Frequently Asked Questions About UK Wedding Traditions
Planning a wedding involves navigating and choosing whether or not to keep various traditions, some deeply rooted in history and others more modern. Doing my research into the most asked questions about weddings, I found that a lot of them were centred around traditions. This guide is here to answer said questions about UK wedding traditions.
What’s the meaning behind "Something Old, Something New"?
The rhyme "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in her shoe" originates from Victorian times. Each item represents a different aspect of the bride’s future:
Something old symbolises continuity with the past.
Something new represents hope for the future.
Something borrowed is often from a happily married person, to transfer some of their good fortune.
Something blue symbolises fidelity and purity.
And a sixpence in her shoe is a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the couple's future.
Likely originating in England during the Victorian era, the sixpence was often placed in the bride's left shoe as a wish for wealth and financial security in marriage.
Many UK brides still follow this tradition today, often putting their own modern twist on it.
Why is it called a ‘wedding breakfast’?
I’ve overheard many guests ask why the main meal of a wedding day, usually served around 3-4pm, is called a wedding breakfast. It’s because it’s the first meal shared by the couple after their ceremony. The name dates back to when couples would fast before their wedding, and the meal after the ceremony would break their fast. Today, regardless of the time of day, the meal following the wedding is still referred to as the wedding breakfast.
What are wedding favours?
Wedding favours date back to the 16th century in Europe, where aristocrats would give their guests small boxes filled with sugar or sweets as a symbol of wealth and fertility. Modern favours can range from chocolates and Welsh cakes (nom!) to personalised keepsakes. The meaning behind the gesture remains the same: a token of appreciation from the couple to their guests.
What’s the tradition of tossing the bouquet?
Tossing the bouquet is from medieval times when guests believed touching the bride would bring good luck. So that the bride could stop her guests from grabbing and ruining her dress, she would throw her bouquet into the crowd. Today, the tradition is more of a playful and fun moment, where the bouquet is thrown to single guests, and is said that whoever catches it will be next to get married.
Why do some brides wear wedding garters?
Guests believed taking a piece of the bride’s dress would bring them good luck. I’m starting to think that the Middle Ages needed more ways to find luck! To stop the bride’s dress from being torn apart, the garter was introduced as a substitute. The modern day tradition for the wedding garter is that the groom removes and tosses the garter to the male guests, similar to the bouquet toss and for the same reason.
Are wedding rings Pagan in origin?
Wearing wedding rings has ancient roots, including influences from pagan traditions. In many pagan cultures, rings symbolised eternity due to their circular shape. Over time, this symbol of eternal love was adopted by early Christians. Today, wedding rings are a universal symbol of commitment and love across many religions, but their origins certainly predate modern religious ceremonies.
Why do couples exchange rings?
The exchange of rings dates back to ancient Roman times and is one of the most enduring wedding traditions in the UK. The circular shape of the ring symbolises eternity, while placing it on the fourth finger of the left hand (the ring finger) is said to stem from an old belief that a vein in that finger leads directly to the heart. I’m sad to say that this is scientifically inaccurate! But this symbol of commitment is still a cherished tradition across the world.
Why is confetti thrown after the ceremony?
Throwing confetti at weddings symbolises showering the couple with good luck and prosperity. Historically, rice or wheat was thrown to wish fertility upon the newlyweds. Imagine that? Ouch! Nowadays, couples in the UK use biodegradable confetti, flower petals, or even bubbles. Most venues prefer the most eco-conscious confetti possible.
What’s the tradition behind cutting the wedding cake?
I love this one. Cutting the wedding cake together represents the couple’s first shared task as newlyweds. The tradition dates back to Roman times when cakes were broken over the bride’s head for good fortune. Thankfully, this has evolved into a much more enjoyable experience today, with couples cutting the cake together, symbolising unity.
What’s the tradition of burying a sausage the night before the wedding about?
This is a new one for me too, never heard of it before 2024! Burying a sausage in the garden the night before the wedding turns out to be a quirky and lesser-known UK tradition, and is meant to bring good weather on the big day. Apparently it’s from old folklore where burying food was believed to bring good fortune. This superstition isn’t very common any more, though I have seen more reels popping up about it. I’m willing to give anything a go for good fortune though, aren’t you?
What’s the history behind the naming of wedding anniversaries (paper, wood, diamond etc)?
It all started in medieval Europe, where milestone anniversaries like the 25th and 50th were marked with silver and gold. Over time, more materials were added for other years, with wood representing the 5th year, tin for the 10th, and diamond for the 60th anniversary. I’d never realised this because apparently I live under a rock, but each material symbolises the increasing strength and durability of the marriage over time.
Why does the father give the bride away?
Marriages used to be arranged a lot more than they are today. The father would "give away" the bride as part of an agreement between families. It was a symbol of handing the responsibility of looking after her to her wedded partner. Today, it has evolved into a gesture of love and support, though many couples choose to update this tradition. Some brides are escorted by both parents, or even walk down the aisle with their partner.
Why is it bad luck for the groom to see the bride before they get married?
Again, this comes from historic arranged marriage customs. Weddings weren’t always about love like they are today. They were often arranged for money or social gain. The bride and groom were kept apart until the ceremony to make sure if the groom didn’t find the bride attractive, he couldn’t call off the wedding which would have meant financial loss or shame for the families. How awful?!
This eventually evolved into the superstition that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. Most weddings are no longer arranged, but many couples still follow this tradition for its romantic or sentimental value, with the belief that it adds to the excitement and emotional impact of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. Many brides wants to see her soon-to-be husband shed a tear from seeing her beauty after all!
Some modern couples choose to have a "first look" before the ceremony. This gives them an intimate moment before saying “I do” as well as private photographs, so the tradition is now more flexible depending on personal preferences.
What’s the tradition behind wedding speeches?
Traditionally, the wedding speeches in the UK are given by the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. Over recent years, many couples have included speeches from the bride, bridesmaids, and other family members. The idea has become more inclusive, allowing anyone who feels connected to the couple to share their thoughts and blessings, and/or attempt to make guests laugh/cry.
Why does the bride wear a white dress?
Queen Victoria wore white at her wedding in 1840. Before this, brides just wore their best dress, no matter what colour they were. Since then, the white dress has become a symbol of purity (which in itself feels outdated) and elegance, though more brides are now embracing dresses in alternative colours and more personalised touches such as colourful embroidered flowers. Which I’m personally obsessed with.
Final thoughts on UK wedding traditions
Traditions are beautiful for their origins and history. Many people feel strongly about certain wedding traditions for personal and emotional reasons. Knowing where they come from helps couples to decide which ones are right for them, and whether they want to include them on their big day.
I absolutely love seeing couples put a modern twist on these traditions, create their own or going without them completely. Your wedding should be unique and personal to you. It’s all about celebrating the love you have for each other. If that includes traditions that mean a lot to you, or making the events of the day personalised and unique without any of the traditions, you should definitely just do you.