A French Take on Baby Celebrations
Celebrating a baby before birth may sound like a modern import, but in today’s France, it is becoming part of a quiet cultural shift.
In the past, traditional French norms kept people from having festivities before a baby was born.
But now, modern families are throwing baby showers that are more personal and delicate, honouring ancient traditions while also welcoming new ones.
In this new setting, baby shower flowers perform a gentle but significant duty by helping to make the place look stylish, thoughtful, and definitely French.
Do Baby Showers Exist in France?
For a long time, baby showers were considered very un-French.
Traditionally, people celebrated and gave gifts when the baby was born, usually during a family visit or a small gathering to welcome the new baby.
This custom was based on being careful and, for others, on a sense of superstition—celebrating too soon was regarded as a bad idea.
Because of this, expectant mothers were not usually the centre of attention before birth, and large pre-baby parties were rare.
Instead, the focus was on calm preparation and privacy.
Modern French Baby Showers: Quiet but Meaningful
Things have started to change. Influenced by international culture and social media, younger generations in France are slowly reinterpreting the baby shower — but in their own way.
Rather than big parties with games and themes, French baby showers are more likely to be:
- Small and personal
- Hosted at home or in a cosy café
- Centred on conversation and connection
- Focused on the mother’s well-being
It’s not so much about the show as it is about sharing a moment, which is a manner that fits well with French values.
Flowers at a French Baby Shower: More Than Decoration
In French culture, flowers are never just decoration.
They are a language of their own, expressing emotion, care, and good intentions.
This makes them particularly appropriate for a baby shower, where the aim is to offer support rather than overwhelm.
Flowers bring beauty to the gathering while keeping the atmosphere calm and refined — exactly what a French celebration calls for.
Which Flowers Are Best for a Baby Shower?
The French way of picking flowers for a baby shower is to look for ones that are delicate, in season, and have a meaning.
Popular choices include:
- Peonies, symbolising tenderness and happiness. They’re often linked with good fortune and a sense of abundance, which makes them a lovely “welcome” for a growing family. Their full, soft petals also instantly create that cosy, celebratory feel without trying too hard.
- Roses in soft colours that stand for love and safety. Soft and comforting, pale pinks and milky tones communicate love in a way that is timeless but not too loud. They’re also a safe, universally understood choice if you’re not sure about the parents’ style.
- Lisianthus or ranunculus, elegant yet relaxed. Lisianthus brings a calm, airy sophistication (pretty, but not overly formal), while ranunculus adds texture and a slightly playful, romantic look. Both look well in mixed bouquets and have a modern feel without sacrificing the French touch of elegance.
- Seasonal flowers, always preferred in France for their natural charm. Choosing what’s in season feels more authentic, often looks better, and tends to be fresher and longer-lasting. It’s also a subtle nod to the French love of simplicité and good taste.
Light colours and soft scents are quite important. The idea is to make a space that is calming and welcoming, not overwhelming.
Why Flowers Are the Perfect French Gift
Flowers align perfectly with French gifting etiquette.
They are thoughtful without being intrusive and appropriate for almost any setting.
Unlike large or very personal gifts, flowers allow the recipient to feel appreciated without pressure.
They also work well in any situation, whether they are given at a baby shower, mailed after the baby is born, or brought to the family’s house.
The Rise of Online Flower Delivery in France
Online flower delivery services have made this tradition even more accessible.
Today, it’s easy to pick out beautiful French-style arrangements and have them sent at the perfect time.
The advantages are clear:
- Perfect for busy people
- Access to expertly created seasonal bouquets
- A discreet, stress-free way to send congratulations
- Reliable delivery windows, so flowers arrive when the mum-to-be is actually home (or right before guests arrive)
- Easy personalisation, from adding a heartfelt message card to choosing colours that match the baby shower theme
It’s a modern solution that fits seamlessly into French culture.
Sending Flowers from Abroad: A Thoughtful Gesture
Online flower delivery is a terrific way for friends and family who live outside of France to join in the fun.
Sending flowers, even from a distance, shows that you care, respect tradition, and are there for the person emotionally.
These are very important qualities in French society.
Baby Shower: Tradition, Flowers and a New French Moment
French baby showers may be evolving, but they remain true to their roots.
The event reflects both old and new ways of living through modest parties, thoughtful gifts, and flowers that were meticulously chosen for the baby shower.
It reminds me that in France, the most important times are usually marked by grace, not by grandeur.
Illustrations © French Moments. In addition, digital art compositions.
