Wedding Traditions

Its so interesting to see the differences between our cultures. Here are a few customs that you might see crop up if you go to an English wedding.
  • A bride should not wear the entire outfit before the wedding day.
  • A bride should not be seen by the groom in her wedding dress before the big day.
  • The wedding cake is often made of fruitcake. I am told this is because it keeps well when they send it to the people who couldn't attend the service.
  • The top tier of the cake is often saved for the christening of their first child.
  • Its believed that if an unmarried woman puts a piece of the wedding cake under her pillow, she will dream of the man she will marry.
  • Brides have hen nights and you might see them out with "L" plates on them. The "L" plates correspond to the same ones on cars for while you are learning to drive.
  • Grooms have stag dos (bachelor parties).
  • Weddings usually start around noon and last until the early hours of the morning.
  • They do not toss the garter.
  • They do not have wedding showers.
  • Brides often carry a horseshoe with them as a sign for good luck.
Hopefully these will prepare you for some things you are not used to, but more importantly enjoy yourself!

All the Best!

American to Britain