Three things every quintessentially British wedding needs

Article written by Emma Walton

Great Britain is a beautiful place to get married, no matter the kind of celebration you’re hoping for – perhaps a grand, lavish affair, or a simple, intimate elopement. Of course, if you choose to wed here, you’ll want to do the stunning scenery and unique culture justice, by planning a celebration that’s as quintessentially British as it gets.

But what exactly do you need for the perfect British wedding? Here are three things to keep at the top of your must-have list when planning your dream celebration.

Image courtesy of Tom Halliday

A venue for any weather

Blighty is known for its rainy days, and though you’re likely to have plenty of sun if you choose to wed during the summer season, ensuring that you’re prepared should the heavens open is just a part of having a quintessentially British celebration. Don’t forget, rain on your wedding day is considered a sign of good luck – so don’t shy away from the outdoors if you’re the superstitious type.

By choosing to host your wedding at a countryside venue, you can both make the most of the stunning outdoor scenery while it's warm, and have a cosy indoor base in which to shelter if it does start to rain. A historic castle or manor would be the perfect choice, with fragrant English gardens in which to treat your guests to canapés, a grand banquet hall to host your wedding breakfast, and an opulent ballroom to while away the evening reception hours.

Image courtesy of Splinters Caterers

Traditional food and drink

Consider afternoon tea for your wedding breakfast, or treat your guests to a locally produced tipple, such as DeVere Finest Gin, which could be incorporated into a signature cocktail for your post-ceremony cocktail hour. Nothing says ‘British wedding’ like a good hearty meal, so consider a gourmet twist on fish and chips, or an indulgent pie and mash. Scottish delicacies include Haggis and black pudding, or, opt for dishes that are popular in Wales, like Welsh rarebit.

Of course, British food is more than these everyday meals – but they’ll work well for a quintessentially British theme. Usually, couples opt for a traditional three-course meal for their wedding breakfast – but of course, you can get as creative with the menu as you wish. Consider a barbeque or buffet for a more communal feel to your post-ceremony chow down.

Image courtesy of Alex Buckland

Great British entertainment

Every British wedding needs great music. For authentic entertainment, you’ll want to choose a band local to your wedding location. Ask them to play the best British hits for an unforgettable night of fun and dancing – no matter the songs that you choose, they’re bound to sound great performed by a quintessentially British band.

There are plenty more ways to keep your wedding guests occupied besides music. For example, you may want to set up some board games that are popular in Britain, like backgammon – or, you could invest in a giant chess set. Of course, any British wedding customs that you choose to incorporate into your big day are bound to keep your guests happy and entertained.

Follow your own vision

Britain is a beautifully diverse island, so ultimately, you can really go with any theme that you like when it comes to your wedding day. While there are some traditional elements you may want to incorporate, being British is mostly about innovating and moving with the times too – so, trust your own vision when planning this special day.