What Is A Wedding Breakfast? + Your Foodie Questions Answered

What is a wedding breakfast? I hear you ask. Well, I am here to share all, as well as debunk some popular questions around wedding meals and cuisine.

I hope you’re not too hungry before we dive in on all things wedding menu, yum.

Photo: James Powell Photography via Secret Garden Wedding

What is a wedding breakfast?

A wedding breakfast is the first meal a couple eats after they are married. It’s actually a pretty sweet way of phrasing this special meal, which definitely isn’t breakfast based cuisine.

So don’t think of a wedding breakfast as being cereal, it’s definitely a full-on hearty dinner. If that’s what the couple fancies on their day anyway. The wedding breakfast is usually served in the afternoon as most wedding ceremonies are late morning or afternoon.

Photo: Three Flowers Photography via Pink & Red Wedding

Wedding Breakfast – The Low Down

Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to do with wedding breakfasts and meals. Yes!

What is a typical wedding breakfast?

In all honestly, there are no rules when it comes to what to serve for a wedding breakfast. And there is no typical menu. It all depends on the couple, where they live and their food loves.

Many couples favour a three-course meal, often with menu options served by a caterer or venue. Some couples opt for a buffet, grazing table or sharing platter down the centre of their guests’ tables.

I’ve seen carveries where guests do the meat carving on each table, as well as summer BBQs. Picnics are also a lovely way of sharing a meal, it’s so relaxed and summery. Couples sometimes opt for food trucks or street food stalls. From fish and chips to curries, tacos and crepes, as well as everything in between. Let your taste buds run wild.

Photo: Kirsty Mackenzie via Millbridge Court Wedding

What happens at a wedding breakfast?

Typically a wedding breakfast begins with guests taking their seats at pre-planned tables. Although some weddings do have a seating plan free wedding.

Then the caterer at the wedding will bring over the meal, or guests will be invited up to the table/food truck to collect their meal themselves.

Often during the meal, there will be flowing drinks and at least two courses of food chosen by the couple.

Many wedding breakfasts have toasts or speeches at the end while everyone is seated and relaxed. Sometimes couples provide fun games and ice-breakers at the table too.

Photo: Amber Louise Photography via Minimalist Barn Wedding

How long is a wedding breakfast?

Wedding breakfast length can vary. It really depends on the wedding and the timeline of the day. A meal with many courses and formal speeches or other elements could take in excess of two hours.

More often than not, a wedding breakfast will be in the region of two hours. It’s always best to liaise with your wedding suppliers when working out the timings for the meal. Be sure to ask your caterer or venue for their recommended wedding breakfast times.

Photo: The Shannons via Barley Wood House Wedding

Is a wedding breakfast in the morning?

No, a wedding breakfast is not ordinarily in the morning. It’s the first official meal for a newly married couple, so it depends on the time of their wedding ceremony.

I’d love to see some morning or brunch wedding breakfasts though, that’d be super fun.

Photo: Carey Sheffield via Ethereal Woodland Wedding Ideas

Do you have to have a wedding breakfast?

When it comes to weddings, there is no rule on whether you need to serve food at a wedding. If you don’t want a wedding breakfast, you don’t have to have one. It really is that simple.

Photo: Jess Soper Photography via Red Brick Barn Wedding

What is a three-course wedding breakfast?

A three-course wedding breakfast is usually a starter, main and pudding, with a set menu chosen by the couple.

There should be additional options for those with dietary requirements though.

Photo: James Merrick Photography via Cheswell Grange Wedding

What is the difference between wedding breakfast and reception?

A wedding breakfast is the first meal following a wedding ceremony, it makes up part of the wedding reception. However, a wedding reception in the evening does not usually include a full meal.

At an evening wedding reception, you can often expect entertainment, dancing, photos, fun and some special informal snacks or grazing food.

Wedding Breakfast	Wedding Reception	Evening Wedding Reception
Follows the ceremony and drinks reception	All the festivities and celebrations following the ceremony	Evening arrival following the wedding breakfast
Full sit-down dinner		First dance and cake cutting
Speeches and toasts		Small bite to eat
		Entertainment

Do we feed our wedding suppliers a wedding breakfast?

Yes, you should speak to your suppliers about whether they’d like a meal on your wedding day. Your suppliers need to have a break to refuel to ensure they can be at their best to provide you with their top service. Speak to your venue or caterer to ensure they get a proper meal and don’t forget to ask for their dietary requirements too.

So there we have it, hopefully, all your wedding breakfast questions answered! To reiterate, there really are no rules when it comes to the wedding meal.

The wedding breakfast plan all depends on the individual wedding and the couples' personal preferences.

So if you're getting married, don't be afraid to shake things up to suit you!