By now, we’ve fully acclimated to the news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle really will be getting married. And so, it’s time to move on to the next important order of business: hypothesizing what exactly their wedding will be like. And while we already know that it will take place next spring, in the chapel of Windsor Castle, there’s still a few details up in the air. Namely, how will Meghan Markle incorporate American traditions into her big day?
Below, a primer of sorts (we promise it’s based on more than just our repeated viewings of Four Weddings and a Funeral) to get your own brainstorming going. Because while you may know exactly what a wedding in the United States is like, a wedding across the pond isn’t exactly the same. So without further ado, we give you the five biggest differences between American and British weddings.
The Lead-Up
In the U.S., it’s all about bachelor and bachelorette parties. But in Britain, the more creatively named equivalents are stag nights and hen parties. And by now, no matter which side of the pond you live on, you likely know the drill. While Las Vegas-esque destinations are stereotypical locations for a boys’ or girls’ weekend out, an increasing number of people are opting for more low-key get-togethers. That however doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily be sticking close to home. From the Hamptons to Ibiza, perhaps more often than not, a bachelor or bachelorette celebration means a get-a-away.
For stag nights, (or “stag dos”), foreign cities are particularly common. And during these types of weekends, dress-up is the name of the game. Typically, the Best Man will pick out an embarrassing costume for the groom to wear. But that doesn’t mean hen parties always take place within Great Britain. Last year, Pippa Middleton, who was closely watched in the lead-up to her wedding, managed to travel to Méribel, a ski resort in the French Alps, for her own hen party. She was joined by friends and family—including big sister, Kate Middleton.
The Bridal Party
Americans are used to having a fleet of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Each team, so to speak, is captained by either a Maid of Honor or a Best Man. And while there are a myriad of issues that go into selecting your closest friends and family members to serve in this capacity (how many is too many? What if there are more groomsmen than bridesmaids?), for most people, it’s not a question of whether or not to have these people standing by your side. But in England, “bridesmaids” does not necessarily mean your peers. Often, bridesmaids are more akin to flower girls in the U.S. Similarly, in lieu of groomsmen, young page boys usually walk down the aisle instead of the groom’s best college mates.
Of course, this isn’t to say that in the U.K., no adults are involved. At Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding after all, Pippa Middleton became perhaps the most memorable Maid of Honor that the world had ever known. But on the other hand, when Pippa said “I do” last year, it was group of young children, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who stole the show.
The Dress Code
In the U.S., the ultimate taboo is of course wearing white to a wedding. No one wants to steal the bride’s thunder! But in Britain, it’s not unusual for bridesmaids to be seen in white. (Again, picture Pippa, the most iconic bridal party member of all time.) Maybe British brides are just more relaxed, maybe they’re more attuned to the garish color combinations that you’ll regret in five year’s time. Regardless, in the U.K., another added bonus is that the bride often pays for the dresses. For men who are in an English wedding, morning suits are traditional. And while these tailored ensembles aren’t seen across the board, you’d don’t frequently find one on a groomsmen here.
As for the guests, these days, there may not be any hard and fast rules. But considering the fact that English weddings ceremonies often take place in the morning, and are sometimes followed by a luncheon reception, you won’t see a lot of black-tie gowns in England. Likewise, the short garden party style dress isn’t appropriate for ever evening wedding in the U.S. Finally, last but not least, while they are less popular in the year 2017, hats or fascinators are often the name of the game at a British wedding. Just think back to Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding, when Philip Treacy toppers reigned supreme.
The Ceremony
In America, a couple can get married pretty much anywhere that money, and permits, can buy. On a beach! In house! On your friend’s brand new boat! But in the U.K., it’s a little more complicated than that. Legally, weddings must take place in either a place of worship (e.g., a church), or some other venue that has been officially registered. (Suddenly, all those Westminster Abbey royal weddings are making sense on a whole new level). And what’s more, in England, weddings often take place in the morning. (Another a-ha moment as to why you had to wake up at 4:00 A.M. to watch Kate and Wills exchange vows.)
The Reception
British weddings don’t typically have a rehearsal dinner, so the reception is the only wedding weekend event where you can properly celebrate the bride and groom. Logically, most morning weddings in the U.K. aren’t followed by lots of down time, and then, a 7:00 P.M. reception. Instead, an English reception is sometimes just a traditional luncheon. On both sides of the Atlantic, receptions tend to feature speeches. But the British are more likely to lend their unique senses of humor to repeatedly rib the bride and groom. And, if that sounds unappealing, get this: cash-bars are not unheard of! However, if we had to bet, our money’s on there not being one on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day.
—Madeleine Luckel
