Classic UK wedding Traditions & Non-Traditional Twists
If you’re tying the knot in 2025, you’ll be looking forward to getting stuck into your planning as the new year gets underway.
You might also be wondering which classic British wedding traditions to incorporate. Equally, you may be asking yourself whether there are some more unusual elements you could introduce to make the occasion your own. Here, we take a look at some newer and more established ideas, plus how you could add a personal twist – equally, you may decide to combine newer and older marriage traditions.
Classic wedding customs and newer twists
· The proposal on one knee: This is thought to have stemmed from the Middle East some 3,000 years ago. Of course, these days either the would-be bride or groom can pop the question, in whichever way feels right for you.
· Hen and stag parties: The term ‘hen party’ goes back to 1881, ‘stag party’ to the 1930s. Today these events can take many forms, from a night out to a week abroad. And they no longer have to be single-sex occasions. Again, do it you way – or skip completely.
· The white wedding dress: In Ancient Rome, white symbolised purity, and the traditional wedding dress lingers because white always looks stunning and will go with anything. Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in white in 1840. However, these days of course, you can get hitched in anything you like. Some brides even opt for a black dress.
· Giving the bride away: The custom of the father ‘giving away’ his daughter to her groom dates back to Roman times and, again, was practised by Queen Victoria. Many modern couples, however, consider this rather outdated.
· Old, new, borrowed, blue: This dates back to a rhyme from 1871 and remains popular. The ‘old’ represents the past, the ‘new’ the future, the ‘borrowed’ stands for the happiness the groom will give the bride, while the ‘blue’ wards off evil.
· Throwing rice or confetti: This has happened since the early 1900s and is a way of wishing the happy couple health, wealth and children. (However, check your venue’s policy on confetti in advance.)
· Throwing the bouquet: This one dates back to 1300s England and symbolises fertility and good luck. The bride throws the flowers over her shoulder towards a group of single female friends towards the end of the party, and whoever catches it becomes the next to marry. It’s fun, makes a good photo and introduces a note of friendly rivalry. And it may be a further ice-breaker if some guests still don’t know each other well. However, if it feels archaic, or even slightly ‘single-shaming’, give the flowers away or present them to the couple among your guests with the longest marriage.
· Cutting the wedding cake: Cutting the wedding cake is another established tradition. It’s a great photo opportunity, and it’ll be a pleasure to share the treat around.
· The wedding toast: In his speech, the bride’s father or the best man will typically urge guests to raise their glasses. Jokes or funny stories about the bride or groom are invariably welcome at this point!
· Carrying the bride over the threshold: The groom traditionally carries his new wife over the threshold of their new home to safeguard her from evil spirits, and to stop her from tripping over her dress. It symbolises the start of their new life as a married couple.
· The first dance: We’ve written separately about this tradition. It’s a popular custom, and a key moment in many marriage celebrations. But, of course, you can do it your way – or not at all.
· The wedding list: Traditionally, wedding lists were about homeware as the couple began their life together. But today couples often already have full kitchens when they marry. So if the traditional registry from a department store isn’t for you, get guests to plant a tree in your name, contribute to your honeymoon or donate to charity. If you have a wedding website, explain everything there.
· The ‘unplugged’ wedding: This is a modern-day tradition. Consider asking guests to turn off their phones and focus on the ceremony and enjoying the party. This ensures the couple get the attention they deserve and allows the photographer to get on with their job. You could invite people to plug back in towards the end of the meal.
· The diamond engagement ring: Diamonds became a tradition after a 1947 De Beers campaign taglined ‘a diamond is forever’. Prior to that, there were typically no diamonds and often no stone of any kind. Today, again, the choice is yours and you could go for a sapphire, emerald or anything else.
· The honeymoon: The post-wedding holiday for newlyweds remains popular. But you don’t have to jet off straight after the celebration. You can wait a while or take a ‘mini-moon’, a shorter version of up to five days, instead.
Timeless Howard Court, the luxury North Yorkshire wedding venue
Howard Court is a beautiful, exclusive-use weekend wedding venue in North Yorkshire, surrounded by glorious countryside and woodland. One of our ancient, lovingly restored barns with original features preserved could be the perfect setting for your special day. And you’ll be able to enjoy your chosen wedding traditions here – whether you’re following established rituals or introducing new twists.
Get in touch about your dream wedding today and book a showround or download our brochure.
