Are you set to attend a British wedding later this year? Or perhaps you are planning to marry your significant other in a British wedding setup?
Unfortunately, the ongoing pandemic derailed wedding plans this year. Nevertheless, people are starting to adapt to the changes. Life is getting back to normal.
The UK is now implementing health protocols concerning British weddings. There are select venues where you can hold the ceremony. There is also a maximum number of guests who can attend the event.
But what exactly are these British wedding traditions you should be aware of? What are the key elements that are integral to a British wedding ceremony?
Continue reading below for a comprehensive guide on British weddings from start to finish.
British Weddings Begin with the Proposal
The personality of British weddings does not only involve the ceremony itself. They transcend and cover the elements before, during, and after the couple says their vows and “I do’s.”
Thus, we begin our breakdown with the wedding proposal. Like the wedding ceremony, the proposal comes with its own set of rituals and traditions. The man must go down on one knee before showing the ring to his significant other, for starters.
After that, he will propose marriage to the woman. If the lady accepts the ring, it means she agrees to the proposal. From there, the woman wears the ring on her ring finger, formalizing their engagement.
Interestingly, there is a UK tradition that allows women to propose to their partners. Women can do so only on the 29th of February. Such a date only appears in the calendar during a leap year.
With the engagement, the couple will then agree to a specific wedding date. Moreover, the couple will announce the banns in their local parish or registry office.
Pre-Wedding Parties
At British weddings, there are no rehearsal dinners. However, the would-be bride and groom will both have a final party before heading to married life.
The woman will have her “hen party” while the man gets his “stag party.” Generally, the two parties take place the night before the wedding. Since it will be the final night of singlehood, expect the parties to become wild.
As for the guests, tradition expects them to bring something for the soon-to-be bride or groom.
Who is Part of the Ceremony?
When it comes to the wedding ceremony, key persons will play essential roles. Most of these people are close friends and relatives of the couple.
As for the roles of these people, there will be ushers you will assist the organizing committee. There will be groomsmen who will support the groom in his preparations. Of course, there is the best man who will be by the side of the groom.
The best man is usually the groom’s best friend or brother.
On the bride’s side are the bridesmaids, counterparts of the groomsmen. There is also the maid or matron of honor. She is like the bride’s version of the best man.
There is the ring bearer, a young boy with the task of carrying the rings to the altar. Of course, the father of the bride should be present. He will be the one to give his daughter to the groom.
Capping the cast are the junior bridesmaids and the flower girl. The former offers additional assistance to the bride while the latter scatter flowers.
The Wedding Ceremony Proper
The ushers will get their hands full as the guests start to arrive for the ceremony. The ushers will guide them to their seats. They will also provide books, flowers, and other items necessary for the ceremony proper.
The bride’s guests usually sit on the bride’s side while the groom’s guests, on his side. As for the bridal party, they have reserved seats.
The groom should arrive at the venue first.
One of the key highlights of the ceremony is the exchanging of the vows. Whether it is a Roman Catholic wedding or a Protestant English wedding, this part is always present.
The priest or registrar will guide the couple as they exchange their promises to each other. This moment is when the man and woman place the rings on each other’s ring finger.
As the couple leaves the venue, the guests will throw rice at them. This tradition symbolizes the showering of wealth and fertility to the newlyweds.
The Reception
Following the ceremony is the reception. This reception is where the bride and groom present themselves to their guests as newlyweds. This gathering is also where people share food, drinks, toasts, and stories about the new couple.
The reception should be joyous; hence, expect lovely music to fill the air. There will also be a portion where the father will dance with his daughter. In the middle of the dance, the husband will enter the picture, and the father will hand over his daughter to her husband.
This handoff is symbolic of the father entrusting his daughter to her life partner. This first dance of the couple will also usher in their married life.
Unlike weddings in the United States, British wedding receptions do not usually come with an open bar. Instead, there will be a cash bar right across where guests can buy drinks. After that, they can take the drinks and enjoy them inside the reception.
Then there is the wedding cake, which is usually a tiered fruit cake. The couple will slice a portion for the other partner. This slice is symbolic of their pledge to work their marriage hand-in-hand.
The Wedding Gifts
As for the British wedding gifts, guests should follow the couple’s registry or the gifts they prefer. If you are going to veer away from the list, try not to give something physically big.
You do not want the couple to have trouble taking the huge gift from the reception to their new home.
The Honeymoon
No wedding is complete without the honeymoon, a tradition dating back to the Vikings. Newlywed Viking couples would hide inside a cave for a whole month.
During 30 moons, a family member would visit them every day. The visitors would bring honeyed wine, hence, the word “honeymoon.”
Let’s Plan Your Wedding, Today!
Now that you have an idea of how British weddings are, you will have a better appreciation of the customs and traditions that go with them. If you are looking to follow English wedding traditions or perhaps going to help out on one, we can take the burden of planning off your shoulders.
We offer top-notch wedding planning services. Connect with us today and tell us more about your plans. Let us handle the stress as you prepare for the wedding of your dreams.
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