are Franco-American couples, and in planning their multi-cultural weddings, one sort of tricky topic that invariably comes up is the issue of the money box. In the U.S., while money boxes (or card boxes, as they are now more delicately called) can still be found at lots of weddings, there are still many couples who don’t feel comfortable “asking their guests for cash”. In France, on the other hand, it’s expected to have a tirelire de mariage set up for guests to deposit les enveloppes during the cocktail hour or reception. To keep the peace, I usually suggest that they set one up in an out-of-the way spot, and direct French guests to it when they ask.
If you’ve decided to have a tirelire de mariage at your French or Paris themed wedding, here are some great ideas from Fanny at Mains et Merveilles. She specializes in scrapbook-style wedding decorations, and has created some really cute money boxes with French quotes like, “ Quand j’ouvre les yeux je te voie, quand je les ferme, je rêve de toi et quand je pense, je pense à nous” (OK, if THAT doesn’t have Uncle Arthur reaching for the old checkbook- I don’t know what will!) While on Fanny’s blog, be sure to check out her guestbooks (livres d’or) and invitation ideas as well!
je rêve de toi
le plus beau voyage
le tourbillon de notre vie
french wedding cardbox
paris themed money box
Just what I was looking for - super ideas! I wish I had found your blog earlier than three weeks before my wedding…
Ah well– good luck (and congratulations!!) on your wedding, anyway! I’m sure it will be lovely with or without the money box!
Kim