félicitations pour votre mariage
The English phrase "congratulations on your wedding day" is expressed in French as félicitations pour votre mariage.
This phrase is used to express happiness and good wishes to a couple on the day they get married.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "congratulations for your marriage" because the French preposition pour is used instead of "on".
Which one should you use?
You can say toutes mes félicitations pour votre mariage to mean "all my congratulations on your marriage", which makes the sentiment sound more heartfelt and complete. For a formal sentiment, you might use Toutes mes félicitations pour ce jour si spécial (All my congratulations on this special day) or Puissiez-vous vivre une vie de bonheur ensemble (May you live a life of happiness together).
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a single person or a very close friend using the informal tu, you would use ton mariage instead of votre mariage.
Did you know?
- In France, guests may throw dragées (sugar-coated almonds) at the newlyweds. The odd number of almonds symbolizes the hope that the couple will not be divisible.
- The French language distinguishes between the civil mariage at the city hall, which is the only legally binding union, and the religious wedding ceremony.
- At a French wedding, guests often participate in a la soupe à l'oignon tradition, eating onion soup in the early hours of the morning after the party.
Examples in context
- Toutes mes félicitations pour votre mariage.All my congratulations on your wedding.
- Je vous adresse mes félicitations pour votre mariage.I send you my congratulations on your wedding.
- Encore félicitations pour votre mariage, vous êtes magnifiques.Congratulations again on your wedding, you both look magnificent.
Example conversation
Hugo is greeting Léa and her new husband at the reception.
- HugoLéa, félicitations pour votre mariage !Léa, congratulations on your wedding!
- LéaMerci beaucoup, Hugo !Thank you so much, Hugo!
- HugoVous êtes magnifiques tous les deux.You both look magnificent.
- LéaC'est très gentil, merci.That's very kind, thank you.
