TipsBuy champagne - the savings are not as big as in previous years. However the range available is veruy considerably greater in French supermarkets. We suggets you buy a selection and after tasting them, go back and buy the ones you like. With 6 - 8 glasses per bottle, you will need about 20 bottles for 100 guests, for the toast. Champagne prices Lanson Black label costs £19.99 in England (Tesco 12/99) and £11.72 in France (Carrefour Mi-voix supermarket 12/99). The perceived wisdom is that you need to spend £25 and more for a good bottle of champagne. For 20 bottles the cost would be £399.80 in England but only £234.40 in France - a saving of £165.40 ! (or 41%). If you popped over on the best value ticket you can save a lot of money. Go to the supermarkets (Carrefour Mi-voix is best) or Le Chais. 1 bottle of 75 cl = 6 glasses of 12cl, or 4 glasses of 18cl For the apéritif = 12 bottles, Entrée = 12 bottles of moelleux* and 18 bottles Blanc sec, Main course and cheese = 60 bottles, Dessert = 18 bottles Buy wine - even the better value wines are good value in France - the biggest savings are on wines under £5.00 though. Avoid the supermarkets. Lace - Calais has many lace shops - worth a visit. Royale Dentelle - 6, Bd. Clemenceau, and 74, Bd. Lafayette, 62100. Tel: 0033 321 34 91 36. JULY 2011 - Closed. Local traditions - in the North of France the families meet on the Thursday before the marriage in each others homes. No invitations are issued - you just turn up with your firends. Anniversaries (noce de) - What? When? 1st - cotton, 5th - nylon, 10 - pewter, 15 - crystal, 20 - porcelain, 25 - money, 50 - gold, 60 - diamond. | 
