Are you planning a wedding and looking for unique ways to honour your English heritage?
From engagement traditions to post-wedding celebrations, there are plenty of fun and meaningful customs associated with english wedding traditions.
If you’re curious about the classic rituals that have been handed down through generations, we’ve got all the information you need.
Read on to learn more about some of our favourite pre-wedding festivities, ceremony staples, and celebratory activities related to English wedding traditions.
English Wedding Traditions
Engagement
Engagement is the first step in a couple’s journey to marriage. The groom-to-be usually proposes a proposal that involves him getting down on one knee.
This romantic gesture symbolizes his commitment and love for his partner and often comes with an announcement to family and friends.
The ring exchange follows the proposal, which is a further sign of their commitment to each other.
It can be done in private or during a special event such as an engagement party or dinner gathering with close family members present.
1. Ring Exchange
A wedding ring is exchanged between partners as part of the ceremony, representing their unending love for each other.
Traditionally, it was given by the man but nowadays couples are free to choose who gives it out first, depending on what they feel comfortable doing.
The rings should fit comfortably around both partners’ fingers without being too tight or loose – this ensures that they will last through all of life’s ups and downs together.
Pre-Wedding Celebrations
2. Hen and Stag Parties
Hen and stag parties are pre-wedding celebrations that take place separately for the bride and groom.
These events are typically held by close friends of the couple, who organize a night out to celebrate their upcoming nuptials.
The hen party is usually filled with fun activities like karaoke or games, while the stag party may involve going out for drinks or playing sports.
Both events allow the bride and groom to spend quality time with their closest friends before they get married.
3. Bridal Shower
A bridal shower is a gathering of family members and close friends of the bride where she receives gifts from her loved ones in anticipation of her wedding day.
This event can be hosted at someone’s home or even at a restaurant, depending on how many people will be attending.
Bridal showers often include food, drinks, music, dancing, games, gift-giving ceremonies, and other activities that make it special for the bride-to-be and her guests.
The rehearsal dinner takes place one night before the wedding ceremony itself, so everyone involved knows what to expect on the big day.
It is traditionally hosted by either parents of either spouse, but nowadays, couples often host it themselves instead if they wish to do so.
During this event, all those involved in planning or participating in the ceremony come together over dinner to go through everything one last time before saying “I do”.
Ceremony Traditions
4. Processional and Recessional Music
Processional music is the first piece of music played during a wedding ceremony.
It typically signals when guests should stand up, as well as when the bride enters.
Traditionally, processional music has been classical pieces such as Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” or Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major”, but more modern couples are opting for instrumental versions of popular songs like John Legend’s “All Of Me” or Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”.
Recessional music is usually upbeat and celebratory, signalling that it’s time to leave after exchanging vows and rings.
Popular recessional songs include Stevie Wonder’s “Signed Sealed Delivered I’m Yours”, Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”, or Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”.
5. Vows and Exchange of Rings
The exchange of vows is an important part of any English wedding ceremony. Couples can choose to write their personalised vows or use traditional ones from religious texts such as the Bible.
After exchanging vows, couples will often exchange rings which symbolise their commitment to each other.
These rings may be plain gold bands with no engraving, or they could be engraved with meaningful words or symbols that reflect the couple’s love for one another.
Unity ceremonies are rituals performed during a wedding ceremony that signify two people becoming one through marriage.
Common unity ceremonies include sand pouring (where two different coloured sands are poured into one container), candle lighting (where two candles are lit together) and knot tying (where a rope is tied in a knot).
Other symbols of commitment used during English weddings include handfasting ribbons, which represent binding together, and lockets containing photos or mementoes from families locked together on a chain around the couple’s necks or wrists.
Post-Wedding Celebrations
Post-wedding celebrations are an important part of English weddings. After saying “I do”, couples can enjoy a receiving line where guests congratulate them and offer their best wishes. This is usually followed by a toast to the newlyweds, which is often given by one of the couple’s family members or close friends.
Bouquet tosses and garter removal rituals add some excitement to receptions. The bride throws her bouquet over her shoulder while all unmarried female guests try to catch it for good luck in finding love. The groom then removes his bride’s garter with his teeth as they share a laugh together.
Cake cutting marks the sweet end of any wedding celebration. Couples cut into their cake with one hand each before feeding each other bites from it, symbolizing that they will always be there for each other through thick and thin.
Conclusion
English wedding traditions are a beautiful way to celebrate your love and commitment.
From the engagement to the post-wedding celebrations, there is something special about incorporating these customs into your big day.
Whether you choose to follow all of them or just a few, they will add an extra layer of joy and meaning to your celebration that you’ll never forget.
As you plan for your own wedding, remember that English wedding traditions can be an integral part of making it truly memorable.
