Exploring British Wedding Traditions: A Korean Maid of Honour’s Experience
I’ve just been asked to be the Maid of Honour for my closest British friend, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! After returning to the UK from India, we settled into our new home, carefully considering my husband’s job and our children’s schools. Coincidentally, my son Soju’s classmate lives in the same neighbourhood, which naturally led to our families becoming close. Through this friendship, I’ve been learning so much about British life and culture.
💍 The Proposal: A Summer Surprise
Last summer, my friend returned from holiday with exciting news—her partner had proposed! Seeing her so happy made me overjoyed too. A few days later, she asked me, “Would you be my Maid of Honour?” Without hesitation, I said, “Absolutely!” However, I soon realised that being a Maid of Honour involves more than I expected. Although I got married in the UK, I never truly experienced a British wedding from this perspective.
🇬🇧 British Weddings vs 🇰🇷 Korean Weddings
In the UK, many couples live together for years before getting married. My friend and her partner have been together for 15 years and have two children. The decision to marry came after the proposal, which is quite common here.
In contrast, Korean weddings often involve elaborate ceremonies and celebrations. The British approach tends to be more relaxed and personal, focusing on the couple’s preferences rather than traditional expectations.
Wedding Dress Shopping: A British Experience
The Dress Appointment
The day finally arrived for my friend and me to visit the bridal shop. We had two appointments lined up, but after trying on dresses at the first shop, she found “the one” and decided to cancel the second appointment. The shop wasn’t large, but it offered a wide variety of dresses. The ground floor featured bridal gowns, while the first floor had dresses for flower girls, bridesmaids, and evening wear.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco(it was not great, a bit flat)—anyway what a lovely touch! The shop assistant was attentive and helped my friend find a dress that suited her perfectly.
Trying on Dresses
Here are some of the dresses my friend tried on:
- A beautiful classic gown that was elegant and timeless.
- A mermaid-style dress that flattered her figure beautifully.
- A dress with a trailing back that added a dramatic flair.
- A dress that was slightly too large but had potential with alterations.
- A fitted dress with a high neckline, perfect for showcasing jewellery.
- A V-neck dress that was both elegant and allowed for a statement necklace.
After much deliberation, she narrowed it down to two favourites. A few weeks later, she returned with her daughter, niece, and sister to make the final decision.
Wedding Planning: British Style
Save the Date and Invitations
In the UK, it’s customary to send “Save the Date” cards 6–12 months before the wedding, especially if the venue is popular or if guests need to make travel arrangements. The formal invitations typically follow 3–6 months later, with an RSVP request to confirm attendance
Choosing the Venue
Wedding venues in the UK are often booked well in advance. Couples can choose from traditional church ceremonies, registry office weddings, or more unique venues like barns or country estates. My friend opted for a wedding at a country house, which is a popular choice for its picturesque setting and flexibility.
Dress Shopping Timeline
It’s recommended to start shopping for a wedding dress 12–18 months before the big day. This allows time for ordering, alterations, and fittings Brides.
Hen Do and Stag Do: Pre-Wedding Parties
In the UK, it’s traditional for the bride and groom to have separate pre-wedding parties: the Hen Do (for the bride) and the Stag Do (for the groom). These are opportunities to celebrate with friends before the wedding day. My friend’s Hen Do is planned to be a cruise, which sounds like an unforgettable adventure!
Final Thoughts
Being a Maid of Honour has been an eye-opening experience, offering me a deeper understanding of British wedding traditions. From the dress shopping to the planning process, I’ve gained insights that differ from Korean customs. It’s fascinating to see how cultural backgrounds influence wedding celebrations, and I’m honoured to be part of my friend’s special day.