The Wedding Breakfast - Not a Breakfast At All!
What Is the Wedding Breakfast?
One of the most common questions we hear from international guests is: "What exactly is the wedding breakfast?" While the term might conjure images of eggs, toast, and tea in the early hours, the wedding breakfast isn’t a morning meal at all—at least not anymore. In fact, it's a longstanding British tradition that refers to the first meal shared by the newly married couple and their guests after the wedding ceremony.
Where Does the Term Come From?
The name dates back to before 1887, a time when English law required all weddings to be held before noon. After the ceremony, the couple and their guests would break their fast (since they'd typically not eaten before the church service), making this meal quite literally a “break-fast.”
Even though the law has long since changed—weddings can now take place at any time of day—the term wedding breakfast has remained in use, particularly in the UK. It symbolises the celebratory meal that follows the union of two people, regardless of whether it takes place at lunchtime, mid-afternoon, or in the evening.
Is It the Same as a Wedding Reception?
In modern terms, the wedding breakfast is essentially the same as what many people now call the wedding reception meal. Whether it’s a three-course silver service dinner, an elegant afternoon tea, or a relaxed buffet, the wedding breakfast is the main meal where speeches are made, toasts are raised, and everyone settles in to enjoy the festivities after the formalities of the ceremony.
Some couples stick to tradition and refer to it as the wedding breakfast on their stationery, while others choose to use the term wedding reception—especially when guests may not be familiar with the historical phrase. Both are correct, so it really comes down to personal preference and the style of your event.
Choosing the Right Wording for Your Wedding Stationery
When you're putting together your wedding invitations, menus, and place cards, deciding what to call the post-ceremony meal is just one of many small details that contribute to the overall tone of your celebration. Some couples opt for formal wording to match a classic or traditional event, while others prefer a more relaxed, conversational style.
At Dotty About Paper, we understand that no two weddings are the same, which is why we offer fully personalised wedding stationery. Whether you want to include the term wedding breakfast for its tradition and charm, or go with reception to keep things modern and straightforward, we’ll customise your invitations and menus to reflect your vision perfectly.
What Kind of Wedding Breakfast Will You Have?
The beauty of today’s weddings is that there are no set rules—you can design the celebration to suit your personalities and preferences. Some popular wedding breakfast styles include:
Formal sit-down meals with multiple courses and speeches.
Buffet-style meals offering guests a relaxed, self-serve experience.
Afternoon teas for a charming and timeless British feel.
Alfresco dining at a garden party or rustic outdoor venue.
Destination wedding meals featuring local cuisine and seasonal flavours.
Whatever format you choose, the wedding breakfast is a time to relax, celebrate, and spend meaningful time with the people who matter most.
Let Us Help Set the Tone for Your Day
From save-the-date cards and invitations to menus and thank-you notes, we’re here to help you create a seamless and stylish wedding stationery suite that reflects the tone and personality of your special day.
With a wide selection of elegant designs, thoughtful wording options, and customisable templates, Dotty About Paper makes it easy to add a personal touch to every detail.
Explore our wedding stationery collection today and let tradition meet modern creativity—whether you’re planning a wedding breakfast, a reception, or something uniquely your own.
