Will you marry “moi” ?

Inspired by a recent article published in Marie Claire (UK) magazine, we thought it would be fun to take a glimpse at relationship etiquette around the globe. Based in Paris, we organise marriage proposals, elopements and weddings throughout France for couples coming from around the world. Its always interesting to know a little about the cultural backgrounds and family’s expectations when planning such an important event in their lives.

FRANCE
Average age of marriage:
Women: 29.7
Men: 31.9

Relationships are quite laid-back in France and do not follow any strict dating practices. French men are quite macho. Every decision is talked through but it is often the man who has the final say. Women tend to do most of the housework but men do an equal share of the cooking.

JAPAN
Average age of marriage:
Women: 27.3
Men: 30

In some circles in Japan its taboo to even talk about sex, in public or with your partner. Younger generations tend to be more free spirited and young professionals embark upon more passionate relationships. Its still not acceptable to live together before marriage in Japan.

RUSSIA
Average age of marriage:
Women: 23.3
Men: 26.1

Marriage is still the ultimate goal for Russian girls. You don’t wait around when you find someone special. Russian men are known to cook and take care of the finances. Men still make the big decisions for the couple. Women do the rest!

UK
Average age of marriage:
Women: 30
Men: 32.1

British couples are typically quite reserved and stereotypically British when it comes to talking about their sex life. Humour is a big part of British culture. Men often try to break the ice using humour before making the leap and asking a girl out. This is perhaps one of the most “equal” cultures when it comes to making decisions and talking through problems but British women are still expected to cook more than men and do more housework, even though men do participate more and more.

INDIA
Average age of marriage:
Women: 21.3
Men: 25

In India, girls still live with their parents until they get married. Girls expect to be treated like princesses. Indian boys are insecure and proud and are expected to pay the bills. Young men are very conscious of breaking India’s sexist culture and treating women like equals. Sex before marriage is still strictly off-limits in India. It happens but is never discussed. Arranged marriages are still widely imposed.

USA
Average age of marriage:
Women: 25.1
Men: 26.8

In the US, most couples start living together before they get married. This can be quite early on in a relationship. Decisions are often made together. It is common for female friends to discuss everything, including sex. Household chores and cooking are often shared. Stricter “dating” rules apply which non-natives may have trouble understanding.

If you wish to comment or add your own country to this list, we would love to hear from you!

If Paris is the most beautiful city in the world, then the River Seine is its most beautiful avenue and a luxury motor yacht its best ambassador.

What could be more emblematic of a wedding in France than having the ceremony and/or wedding reception on a yacht, with the Eiffel Tower as your backdrop?  Offer your guests breathtaking views of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Grand Palais, the Orsay Museum and the Louvre as you glide down the River Seine.

Imagine your intimate wedding ceremony being celebrated on the open air wooden deck with a white awning overhead. This yacht is ideal for small groups of up to 8 guests or why not just the bride and groom?

Enjoy a glass of champagne with canapés after the emotion of the ceremony or snuggle up in the captain’s cozy cabin during the cold winter months if you are only 2 or 4 people. Dinner can be served on the open air deck or below deck. Suitable for 8 people plus musicians. For groups of more than 8, we would recommend you disembarking after the cocktail reception and moving on to a restaurant, private mansion or reception hall for dinner and dancing.

For elopements (ceremonies involving just the bride and groom), you can extend the pleasure of your wedding day by settling back, enjoying a sumptuous dinner for two on board before retiring to the pretty sleeping cabin below deck where you can spend your first night of nuptial bliss together, floating off to sleep to the sound of the rippling water of the River Seine around you.
Under a luminescent sky, no interruptions, no traffic, just the two of you surrounded by the historical sites and splendor of an authentic Parisian evening.

What could be more enchanting than a private river boat cruise on the romantic River Seine as your destination wedding venue in France?

As professional marriage proposal organisers – as well as wedding planners – here is a taste of a romantic, simple but sweet, wedding proposal we can organise for you or a friend in Paris.

Indeed, we have hunted down the ideal restaurant in the heart of Paris where an intimate wedding proposal can be orchestrated to perfection. A place where you can whisper sweet nothings to each other, kiss and cuddle without getting indecent looks from your neighbour. A private room with dim lighting and a bell to attract the attention of your personal server.

Imagine enjoying a delicious meal in your very own private salon, decorated like a boudoir in black, gold and red and dimly lit to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere.

After dessert, reach over and take the pretty, decorated box (left on the side table by us before your arrival) and present it to your sweetheart. Upon opening the box, she will discover the latest Lanvin perfume called « Marry Me ! ».

Once she has recovered from the emotion, ring the little bell and wait for the waiter to appear with a bottle of champagne to seal this exceptionally romantic moment.

A simple but sweet marriage proposal she will never forget!