It’s easy to overstate the differences between Brits and Americans, especially since at our core, we are very much alike.
However, there are also a lot of places our personalities, practices, and customs converge, and weddings are one of them. Ceremonies over here have a charm all their own, but to Americans, some of these traditions can seem a little quirky, if not downright wild. Here’s what often makes our friends across the pond a bit perplexed or even put out.
1. The bride usually arrives late on purpose.
In Britain, it’s almost expected that the bride will show up fashionably late, and not just by a minute or two. It’s considered a bit of good luck for her to keep everyone waiting. Americans, who tend to run weddings with military-level timing, often find this tradition a bit nerve-wracking.
Rather than stressing over the delay, our guests tend to settle in and treat it as part of the day’s charm. A slight wait adds to the drama, builds excitement, and gives the groom plenty of time to sweat it out at the altar.
2. Wedding speeches are a huge event.
In the UK, wedding speeches are practically a sport, and the best man’s speech especially is expected to be funny, cheeky, and slightly embarrassing. There’s often a real sense of theatre to them, with people genuinely looking forward to the storytelling and banter.
Americans usually keep wedding speeches shorter and sweeter, so the idea of full-on stand-up comedy sets during the meal can seem wild. But in Britain, a cracking speech is one of the highlights of the day—the roastier, the better.
3. Formal hats and fascinators are a must.
At a proper British wedding, guests, especially women, often rock up in hats or fascinators that look like works of art. It’s not just the mother of the bride who goes all out; everyone’s at it. The headwear is often bigger, bolder, and flouncier than anything you’ll see Stateside.
To Americans, the sea of bobbing hats can feel like stepping into a royal event. But for us, it’s just another excuse to dress up and have a bit of fun. The more feathers, flowers, and netting, the better.
4. Wedding ceremonies are often in the middle of the day.
Over here, it’s completely normal for the ceremony to kick off around midday or early afternoon, giving way to an entire day of celebrations. By contrast, many American weddings start later, closer to evening party time.
Starting early means there’s time for everything: the service, the formal meal, endless speeches, a break for tea (yes, really), and dancing into the night. It’s an endurance event, but for us, a wedding day really is meant to be an all-day marathon, not a sprint.
5. The formal sit-down meal is called the ‘wedding breakfast.’
To Americans, calling a mid-afternoon three-course feast a “wedding breakfast” sounds completely bonkers. In the UK, however, it’s tradition, and it harks back to the idea that it’s the first meal the couple shares after getting married. It doesn’t matter that it happens hours after a proper breakfast—it’s still a wedding breakfast by name. And yes, it comes with formal place cards, printed menus, and multiple forks, not a stack of pancakes or a pile of bacon.
6. The best man is expected to absolutely roast the groom.
Unlike American best men, who might keep their speeches heartfelt and a little teary, British best men are on a mission to tell every hilarious, embarrassing story they can get away with. The roast is not optional; it’s practically a national sport. Americans might be slightly horrified at how savage these speeches can get, but for us, if you aren’t squirming a little in your seat during the best man’s speech, has it even really happened?
7. Guests expect to stay until the bitter end.
In the US, guests often leave after the cake cutting or once the dance floor starts thinning. In Britain, it’s basically expected that you’ll stay until the last song—and even then, probably hang around for an extra drink. Leaving early is considered a bit rude unless you’ve got a really good excuse. We treat weddings like marathons, not sprints, and you’re in it for the long haul with the happy couple—tired feet, prosecco hangover, and all.
8. A formal afternoon tea can be part of the reception.
Tea isn’t just a cliché; it’s genuinely part of many British wedding receptions, especially in the gap between the wedding breakfast and the evening party. Guests might be treated to dainty sandwiches, scones, and proper cups of tea. Americans might expect cocktail hour with champagne and canapés, but we’ll happily tuck into a cream tea before the dancing kicks off. Nothing says “let’s party later” like a perfectly buttered scone right now.
9. There’s often a second round of guests just for the evening party.
Over here, it’s quite common to invite some people just to the evening do. These guests skip the ceremony and the meal but turn up ready to dance, drink, and celebrate late into the night. To Americans, it can seem odd—you’re either on the full invite list or you’re not. However, in the UK, the evening invite is seen as totally normal and still a really lovely gesture.
10. The first dance sometimes gets gatecrashed on purpose.
While many American weddings treat the first dance as a private, romantic moment, Brits often turn it into a group affair pretty quickly. Friends and family flood the dance floor partway through the song, and it’s practically encouraged. There’s no waiting quietly at the sidelines. Once the bride and groom give the nod, it’s game on. The more chaotic and joyful, the better. It’s a first dance, yes, but also the first big group party moment of the night.
11. Wedding cakes are often fruitcake (and need a chainsaw to cut).
Forget sponge, red velvet, or chocolate—traditional British wedding cakes are dense, boozy fruitcakes covered in thick white icing. Cutting one often feels like hacking through a Christmas pudding with a butter knife. Not everyone follows this tradition today, but many still do.
Americans used to light, fluffy wedding cakes might find the texture and taste a bit of a shock. However, many of us love the tradition. Plus, fruitcake lasts forever, which means you can keep a slice wrapped up for anniversaries or unexpected snack emergencies.
12. Confetti is a real production (and sometimes banned).
Throwing confetti at the newlyweds is a major photo moment in the UK. People plan it, organise it, and sometimes even rehearse it. However, some venues, especially historic ones, ban real confetti because of the mess, leading to all sorts of creative substitutes like petals or bubbles.
In the US, confetti isn’t as much of a big deal, and throwing anything too messy is often discouraged. In Britain, though, a proper confetti toss is practically an art form—if you didn’t get pelted with colourful bits, did you even get married?
