Harper West
The wedding breakfast is a meal shared by the newlyweds with their guests after the wedding ceremony. The term dates back to the 17th century when couples would fast before the wedding ceremony, and the meal afterwards would be their first as a married couple, 'breaking their fast'. Today, the wedding breakfast is usually a formal, multi-course meal, often followed by speeches and toasts. However, it can be expensive, and some couples are opting for less traditional, more affordable options such as buffets, food trucks, or BBQs. Ultimately, the decision to have a wedding breakfast is a personal one, and there is no rule that food must be served at a wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A multi-course meal served after the wedding ceremony |
| Timing | Usually 2-3 hours after the ceremony, but depends on the time of the wedding |
| Etymology | The term dates back to the 17th century when couples would fast before the ceremony, and the meal afterwards would "break their fast" |
| Cost | £30-£40 per head |
| Alternatives | Buffets, food trucks, BBQs, afternoon tea, brunch, etc. |
| Planning | Requires additional planning for seating arrangements, table decorations, place names, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding breakfast is a tradition, but not mandatory
A wedding breakfast is a multi-course meal served after the wedding ceremony. The term dates back to the 17th century when newlyweds would fast before their wedding, and the meal shared after the ceremony would "break their fast". While it is still a widely followed tradition, it is not mandatory to have a wedding breakfast.
If a formal meal is not your style, you can skip it. You can let your guests know that you won't be serving a formal meal, and you can share your alternative plans with them. For instance, you could have a buffet, a grazing table, or even street food vendors. You could also have a BBQ or a picnic, which are more relaxed options.
If you're having a small wedding, you could sit down with close family and have a meal where you can actually chat. This won't work with a large number of guests. You could also have a sit-down meal with a twist, such as afternoon tea or brunch instead of a standard three-course meal.
If you're on a budget, cutting out the wedding breakfast can save you a significant amount of money, and you won't have to worry about seating plans, place names, and other decorations. You can also save time on planning and reduce stress.
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Alternatives to a formal wedding breakfast
A wedding breakfast is a multi-course meal served after the wedding ceremony. It is usually a formal sit-down meal, followed by speeches. However, modern couples often find this too formal and staged.
Buffet-style
A buffet is a great way to make your wedding meal more casual and friendly. You can have a variety of options, including hot dishes, salads, and desserts. This allows guests to choose what they want and can be a more relaxed and informal dining experience.
Sharing platters
A more recent trend is to have large sharing platters of food placed in the centre of tables, allowing guests to help themselves. This style of dining is called 'family-style' and can be a great way to encourage a social atmosphere without the formality of a sit-down meal.
Outdoor dining
If you're having an outdoor wedding, consider a barbecue or a hog roast. This is a great option for summer weddings and can be more affordable than a formal dinner, as you won't need to hire tables, chairs, or cutlery.
Afternoon tea
For a more relaxed afternoon meal, consider serving afternoon tea or brunch instead of a traditional sit-down dinner. This can include sandwiches, cakes, and other treats, and can be a nice twist on the traditional wedding breakfast.
Food trucks
Hire a food truck or van to serve your guests. This could be anything from a gourmet pizza van to a British classic like fish and chips. This option is sure to be a fun and memorable experience for your guests.
Remember, it's your wedding, so feel free to get creative and choose an option that reflects your personality and tastes!
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Wedding breakfast is expensive
The wedding breakfast is the meal you have after the ceremony, usually shared by the newlyweds and their guests. It is often a multi-course meal, served by waiting staff, and followed by speeches and toasts. The wedding breakfast is usually the first meal a couple shares as newlyweds, and as such, is a memorable part of the wedding.
While the wedding breakfast is a long-standing tradition, it is an expensive affair. The food alone can cost between £30 and £40 per head. If you are hosting a large number of guests, this can quickly add up to a significant expense. In addition to the food, there are other costs to consider, such as table decorations, seating plans, place names, and other stationery items.
If you are working with a limited budget, there are alternative options to the traditional wedding breakfast that can help reduce costs. One option is to have a less formal meal, such as a buffet, a grazing table, or street food. These options can be more affordable, and also create a more casual and intimate atmosphere. Another idea is to have a picnic, a summer BBQ, or food trucks, which can add a unique and fun element to your wedding while saving costs.
If you decide to forgo the wedding breakfast, it is important to communicate this clearly to your guests, so they can plan their meals accordingly. You can also consider having an afternoon ceremony, so guests can eat beforehand, or providing light refreshments, such as cupcakes or a sweet table, to ensure your guests do not go hungry.
Ultimately, the decision to have a wedding breakfast is a personal one, and there are no rules that say you must have one. You can choose to prioritise other aspects of your wedding or opt for a less traditional celebration that better reflects your style as a couple.
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Wedding breakfast is a multi-course meal
The wedding breakfast is the first meal shared by the newlyweds after the ceremony, marking the first meal they eat together as a married couple. The term dates back to the 17th century when couples would fast before the wedding ceremony, and the wedding breakfast was the meal that broke their fast.
The wedding breakfast is usually a multi-course meal, with three or four courses being the most common. It is often served by a team of waiting staff, and the menu is typically shared with guests beforehand so they can choose their preferred options. This meal is usually the main eating event of the day and is followed by wedding speeches and toasts.
The time at which the wedding breakfast is served depends on the time of the ceremony. For lunchtime weddings, the breakfast is usually served between 1 pm and 3 pm, while afternoon weddings may see the meal served between 4 pm and 6 pm. For twilight weddings, the meal may be served as late as 7-9 pm.
While a sit-down meal is traditional, couples are increasingly opting for less formal alternatives such as buffets, food trucks, street food vendors, or BBQs. These options can save money and create a more casual and intimate atmosphere. Ultimately, the wedding breakfast should reflect the couple's preferences and can be customised to suit their tastes and budget.
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Wedding breakfast is usually served 2-3 hours after the ceremony
The wedding breakfast is the first meal shared by the newlyweds after the ceremony. It is usually served 2-3 hours after the ceremony begins, though this can be longer if there are delays. The term 'wedding breakfast' dates back to the 17th century when couples would fast before the wedding ceremony, so the first meal shared after the ceremony would 'break their fast'.
The wedding breakfast is often a formal, multi-course meal, served with drinks and followed by speeches and toasts. It is usually the main eating event of the day. However, some couples are opting for less traditional options, such as buffets, food trucks, or BBQs. These options can save money on catering and seating arrangements.
If you are having a wedding breakfast, it is important to consider the dietary requirements of your guests and ensure that your venue or caterer is aware of any allergies or intolerances. You may also want to provide a menu at each place setting to remind guests of their meal choices.
If you are not having a wedding breakfast, it is a good idea to let your guests know in advance so that they can plan to eat before attending the ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it's up to you. It's your wedding, so do whatever you want and whatever best fits you as a couple.
A wedding breakfast is a multi-course meal served after the wedding ceremony. Despite the name, it can take place at any time of the day, and you don't have to serve breakfast food. The term dates back to the 17th century when couples would fast before their wedding, so the first meal after the ceremony would 'break their fast'.
Alternatives to a formal, sit-down wedding breakfast include a buffet, a food truck, a grazing table, a BBQ, or street food vendors.
A wedding breakfast can be a great opportunity to share speeches and toasts, as well as make lasting memories with your guests. It can also be a good time for guests to get to know each other.
