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New Aspall research reveals the wedding traditions that are being dropped - from the bouquet toss and choreographed first dances, to the father-of-the-bride speech - and the modern alternatives taking their place.
Speeches given only by men (36%), a choreographed first dance (34%) and the formal receiving line (30%) are among the wedding traditions that couples are keenest to ditch, a new study reveals.
Wearing a veil, the 15-minute father-of-the-bride speech with no speech from the bride, and the traditional tiered fruit cake are also increasingly falling out of favour as Brits tie the knot, researchers found.
The study of 2,000 adults found the bride and groom not seeing each other the night before (26%), wedding favours at every place setting (23%), wearing a white dress (18%) and separate stag and hen dos (16%) are also on borrowed time - along with a formal, sit down three-course meal (19%), the father of the bride giving the bride away (18%) and the bouquet toss (16%).
The welcome drink is part of that shift. Prosecco or Champagne has been the default at British weddings for years, but over half (56%) wished they were offered an alternative drink. Asked what they would prefer instead, almost a third chose wine, with one in seven saying they would prefer a classic G&T or fine cider.
The research was commissioned by Aspall, which has been pressing cyder in Suffolk since 1728 and recommends its fine cyder as the perfect alternative celebratory tipple - a light, crisp fizz with a dry finish and notes of orchard fruit, served chilled in a coupe rather than a pint glass.
And, with 40% confirming they would serve fine cider at their own wedding or celebration - couples are more open than ever to stepping outside the expected running order.
Aspall’s Master Pommelier Paul Rudge commented: “I like a prosecco from time to time, but it’s clear, as a nation, we are crying out for more variety at our celebratory occasions. Cider has long been considered a beer garden beverage, but fine cyder like Aspall offers the crisp fizz of prosecco, but with added fruity nuance and flavour complexity.”
Spritz (13%) and negronis (6%) were also picked as drinks we would rather celebrate with at weddings, and for couples after a cocktail moment, Aspall has created the ‘Aspall Spritz’ - a premium cyder take on the spritz.
For the recipe:
