Wedding traditions play a crucial role in weddings all across the globe. Every traditional and cultural wedding has a considerable amount of traditions to consider. And so does the British wedding. In the UK, weddings are filled with customs and history. Some of these old customs are practised and celebrated even today.
Starting from the reception to the wedding ceremonies, there are so many things that make English weddings in Essex, UK, one of a kind. In this blog, we will be discussing some of the most exciting and popular British wedding customs. Let’s get started!
The Engagement
In the UK, it is customary for the groom to stand on one knee and propose to his better half and present a ring to the bride. Even nowadays, getting down on one knee to propose remains a popular gesture. This act signifies vulnerability and a strong emotional connection, demonstrating the willingness to devote one’s life to fulfilling their partner’s desires and needs. Essentially, it represents a surrender to the power of love – a truly romantic gesture.
After the engagement, the couple may choose to have an engagement party before the actual wedding customs and traditions. It is also common for couples in Britain to announce their engagement in the newspaper or social media to inform friends and family.
The White Wedding Dress
The white wedding dress has been a constant part of different types of weddings for hundreds of years. The ancient Romans wore the white wedding dress as a symbol of purity. No matter the type of wedding, be it a beachy wedding or an extravagant wedding in an ancient and elegant English wedding venue near Colchester, the white wedding dress remains constant in most cases. That is because white is one of those very few colours that go well with almost everything and doesn’t clash with any kind of wedding decor or the clothes of the bridesmaid and the guests present.
Old, New, Borrowed, Blue
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” is a popular wedding tradition that started in the 1800s. It is an old-age Victorian rhyme. This ritual is still celebrated today and holds utmost significance representing new beginnings with all the meaningful gifts received from family and loved ones. The day before the wedding, the couple receive and give each other different tokens of love from their family and friends representing something old, new, borrowed and blue. Here are a few of the most common examples: –
1. Something old – The bride’s father gives his mother’s ring to his daughter.
2. Something new – The bride’s mother gifts her daughter a new pair of earrings.
3. Something borrowed – A friend or family member lending the couple something they can use in their married life. It can be anything from a handkerchief to a hairpin.
4. Something blue – Blue colour wards off the evil eye from the bride and groom. It also represents faithfulness and loyalty. Often, the bride’s garter has a blue ribbon, representing that blue item.
The First Dance
The first dance is a popular wedding custom in all English weddings in Essex, UK. The first dance is when the bride and groom dance to their favourite song. Often, the bride chooses the song they want to dance to. The first dance is crucial for the couple as it signifies the first time they show up in front of the public for the first time as husband and wife.
It is a sweet, romantic and beautiful tradition where all the guests gather around the newlyweds and join the dance after the couple has danced for a while.
The Bouquet Toss
Back in the 15th century, certain wedding traditions were quite barbaric. One of these bizarre customs included ripping off the bride’s dress and flower bouquet. It was believed that grabbing a piece of the bride’s adornment would bring her good luck in her wedding life. Eventually, the custom got toned down and became more reasonable, leaving bouquet toss as an organised custom activity.
It is now a fun and lighthearted activity at the reception’s end. The bride throws the bouquet over her shoulder to her group of unmarried female guests during the bouquet toss. The belief is the one who catches the bouquet will be the one to get married next.
The Best Man and Maid of Honour
In the UK, the best man and maid of honour play important roles in the wedding ceremony. The best man is responsible for ensuring that the groom arrives at the wedding ceremony on time and delivers the wedding ring to the bride during the ceremony. He also gives a speech during the reception, which is usually humorous and heartfelt.
The maid of honour is responsible for helping the bride with the wedding preparations, such as choosing the bridesmaid dresses and planning the hen party. She holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony and helps her adjust her wedding dress. She also gives a speech during the reception, usually a heartfelt tribute to the bride and groom.
Prested Hall - Best English Wedding Venue in Essex
British Weddings in Essex are often held in historic churches, grand stately homes or stunning wedding venues that provide a sense of grandeur and sophistication. Prested Hall, one of the best English wedding venues near Colchester, would be perfect for celebrating your English wedding. It has everything you need to make your big day a memorable event.
