Living in the UK will reveal that due to differing beliefs, there are three types of weddings in the United Kingdom: Church of England weddings, Catholic weddings, and civil weddings, which are non-religious ceremonies. The traditional church wedding registration requires a six-month advance booking and a one-month public notice period, during which no objections to the marriage can be raised before the couple can enter the church. The second registration method is to register at the town hall, which only requires a one-month advance booking.
In the UK, weddings are typically held on Saturday afternoons at a church or registry office. The bride wears a white dress, a veil, and carries flowers. The groom wears a suit and waits at the altar in the church. When the bride arrives, the organ begins to play the wedding march, and the bride's father walks her down the aisle, handing her hand to the groom, thus commencing the ceremony.
An important part of the ceremony is the exchange of wedding rings. When the couple is married, they sign the marriage register in the church and then proceed to the courtyard. In the courtyard, their friends and family throw rice and confetti at them, offering their blessings.
Classic English wedding traditions include: the couple must first get engaged before officially marrying, and they must choose an auspicious date. Historically, the British were reluctant to schedule weddings on Fridays or Saturdays, as Friday symbolizes the cross and suggests funerals, while Saturday is considered unlucky. If it is Friday and the number thirteen is involved, it is seen as extremely unlucky! Marrying between the harvest season and Christmas is considered a sign of good fortune.
Wedding gifts are seen as thoughtful and generous. Couples often create a list of desired gifts, which is circulated among invited friends and family, allowing guests to choose and purchase gifts for the couple! The reception following the wedding is typically a three-course dinner, accompanied by many alcoholic beverages. After the third course or dessert, the host begins to speak. The bride's father usually shares stories about his daughter and his first meeting with the groom. The best man's speech always praises the groom's qualities. Finally, the groom speaks, usually expressing his gratitude for the bride's choice to marry him. After the speeches, there is typically a band playing for dancing or a disco until everyone is exhausted. The couple usually departs for their honeymoon early the next morning.
In contrast to domestic weddings, which can be overly extravagant and burdensome for the couple, their families, and friends, resulting in significant financial costs for the groom's family... unlike in China, British weddings emphasize simplicity, with the bride's family covering most of the wedding expenses aside from drinks and honeymoon costs.
