British/american wedding

What are some British wedding traditions?

This really is something you should talk to him or his family about. My family is northern Irish, so we're doing a caeliegh at the wedding reception. We're also serving lamb and potatoes in the buffet.

One thing that's subtle but different in the UK is the side of the bride that the father of the bride stands on when walking her down the aisle. In the US he stands on the left; in the UK he stands on the right. If you're American, though, it would make sense to stick to the US customer for that.

I expect that my Northern Irish female relatives will likely wear hats to the wedding, which is very traditional.

My parents had a fruit cake as their wedding cake, but I don't know if that's a British thing or just because my grandma likes baking fruit cakes.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for your input. Between the stress of everything, I completely forgot to ask his mother. I would like to add in their traditions and she would definitely be the woman to ask. Thank you again.

View Quoted Comment Well I was looking some up and the ceremony is done differently and the meal is the main thing. He is not sure if a lot of family on his side will come to the US. But I still want to incorporate it.

I would talk to him and his family. My FH is half Korean and he has asked to incorporate a tradition or two.

Definitely go with asking his family. You could also mention you want it to be a surprise for your groom - and they may be even more excited that you want some of their traditions in the wedding. Maybe a specific meal, cake type or flavor, traditional decor or procession/officiant.

We mixed a lot of customs at our wedding. My husband is Scottish and I’m American. Our American guests felt like the were at a “Scottish wedding” and our Scottish ones thought it was an “American wedding”. It was both and neither! We had lots of Scottish music, ceremony elements and the biggest thing was we changed the order of things to be in the order you do them at a Scottish wedding (cake cutting, first dance after dinner). Our venue was very classic New England, along with the food, so my American side was definitely present. I would definitely ask him and his family what their expectations are for the wedding and see if you can incorporate their ideas. We also had whisky, Scottish inspired cupcake (along with an American one), a piper, lots of tartan etc. There’s really endless ways to incorporate both cultures.

View Quoted Comment

Thank you Courtney. We are looking over the traditions and seeing which ones we both want.

View Quoted Comment

The surprise idea is great. Thank you