One of my favourite parts of planning a wedding in France is helping couples choose their musicians. Live music brings something special to a celebration here. It softens the atmosphere, sets the rhythm of the day and creates these beautiful, spontaneous moments that guests always remember.

Couples often ask me where to start, and platforms like FixTheMusic are incredibly helpful because they gather so many brilliant musicians in one place. From ceremony music to the big party at night, here are some ideas to help you shape the soundtrack of your French wedding.

Beautiful live music for your ceremony

Your ceremony should feel personal and emotional, and live music can make that happen very gently and naturally. Acoustic guitar, a soft vocal, or even a string duo work beautifully in chapels, vineyards or sea view settings.

One musician I have worked with and love is True Troubadour. He is a wonderful acoustic guitarist and singer who creates the most heartfelt atmosphere. He is also multilingual, which is a gift for destination weddings where guests come from all over.

I also love roaming acoustic groups - especially for outdoor ceremonies in the south west, because they blend so nicely into the landscape without ever feeling staged.

Cocktail hour magic in the sunshine

Cocktail hour in France has its own dreamy energy. Champagne, long shadows, guests drifting through gardens. Music here should feel relaxed and elegant while building excitement.

I regularly work with Mixology Sax & DJ, and I absolutely adore them for this part of the day. Their sax and DJ combination is perfect for creating atmosphere without overpowering anything. They read the crowd perfectly and know when to let the moment breathe.

Another group I have worked with and highly recommend is Swing Thieves. Their blend of jazz, bossa nova and groovy swing brings such warmth to a cocktail hour. They can perform as a duo, trio or full band which makes them ideal for intimate settings or larger chateau courtyards.

Gentle dinner music that sets the mood

Not every couple wants music during dinner, and personally I agree that the meal should be the time for conversation with just the sounds of the evening around them. If you do go for music, keep it soft. Jazz trios, acoustic duos or a vocalist with guitar work perfectly. I always tell my couples that dinner should feel effortless, not staged.

A party band for an unforgettable dance floor

This is where things usually come alive. France has so many great party bands, from pop and soul to full rock sets. A few bands on FixTheMusic are on my radar - Can you guess which ones!?

If you want to browse a beautiful mix of options, FixTheMusic has put together a curated list of the most popular wedding bands in France right now.

Music for your pool party or day-after brunch

With destination weddings the celebrations often continue with a brunch or a pool party the day after. There is no reason the live music should stop on the dance floor the night before. I book music for this part of the wedding weekend so often and it always adds something fun and unexpected. We need a soundtrack for the storytelling about the night before and It helps the weekend to end on a high rather than simply fade out.

Mixology Sax & DJ are brilliant for this, offering lighter daytime sets. True Troubadour is also a wonderful choice for brunch, especially with his acoustic roaming setup. Swing Thieves can create the perfect sunlit jazz atmosphere for a poolside gathering.

It is such a simple way to extend the celebration and make the weekend feel more like a holiday.

Let your venue guide your sound

Not every venue suits every type of music. Let the setting speak a little.

• Riviera villas love upbeat sunshine sounds
• Basque Country landscapes pair beautifully with roaming folk inspired musicians
• Paris is perfect for chic jazz
• Dordogne chateaux feel made for soulful vocals and soft acoustic sets
• Vineyards are gorgeous with bossa nova or laid back guitar

Music and place are connected, and the right combination makes everything feel seamless.

Choose what feels like you

There are truly no rules with live music. Think about songs you love, the feelings you want to create and the memories you want people to take home. Your guests may forget the exact flowers, but they will always remember how the night felt.

And if you ever want to talk through ideas, I’m always here. It’s one of my favourite parts of planning.