I need a tutorial in French cultureFollow

You're going to need a black & white striped shirt, a red scarf and a beret.

Also, if you can grow a small pointy mustache, it'd help.

Garlic.

Frogs legs.

Run away at any sign of conflict.

...errr that about it.

I kid, I kid.

Cigarettes, coffee, wine, and bad art would also be an acceptable gift.

Also say "I will say this only once" a lot

Don't bathe or shave. Then smoke incessantly, drink too much wine, and complain about Americans, and you'll fit right in.

Edited, Jan 1st 2009 9:15am by TurinAlexander

Say things like "J'adore les cigarettes! Les americans sont le diable. Ce vin es muy bueno!"

Tell them you learned everything you know about France from Jean Reno films.

You should buy berets with everyone's name so you don't stand out.

Thread Killer!

Everything Nobby said was spot on.

Whatever kind of wedding it is, you can't really go wrong by wearing a hat. It might not be compulosory, but it's never frowned upon either. Don't wear a red dress, or something which could "upstage" the bride. It's always nice to bring a gift of course, though I wouldn't reccomend wine since you'll be in wine country and might be seen as a slight insult. Other alcohol would be just fine, though. Other than that, weddings are usually pretty smart affairs, so a nice dress should be in order.

Other than that, nothing special. They do drag on for a bit, church service in the morning and then an endless late lunch/dinner would be my guess.

You should really go, though. Bordeaux is lovely, the region is gorgeous, the food and the wine are out of this world, and drunk french people are usually pretty nice and friendly. And, if we're honest, any faux-pas you might make will be forgiven by the simple fact you`re American, and therefore not supposed to know the local customs.

As for the language, "Enchantee!" when you meet/are introduced to someone is always good. Most people will speak enlgish though, the more so the drunker they get. Finally, a beautiful woman is always warmly welcomed and very appreciated in France, so don't worry too much, you'll be just fine, and people will make sure you're ok.

If you want me to find a hotel, PM me the details of where the wedding is and your budget, and I'll do a quick search to see what I can find, and send you a pot-pourri of my findings.

FTFY

In addition, my experience of the avergae "Jacques de Doe" is that (especially in the North of France) they have huge respect for Americans, provided they don't do the "World Police" kick and they stay away from politics.

They all grew up on US TV shows and movies, and most (especially the under-40s) get a buzz out of trying out their English. Red was right though - a non-francophone having an attempt at speaking french is always welcomed and made a fuss of.

In short; buy a hat and a pretty/elegant frock, brush up on a few everyday french phrases and you'll have a whale of a time.

P.S. French wedding cake is something you'll never forget - a ginormous pyramid of chocolate & cream choux-pastry profiteroles. Le nom nom!

How's that going Red?

This wedding would be a good chance. It's better than even money that the land of mimes and mistresses is going to deny me an entry visa for reasons I can't go into, and also likely can't resolve in time to make it. Nexa will be running amok hammered on cheap Beaujolais, unescorted!