A wedding breakfast refers to a formal meal held after the wedding ceremony.
Despite its name, it’s not limited to morning events and often takes place in the afternoon.
The term originates from the historical practice of the bride and groom fasting before their morning wedding and then breaking their fast with this meal.
The wedding breakfast typically includes:
- A structured menu featuring multiple courses.
- Toasts and speeches to celebrate the newlyweds
This tradition remains popular, particularly in the UK and other Commonwealth countries, as a centrepiece of wedding celebrations.
What Is a Wedding Breakfast?
Ah, the wedding breakfast; the meal with a name that confuses everyone (no, you’re not getting scrambled eggs unless you ask for them). At Bredenbury Court Barns, we’ve seen it all, from elegant sit-down meals to sharing style courses for everybody to tuck in to.
Whatever your style, your wedding breakfast is more than just food. It’s a chance to feed your hungry guests, toast your new marriage, and sneak a break before the dance floor gets crowded.
Why Is It Called a Wedding Breakfast?
We get it. The term wedding breakfast sounds like a morning-after hangover cure, but don’t worry—it’s not. The name harks back to old wedding traditions, when couples broke their fast after a Eucharistic Mass (Historic UK).
Fast forward to today, and it simply means the first meal after your wedding ceremony. So yes, it could technically include toast and tea, but most couples opt for something a little more celebratory.
Planning Your Wedding Breakfast at Bredenbury Court Barns
Planning a wedding breakfast isn’t just about picking the food (though that’s obviously the fun part). Here’s how to make it work:
Timing
Most wedding breakfasts happen 2–3 hours after the ceremony, giving you time for a drinks reception and photos. This lets your guests mingle while you and your partner head off for photographs.
Venue Perks
At Bredenbury Court Barns, our stunning wedding venue can handle everything. Need help with seating? We’ll make sure your top table is front and centre, while the other tables are perfectly arranged for your guests.
Wedding Breakfast Food Ideas
Your wedding breakfast food sets the tone for your celebration. Let’s give your guests a meal they’ll rave about (or at least fondly remember).
| Classic Elegance | Something Different |
|---|---|
| Three-course meal with soup, roast beef, and dessert | Host a roast for a hearty, rustic vibe |
| Fine wine and champagne | Pimms & sparkling soft drinks |
| Plated starters, mains, and puddings | Afternoon tea with sandwiches and scones |
| Formal service by in-house caterers | Sharing style courses for sociable dining |
Dietary Requirements? Sorted.
Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten-free? At Bredenbury Court Barns, our caterers can handle it all. Better yet, enjoy our complimentary taster day event to see how our caterers serve their courses and see what they have to offer before choosing the menu for the big day.
How to Seat Your Whole Wedding Party
Seating your whole wedding party and guests can feel a little overwhelming when it comes to wedding planning, but we’re here to help.
- Top table: That’s you, the newly married couple, along with parents and the wedding party.
- Round tables: Perfect for all the friends you couldn’t bear to leave out.
- Evening guests: No need to include them here—they’ll eat later.
Pro tip: We’ll set up your seating chart to avoid awkward family feuds. You’re welcome.
What About Wedding Breakfast Etiquette?
Yes, there’s etiquette involved, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
- Speeches happen either before or after the meal.
- Toasts should include champagne, but have soft drinks and wine on hand for variety.
- The bride and groom should enjoy their food! Trust us, this is your only chance to sit and eat and soak up the day.
Budgeting for Your Wedding Breakfast
The cost of your wedding breakfast depends on what you serve and how you serve it. Here’s how to make it work:
- Cheaper options: Our menu prices vary so there is something for everybody’s budget.
- Smaller guest lists: Fewer people = less food = more budget for the good stuff.
- All the options: Combine sharing platter starters with a show-stopping main meal for balance.
At Bredenbury Court Barns, we’ll work with you to create a menu that suits your style and your budget.
Wedding Breakfast vs. Wedding Reception
Here’s where things get confusing. The wedding breakfast is the main meal after the ceremony, while the wedding reception covers the entire post-ceremony celebration.
| Wedding Breakfast | Wedding Reception |
|---|---|
| Focuses on food and speeches | All about the party, dancing, and cake |
| Includes a formal or casual meal | Includes the buffet plus entertainment |
Why Bredenbury Court Barns?
We’re not just here to host your wedding breakfast. At Bredenbury Court Barns, we create unforgettable experiences blending stunning spaces, mouth-watering food, and a level of service that’ll make you wish we planned your whole life.
Want to know more? Let’s chat about:
- Traditional sit-down meals
- Sharing-style wedding breakfasts
- All the ideas to make your breakfast as unique as your love story
FAQs About Wedding Breakfasts at Bredenbury Court Barns
What should I include in my guest list for the wedding breakfast?
Your guest list should primarily include those attending the wedding ceremony and any close friends or family joining the celebrations. For evening guests, you can plan separate snacks or lighter meals during the wedding reception.
How can I make the wedding breakfast more affordable?
Opting for a lower cost menu can help manage costs while still providing a memorable feast. You can also reduce the size of your guest list. Here at Bredenbury Court Barns we have a wide variety of menus making it affordable for everyone’s budget.
What are some popular dishes served at a wedding breakfast?
Classic three courses include dishes like soup or salad for starters, roast chicken or beef for mains, and a decadent dessert to finish. However, more adventurous couples are breaking tradition with options like sharing courses, host a roasts, or even international cuisines.
Final Thoughts
The wedding breakfast is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to celebrate, relax, and enjoy your special day with everyone you love and this part of your wedding sets the tone for the whole wedding party.
At Bredenbury Court Barns, we’ll help you plan a breakfast that’s as memorable as the vows themselves.
Explore more planning tips:
- Winter Wedding Table Decoration Ideas
- Wedding Checklist
- How to Include Important People in Your Wedding
Let’s make your special day extraordinary—because your guests deserve more than toast.
