Exploring American vs English Wedding Terminology

Hey there! Welcome back to The Way to Bloom, a wedding florist blog sharing wedding planning tips, real weddings and the latest trends for your destination wedding. Can you believe it's already April? The wedding season is just around the corner, and I'm so excited for all the beautiful weddings ahead in 2024 and beyond into 2025. 

I've been calling the UK home for nearly three years now, and what an adventure it's been! One thing that never fails to make me smile is the charming English terminology and slang. There's been quite a bit to learn along the way! Through crafting gorgeous weddings across the UK and specialising in dreamy destination celebrations, I've discovered the delightful phrases that set apart British and American weddings.

So, are you ready to dive into the fun and explore these cultural differences with me? 

All Night Affair or A Day of Wedding Celebrations

In the UK, weddings are often celebrated as day-long affairs, with festivities extending from early afternoon until midnight. In contrast, American weddings tend to have a shorter duration with the ceremony starting between 4 and 5 pm. American weddings typically focus on the main events from the ceremony to the reception.

Supplier vs Vendor

For couples marrying in the UK, you’ll refer to those providing services for their big day as "wedding suppliers." From wedding florists to photographers, these suppliers play a crucial role in bringing the wedding vision to life. However, across the pond in the United States, the term "wedding vendors" is more commonly used. Wedding suppliers or wedding vendors, we all do the same thing!

Tent or Marquee Wedding

Embracing the great outdoors for your special day? In the UK, you might find yourself hosting a "marquee wedding" beneath billowing canvas, while in the US, it's more commonly referred to as a "tent wedding." Dreaming back to this English countryside wedding with the dreamiest of marquee wedding florals in a classic white and green colour palette.

Cocktail Hour or Drinks Reception

After the official ceremony and “I Do’s”, it's time to raise a glass. In the US, we relish the "cocktail hour”, whereas UK weddings opt for a "drinks reception." Two names, one delightful tradition of mingling and sharing a drink with the newlyweds.

Signature Cocktails or His and Hers 

Now this is interesting!

As part of the historic culture in the UK, you aren’t allowed any alcohol before the ceremony. There are some crazy rules around this in the UK where you aren’t allowed any alcohol in the room where you will say “I Do” nor have a drink 1-hour before the ceremony. Particularly very important for Church weddings, so please take note of wedding-planning couples. Whereas in the States before the ceremony begins, many couples treat their guests to signature cocktails – a delightful touch that adds a personal flair to the festivities. UK couples do have signature cocktails or His and Hers but this is way into the party. For our wedding, we opted for an elegant Champagne cocktail and a classic Margarita that went down very well with all the guests!

Reception or Wedding Breakfast

After the Cocktail Hour or Drinks Reception, whichever term you prefer, it’s time to dine. Americans often refer to this post-ceremony soirée as the "reception," while Brits favour the charming "wedding breakfast." In England and across the UK it’s known as a Wedding Breakfast as this is the first meal you eat together as newlyweds referring to breakfast - I mean, all the English charm right now.

Sweetheart Table or Top Table

Newlyweds seeking an intimate moment during the wedding festivities will sit at a "sweetheart table”, very popular for American weddings. Meanwhile, in the UK the happy couple will sit with immediate family, bridal party members and more at the “top table”.

First Looks or Tradition

The most important question of all? To peek or not to peek before the ceremony? In the US, "first looks" are a cherished opportunity for couples to share a private moment and capture the raw emotions before saying "I do." In the UK, tradition holds sway, with many couples opting to keep the suspense alive until the aisle.

Bridal Gown or Bridal Dress

The bride's attire! While Americans affectionately call it a "bridal gown," our British friends call it a "bridal dress." 

Corsages and Bridal Buttonholes

In America for more traditional weddings corsages are worn on the wrist of any important women in the wedding party such as Mums, Nans, Aunties, Godmothers and more. For UK weddings, these ladies elegantly wear a corsage or small buttonhole on their jackets or dresses. 

Buttonholes or Boutonnieres

In the land of Shakespearean charm, these floral accents sit perfectly on the groom's left-hand side near his heart and are affectionately known as "buttonholes." Across the pond, our American counterparts favour the term "boutonniere." No matter the name, these miniature masterpieces add a dash of elegance to any groom's attire. 

Bridal Possession and Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Protocol

In the UK after walking down the aisle, all wedding party members take their seats on the first few rows to enjoy the ceremony. Meanwhile, across the pond, bridesmaids and groomsmen typically stand alongside the couple during the ceremony. 

Confetti Line

The joyous cascade of confetti – a quintessential moment in British weddings, where guests line up to shower the newlyweds in colourful petals, all bio-degradable of course! While this tradition is less common in American weddings, it’s a trend that is becoming more popular. 

In conclusion, while the language of love may be universal, the terminology surrounding weddings can vary significantly between the United States and the United Kingdom. I hope you found this blog post insightful, join me next month for more wedding floral insight at The Way to Bloom.

Supplier Credits:

Photography By Gagan with Original Marquees, The Axtells Photo & Films at Great Marsh Estate, Eddy Taylor Weddings at American Museum & Gardens, Joana Senkute Photography at Villa del Gattopardo, Cristina Ilao at Mara Marie Bridal Boutique, Henry Lowther at Brympton House