Throughout your wedding planning process, you probably heard the term wedding breakfast. It might sound confusing since this meal typically happens late afternoon or early evening.
Ever scratched your head wondering why on earth it's called a "wedding breakfast"? The phrase "wedding breakfast" originated when morning weddings followed church ceremonies.
Way back when, weddings were usually morning affairs. The ceremony would wrap up, and everyone—newlyweds, family, friends—would sit down together for their first meal as a married couple.
And sure, it was more than just a regular meal. Think of it as the beginning of something special. Plus, if you want to be really traditional, the couple would have been fasting before their vows. So, this meal was literally their "break-fast."
Even though our modern weddings have moved to later in the day, the name stuck. It's a nice little tradition that keeps a connection to the past alive, don’t you think?
The term "wedding breakfast" is still alive and well, especially in the UK and across Europe. It might sound a bit old-school, but that’s part of its charm. It’s one of those traditions that’s been around for ages and still holds a special place in many wedding celebrations.
You might not hear it as often in more modern or non-traditional settings. In a lot of places, it’s become another word for "reception." But for those who love a good nod to history, calling it a "wedding breakfast" is a perfect way to blend the past with the present.
In other words, you shouldn’t feel weird calling it a breakfast.
Absolutely! There’s no rule saying you must have a wedding breakfast. These days, weddings come in all shapes and sizes, and couples are getting more creative in how they celebrate.
Not a fan of formal sit-down meals? No problem. You can still throw an amazing party with just desserts, a laid-back buffet, or even a cocktail reception.
The most important thing is that your wedding feels true to who you are. Whether you stick to tradition or carve out your own unique way to celebrate, it’s your day to design exactly how you want. So, if a wedding breakfast isn’t your style, go ahead and skip it—you’re paying for it, after all!
People often mix up these terms, but they actually mean different things. The wedding breakfast is typically the first meal that you and your guests share after you’ve tied the knot. It’s more focused on the meal itself.
The wedding reception is a bit of a bigger deal—it’s the entire celebration that kicks off after the ceremony.
This includes everything from the meal to the toasts, dancing, and whatever other fun you’ve got planned. Your reception could feature a traditional wedding breakfast, but it could also be a buffet or even just a spread of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
