What are common wedding traditions in the UK?

In the UK, many couples follow a familiar shape to their day. The ceremony often starts with the bride or couple walking down the aisle, sometimes to music chosen by the couple. Vows and ring exchanges are central, and in England and Wales you sign the marriage schedule or document after the ceremony. Confetti is a popular way for guests to celebrate as you leave the ceremony. After that, the reception usually includes a meal, speeches from the couple, parents or wedding party, and a toast. The first dance opens the evening party, and cutting the cake is often a photo moment. Other common traditions include a gift list, where guests choose a present from a list you have set up, and a hen do or stag do before the wedding. Some couples include a something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Others have a page boy or flower girl, or a receiving line to greet guests. None of these are required. Many couples mix traditions from their own cultures or skip ones that do not fit. The legal parts, like giving notice and having witnesses, matter most. For the rest, choose what feels meaningful and enjoyable for you and your guests.