Unveiling The Wedding Breakfast: Exploring The History And Significance Of This Nuptial Tradition

The term wedding breakfast is derived from the old tradition of breaking the fast. In the early 1800s, weddings would take place very early in the morning, and guests would not eat beforehand. The meal that followed the ceremony was, therefore, the first meal of the day for the newlyweds and their guests. Although weddings no longer take place in the morning, the term wedding breakfast has stuck around, despite the meal not taking place in the morning or including breakfast foods.

The history of the term 'wedding breakfast'

The wedding breakfast is a traditional part of most weddings, where guests join the newlyweds for a meal after the wedding ceremony. The term is still used in British English, though it is neither usually a breakfast nor eaten in the morning. So where does the name come from?

The origins of the wedding breakfast date back to pre-Reformation times, when the wedding service was a Eucharistic Mass. As a result, the newlyweds would have been fasting before the wedding so that they could receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. After the ceremony, the priest would bless and distribute some wine, cakes and sweetmeats, which were then shared among the guests and the newlyweds, who were thus literally "breaking fast".

The Oxford English Dictionary does not record any use of the phrase "wedding breakfast" before 1850, but it was used at least as far back as 1838. The author of Party-giving on Every Scale (London, 1880) suggests that the phrase may have evolved 50 years earlier, when luncheon was not a recognised meal and the wedding breakfast was a modernised version of the marriage feast.

Although the custom of calling the meal a "wedding breakfast" is now usually just a nod to tradition, it was originally used to refer to a meal held in the morning after an early wedding ceremony.

The meal's timing

The wedding breakfast is usually held a couple of hours after the ceremony. This is to allow time for a drinks reception and canapes to ensure guests don't get hungry. The wedding breakfast is typically held around 4 pm or later, depending on the wedding schedule.

The wedding breakfast is the first meal the newlyweds share together, and it is also their first meal as a married couple. It is usually a sit-down meal of at least three courses, although there are many other options nowadays, including food trucks, grazing tables, and hog roasts.

The wedding breakfast is not usually a morning meal, despite its name, and it does not typically include breakfast foods. It is called a "breakfast" because it stems from an old tradition where couples got married earlier in the morning, and nobody ate before the ceremony, so a small meal was held afterward. This was a "breakfast" in the sense that people were breaking their fast.

The wedding reception refers to the entire post-ceremony celebration, including the wedding breakfast, which is the main meal of the day. The reception also includes the first dance and the celebration afterward.

The food served

The term "wedding breakfast" comes from the old tradition of breaking the fast, where the newlyweds would have been fasting before the wedding ceremony as it was part of a Eucharistic Mass. The meal shared afterward was literally breaking the fast, and so the name "wedding breakfast" was born.

Today, the wedding breakfast is unlikely to be breakfast food, and it is not usually served in the morning. It is often a three-course meal, with drinks and canapes served beforehand to break up the day and stop guests from getting hungry. It is typically followed by wedding speeches.

There are no set rules for what food to serve at a wedding breakfast, and couples are encouraged to get creative and personalise the menu to their tastes. It is important to consider guest dietary requirements and make sure the venue or caterer is aware of any allergies and intolerances. Some classic wedding breakfast dishes include:

• A three-course sit-down meal
• A serve-to-table food buffet
• A banquet-style hog roast
• Formal afternoon tea
• Canapes
• A grazing table
• A food van, such as gourmet pizza
• A summer BBQ

Beverages can include champagne, wine, mimosas, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks.

Drinks

During the wedding breakfast, wine is typically served, but the drink can vary depending on the food served. For example, an artisan craft beer could be offered if it pairs well with the meal.

After the wedding breakfast, there is often a bar where either the couple provides the drinks, or guests pay for their own. Some venues will offer welcome drink options, wine lists, and packages for the wedding breakfast. Many venues will also allow couples to bring their own wine, but they may charge corkage, which is a cost per bottle for uncorking.

Wedding breakfast activities

The wedding breakfast is a time for guests to refuel and recharge their energy, and it's also an opportunity to impress them with your styling, food, and drinks. Here are some ideas for activities to make your wedding breakfast memorable:

Entertainment

• Surprise your guests with singing waiters who will perform unexpectedly and create a joyful and disorienting experience.
• Hire a table magician to perform close-up magic tricks and illusions, adding a sense of wonder to the event.
• Book a wedding pianist to play during the wedding breakfast and set the tone for the event. A pianist can also play during other parts of the wedding, such as the ceremony and drinks reception.
• Hire a jazz band to liven up the atmosphere and get your guests moving and singing along.
• For a more relaxed vibe, consider an acoustic singer who can perform an intimate concert for your guests to sing along to.
• For a fairytale or classy vibe, book a string quartet to create a cultured and elegant atmosphere.

Games and Activities

• Set up lawn games like bocce ball, croquet, cornhole, and horseshoes to keep your guests entertained and active.
• Have a photo booth with fun props and backdrops to encourage guests to take memorable photos.
• Provide young guests with colouring supplies and activities to keep them engaged.
• Encourage conversation and interaction among guests with interactive wedding favours, such as table games, decks of cards, or puzzles.
• Create a poster featuring photos from your relationship and invite guests to guess the year each photo was taken.
• Hire a live painter to create a painting of your venue during the wedding. Guests can also contribute to the painting, making it a communal artwork.

Timing and Scheduling

• Schedule your wedding breakfast between 11 am and 2 pm, with the ceremony happening right before.
• Avoid having guests arrive too early in the morning – walking down the aisle no earlier than 10 am is recommended.
• Set up a coffee cart or pastry trays before the ceremony to welcome your guests and help them ease into the morning.
• If possible, prepare your wedding venue the day before to save time and reduce stress on the wedding day.

Food and Beverage

• Serve coffee and espresso mid-ceremony to ensure your guests are awake and energised.
• Offer a variety of drinks, including mimosas, Bloody Marys, screwdrivers, and sangria.
• Have non-alcoholic options like a coffee bar, iced tea, espresso shots, lemonade stand, or a juice and smoothie station.
• Serve a mix of breakfast and lunch foods to cater to different tastes. Consider having food stations for omelettes, French toast, crepes, and more.
• For a more formal option, opt for a sit-down meal with one breakfast entrée and one lunch option, such as a light chicken or fish dish.
• Instead of a traditional wedding cake, serve breakfast-friendly desserts like angel food cakes, fruit cakes, or a waffle cake.

Remember, the wedding breakfast is a time to relax, connect with your guests, and create lasting memories. Choose activities that reflect your personality and style, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions