How it unfolds
The classic English wedding still follows a recognisable script: the reading of banns in church on three Sundays, the bride entering with her father, confetti at the door, then the wedding breakfast — which is in fact a dinner — followed by speeches and the first dance.
A British wedding follows a fairly fixed running order, and guests notice when it is broken: ceremony, photographs, receiving line, the wedding breakfast — which is a sit-down meal at whatever hour, not breakfast — then speeches in the order father of the bride, groom, best man, then the first dance and an evening reception to which more people are invited. Banns, read in church on three Sundays, survive for religious ceremonies; civil ceremonies use a notice at the register office.
Key points
| Banns | Read on three Sundays before a church wedding |
|---|---|
| Something old, new, borrowed, blue | The best-known superstition, still widely observed |
| Confetti | Thrown at the church door, often restricted by the venue |
| Wedding breakfast | The reception meal, whatever the hour |
| Speeches | Father of the bride, then groom, then best man, in that order |
| The cake | Fruit cake, with a tier traditionally kept for a future christening |
| First dance | Opens the evening |
In practice
- Check the venue's confetti policy before buying any — many ban it or require biodegradable petals.
- The best man's speech is expected to be funny and short; the order of speeches is rarely varied.
- Keeping a tier of cake for a christening is traditional but optional.
- A church wedding requires banns or a licence: start several months ahead.
What it costs
A wedding in the UK commonly costs between £18,000 and £25,000, with the venue and catering the largest items; London is substantially higher. A register office ceremony with two witnesses costs a small fraction of that.
Recent changes
Since 2021 civil and religious marriages in England and Wales can be held outdoors in the grounds of approved venues, and mothers' names now appear on marriage certificates — a change campaigned for over many years.
Who to ask
- Families and elders, for the customary steps.
- Registry office, for the civil marriage.
- Place of worship or celebrant, for the ceremony.
- Local caterers and venues.
Worth knowing before you take part
Customary and religious ceremonies carry enormous social weight, but only the civil registration produces legal effects — inheritance, parentage and recognition abroad all follow from it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the wedding breakfast?
The main meal after the ceremony, whatever time of day it happens. The name is historical — it was the first meal after the fast before communion — and it confuses almost every visitor. Expect a seated meal for the daytime guests, with more people joining for the evening.
Who gives the speeches and in what order?
Traditionally the father of the bride, then the groom, then the best man, after the meal. The order is loosening and either partner may speak now, but the best man last is near-universal. Keep to five minutes; going long is the classic error.
Official sources and links
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised