There are many cultural differences between a traditional American style wedding and a traditional British style wedding. And since many friends and family are looking to make the trip over to the USA and celebrate with us I wanted to highlight what to expect from an American wedding.
It’s a Weekend Affair
?? British weddings are often a full day affair – starting with a morning ceremony and going through evening dancing. It’s really only the single day of celebrations.
?? American weddings are an afternoon and evening affair – with an afternoon ceremony followed by a reception with dinner and dancing. It is not uncommon for out of town guests to be invited to additional events over the course of the weekend – a rehearsal dinner on Friday evening and a brunch on Sunday morning.
Our Wedding Ceremony will take place in the afternoon at St. Spyridon’s Cathedral and it will be followed by a Wedding Reception in the evening. The reception consists of a cocktail hour, a sit-down meal, and then dancing.
It’s a Formal Affair
?? British weddings tend to be more casual in dress code than American weddings. Even so it is common for the ladies to wear ornate hats or fascinators as part of their ensemble. It is often considered taboo to wear the same color as the bridesmaids at a British wedding as well.
?? American weddings are often a more formal affair in clothing and atmosphere. It is not taboo to wear the same color as the bridesmaids in the same way it is in a British wedding.
Our wedding will be formal attire, but not black tie. This means suit and ties for the men and gowns or cocktail dresses for the women.
It’s a Longer Service
?? British weddings are often a shorter service that take around 30 minutes and involve some vows. Also, it is not uncommon for some guests to be invited to the reception only and not the service.
?? Greek-American weddings are a much more elaborate and lengthy affair and can an hour or longer. This is because there are multiple services being conducted during the course of a Greek Orthodox wedding, starting with the Betrothal Service and followed by the Marriage Service. If you’re invited to the reception you’re also invited to the service!
It’s all about the Cake
?? British weddings has a single traditional wedding cake – the fruit cake.
?? American weddings enjoy a bit more variety in their cake flavors and often times the different tiers are different flavors.
Our wedding cake has not been finalized yet but we do not anticipate having a fruit cake but less traditional flavors.
It’s a noisy affair
?? British weddings if you clink your glass you’re asking for a speech.
?? American weddings if you clink your glass you’re asking the bride and groom to share a kiss.
About our wedding
We’ll include start times on our invitations and dress code will be referenced here on the website.
Our wedding in the US will be a traditional Greek Orthodox ceremony and a traditional American style reception (with Greek dancing). Our UK wedding will be an evening affair, rather than a full day affair.
Have questions? Ask us! We’re happy to talk about our plans and answer questions you might have.