Guests say "I don’t" to wedding traditions

Strict dress codes, never-ending speeches and formal sit-down dinners are officially out, according to new research revealing what guests really want at weddings. The study, commissioned by multi-store gift card, One4all Gift Cards, found that more than half (54%) of guests would scrap strict dress codes, while almost a third (31%) would cut the speeches altogether.

Instead, guests are prioritising good vibes, great food and plenty of dancing – with 53% saying catching up with friends and family is the best part of attending weddings, followed closely by the food (52%) and music (38%). When asked about their dream wedding food set up, guests steered away from tradition as nearly half (46%) prefer a buffet or grazing table over a formal three-course meal (43%), while one in ten (10%) prefer street food or food trucks. As for what to wear, more than one in three (37%) said they'd rather choose an outfit they're comfortable in as 10% admit to finding dress codes confusing or stressful. And just 14% chose speeches as a favourite moment, while more than half (55%) say one or two short speeches are enough.

When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).

Lou Hickey, EMEA Marketing Director at One4all Gift Cards, commented: "Wedding traditions may be changing, but celebrating love and catching up with family remains the most important part. While the couple want a day to remember, our research shows guests care less about the formalities and more about genuine connections and good company. Whether it's swapping speeches for a longer drinks reception or ditching the dress code, this shows there's a real shift towards more relaxed, people-first celebrations."

Wedding guests' top 10 favourite aspects of weddings:

1. Catching up with friends/family – 53%
2. Great food – 52%
3. Music and dancing – 38%
4. The ceremony – 38%
5. The drinks reception – 20%
6. The outfits/fashion – 17%
7. The speeches – 14%
8. The venue – 12%
9. The thoughtful extras (e.g. welcome bags, wedding favours) – 7%
10. Watching the first dance – 6%

The One4all Gift Card is a perfect wedding gift for the happy couple. As a multi-store gift card, it lets them choose something they truly love. Whether it's a treat for themselves or something useful, they can spend it directly in-store or online with 100s of retailers on 1000s of brands – so there's something to suit every couple's taste. Ranging in value from £10-£120, you can pick up a One4all Gift Card at your local Post Office, Tesco, selected Morrisons and Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Waitrose, Co-op, Aldi, Poundland, Payzone, Iceland, The Food Warehouse, Argos, Currys or Farmfoods stores, or buy online at Amazon or one4all.com.