UK vs American Weddings: Key Differences You Need to Know
- melanierevell8
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
When planning a wedding, whether in the UK or the US, you might assume the experience will be fairly similar. After all, both celebrate love with beautiful ceremonies, heartfelt vows, and unforgettable receptions. However, there are some notable differences between British and American weddings that can be particularly useful to know—especially if you're blending traditions or planning a wedding in a different country. So, let’s get into some of the key differences between UK and US weddings, from timings and traditions to terminology and trends.
1. The Wedding Day Timeline
In the UK, weddings tend to start earlier in the day. A traditional British wedding might have a ceremony start at 1:00 or 2:00 PM followed by a drinks reception, a formal sit-down meal (the “wedding breakfast”), and then an evening party. In contrast, American weddings typically start later in the afternoon, around 4:00 or 5:00 PM, allowing for a later celebration.
2. Wedding Vocabulary
If you’re an American couple planning a wedding in the UK, or vice versa, you may notice a language barrier when it comes to wedding terms. For example:
Vendors vs. Suppliers – Americans refer to their wedding professionals as “vendors,” while in the UK, we call them “suppliers.”
Cocktail Hour vs. Drinks Reception – Americans have a dedicated “cocktail hour” between the ceremony and reception, whereas in the UK, we call this the “drinks reception.”
Wedding Breakfast? – This one confuses many of our American couples! In the UK, the main meal after the ceremony is called the “wedding breakfast,” regardless of the time of day. It is actually called that because it is the first meal they share together as a married couple.
3. The Aisle Walk
In the US, it’s common for the groom’s party to walk down the aisle before the bride makes her entrance. This often includes groomsmen and sometimes the groom himself with his mother. In the UK, however, the groom typically waits at the front, and it’s usually just the bridesmaids and the bride with her father who make their way down the aisle.
4. Confetti vs. Send-Offs
One of the most beloved traditions at UK weddings is the confetti toss as the newlyweds exit the ceremony. While some US weddings embrace this, it’s not as standard. Instead, American couples often incorporate a grand “send-off” moment at the end of the night, featuring sparklers, bubbles, or even fireworks.
5. Catering: Plated Meals vs. Food Stations
In the UK, the sit-down meal is a staple, with a structured three-course dinner being the most popular choice. In the US, while formal dining is still common, many couples opt for a more relaxed catering style, such as food stations, buffets, or even food trucks. The emphasis in American weddings is often on providing variety and movement, rather than a formal seated experience.
Another key difference is the wedding cake. In the US, cake is often served as the dessert at the reception, immediately following the meal. In the UK, however, the cake is usually a separate moment later in the evening, rather than being part of the formal meal.
6. The Wedding Weekend Trend
One of the biggest differences is that American couples often plan an entire wedding weekend rather than just a single-day event. A destination wedding or a local celebration might include a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and a farewell brunch. In the UK, while multi-day celebrations are becoming more popular (which we love!), the tradition is still very much centred around a single wedding day.
7. Cash Bar vs. Open Bar
In the US, it is fairly common for weddings to have an open bar, where all drinks are provided for guests throughout the night. However, in the UK, it is not uncommon for guests to pay for their own drinks in the evening. Some couples may provide a free bar for part of the night or offer a set number of drinks per guest or tab amount, but a fully hosted open bar is less typical in the UK compared to the US.
Blending Traditions: Making It Work for You
If you’re planning a wedding that blends British and American traditions, you have the perfect opportunity to mix and match elements that suit your style. Want a UK-style confetti toss but also love the idea of a sparkler send-off? Do both! Prefer a British-style sit-down meal but love the variety of American-style food stations? There’s no reason you can’t create an approach that reflects both cultures.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your wedding feels like you. Whether you’re saying “I do” in the rolling countryside of England or under the Californian sun, embracing traditions from both sides of the pond can make for a truly unique and unforgettable celebration.
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