George Boyle
British weddings are steeped in tradition, with specific customs and rituals that have evolved over the centuries. While some couples opt for a modern twist, many still choose to follow the classic British wedding schedule, which includes a range of time-honoured practices. The time of day plays a crucial role in the proceedings, with most weddings taking place in the afternoon, typically between 12 pm and 5 pm. However, the Hardwicke Act of 1753 dictated that weddings, except for those involving royalty, were to be held in the morning, specifically between the hours of eight and twelve. This raises the question: are all British weddings held in the morning, or have the traditions and preferences shifted over time?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of day | Most weddings take place between 12 pm and 5 pm, with the most popular time being 1 pm or 2 pm. |
| Duration | Ceremonies typically last 30 minutes to an hour, with receptions lasting five to eight hours. |
| Location | Until the early 1990s, weddings in Great Britain were required to take place in an Anglican Church or chapel. |
| Timing Constraints | Historically, weddings were restricted to the morning hours of 8 am to 12 pm by the Hardwicke Act of 1753. |
| Traditions | The wedding breakfast, a seated luncheon, is traditionally held at noon, followed by various traditions like throwing confetti or rice. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding ceremonies and receptions
The traditional British wedding ceremony takes place in a village church and can last up to an hour and a half, usually starting in the early afternoon. The bride and groom get ready separately, with the bride preparing with her mother, matron of honour and bridesmaids, and the groom with his best man and ushers.
After the ceremony, there is a seated luncheon called a wedding breakfast, followed by the first dance and the father-daughter and mother-son dances. The bride and groom are also traditionally tossed by their guests with colourful paper confetti or rice as they leave the church.
The wedding breakfast is typically held in the mid to late afternoon, leading into the early evening. It is customary for there to be speeches, which usually include the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. However, it is becoming more common for the bride and bridesmaids to give speeches as well. The speeches are followed by the cutting of the cake, which is often a fruit cake, and the bouquet toss. The first dance usually follows, kicking off the evening celebrations.
Evening guests are typically invited to arrive around 30 minutes to an hour after the wedding breakfast finishes, and the party usually continues until 11 pm to 12 am.
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Bridal party preparations
It is important to consider the size of the preparation area. There should be enough space for the bridal party and wedding suppliers to move around easily. A larger room tends to have larger windows, which can help with wedding makeup styling and photographs. It is also important to ensure that there are enough electrical sockets for everyone who needs them.
The bride traditionally gets ready with her mother, matron of honour, and bridesmaids. They should arrange for their hair and makeup artists to come to them. The groom, meanwhile, gets ready separately with his best man and ushers.
It is a good idea to have a set timeline for the morning of the wedding. This should include when to eat and when to start getting ready. It is important to eat a nutritious breakfast or lunch to stay energised throughout the day. It can be a nice touch to provide drinks such as mimosas or beers for the bridal party, but it is important not to overindulge.
Some fun activities that the bridal party can do together include a group exercise class or yoga flow, or simply taking time to relax and soak in the moment. It is also a good idea to take lots of photos of the bridal party getting ready.
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Wedding breakfast
The wedding breakfast is a feast given to the newlyweds and guests after the wedding ceremony. It is equivalent to a wedding reception that serves a meal. The name is derived from the pre-Reformation era, when the wedding service was a Eucharistic Mass, and the newlyweds would be fasting before the wedding to receive Holy Communion. After the ceremony, the priest would bless and distribute wine, cakes, and sweetmeats, which were then shared with the newlyweds, breaking their fast.
Today, the wedding breakfast is usually a formal, sit-down three-course meal, although it can also be a more casual buffet-style meal. It is the first meal the couple has together as a married couple, and it is customary to have toasts and speeches during the breakfast. The meal is followed by the cutting of the cake, which signals the start of the evening festivities.
The wedding breakfast is usually held in the afternoon or early evening, with the ceremony taking place earlier in the day. It is considered rude to leave the wedding during the breakfast, as it is a key part of the celebration. The bride and groom should be announced into the room by the master of ceremonies before the guests are seated, and it is recommended to allow two hours for everybody to eat.
The wedding breakfast is a time-honoured tradition in British weddings, and while the name may be confusing, it is a significant and enjoyable part of the wedding day, providing an opportunity for the couple and their guests to share a meal and celebrate their union.
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Speeches
While there are no strict rules about the order of speeches at British weddings, there is a traditional order that is often followed. This involves the father of the bride speaking first, followed by the groom, and then the best man. This tradition has evolved over time, with the father of the bride and groom taking centre stage, and the best man offering a light-hearted conclusion. Nowadays, it is common for the bride, bridesmaids, maid of honour, mother of the bride or groom, and even close friends and family members to give speeches. This reflects changing societal norms and values, with couples moving away from rigid formats and putting their unique spin on old traditions.
The content of the speeches is just as important as the order. They should be heartfelt and sincere, with genuine emotions and personal stories that resonate with the audience. A well-rounded speech balances humour and sentiment, keeping the audience entertained while also sharing meaningful thoughts. Practising the speech beforehand can help calm nerves and ensure a smooth delivery. It is also important to keep the speech concise, with 5-7 minutes being the ideal length to maintain the audience's attention.
The timing of the speeches is another key consideration. Traditionally, speeches take place after the meal, with a one-hour time slot dedicated to them. However, some couples may prefer to have a more relaxed evening without formal speeches, opting for impromptu words from guests instead. Ultimately, the decision about when to have the speeches and who should speak should reflect the unique character and dynamics of the couple and their loved ones.
In terms of what to include in the speech, it is customary to thank and say a few words about key members of the wedding party, particularly the bridesmaids. It is also a nice touch to toast and compliment the bridesmaids. While it is appreciated to thank the venue, too much time spent on this can make the speech feel clunky. It is best to keep it brief. Gifts can also be given out during the speech, but this can take up time, so it might be better to do this before the speeches or on the wedding morning.
The best man's speech is traditionally expected to be humorous, with classic best man jokes and personal anecdotes about the groom. It is important to only include jokes that are suitable for the audience and to be mindful of the stories being shared. The maid of honour's speech should similarly share funny anecdotes about the bride, and she usually speaks before the best man.
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First dance
The first dance at a wedding is often one of the most emotional moments of the day. It is the first time a newlywed couple dances together, and it usually takes place in the evening after the meal. Traditionally, the dancefloor was then considered 'open' to guests.
Some couples opt for a slow and romantic ballad, while others prefer an upbeat track that will get their guests clapping along. The song choice is often a special one for the couple, perhaps from a memorable moment in their relationship, or simply a favourite tune. Old-school classics by Elvis, Etta James and Al Green are popular choices, as are contemporary songs by Taylor Swift and Dan + Shay.
If you're nervous about your first dance, you could consider taking a lesson with a professional dance instructor. This will give you some basic moves to fall back on and help you feel more confident. You could also practise in your wedding attire, although some couples prefer to keep this a secret from their partner.
For a British wedding, you could choose a classic British song for your first dance. A jaunty Sinatra number, for example, or 'Come Away With Me' by Norah Jones.
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Frequently asked questions
No, most British weddings take place between 12 pm and 5 pm, with the most common start time being between 1 pm and 3 pm.
Wedding venues have different licenses, so the end time varies. Typically, the evening do will end around 11:30 pm.
Traditionally, the safest season to marry was between the harvest and Christmas, when food was plentiful.
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