We thought’s we’d switch up our usual Real Wedding Wednesday to make it ‘Royal Wedding Wednesday’ since everyone in the world of wedding planning or, should I say, the whole wide world is anxiously awaiting Friday’s Royal Wedding, of Prince William and his Princess-to-be, Kate Middleton. While the only title change most of us will experience upon marrying will be the transition from “Miss” to “Mrs”, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a bit of British style to your own wedding reception.

An affordable alternative to hosting a traditional American-style reception is providing an English afternoon tea for your guests. In addition to being a major money-saver, it also has a bit more of a relaxed feel to it, without sacrificing style or gorgeous photo opportunities. Since it’s approximately equivalent to hosting a wedding brunch, without serving a full, formal meal, you’ll want to plan it for between the hours of lunch and dinner, so that you’re guests are ready for a light and refreshing bite to eat.

My assistant, Erin Calabritto, sat down recently with the proprietor of a local British tea room, Debra Arrigall-Watkins of ‘Dickens Coffee and Tea Room’ in Lake Mary, FL, to get some advice on preparing for your own afternoon tea reception.

“An afternoon tea is perfect for an intimate wedding reception or bridal shower,” says Debra. Her cozy coffee and tea room is adorned with lace curtains and beaded chandeliers while the tables are trimmed in floral linens and delicate bone china in a charming mixture of patterns. The sugar bowls are filled to the brim with sparkling cubes, and an hour glass tea-timer awaits its tipping as a fresh brewed pot of tea is delivered to your table. It’s a very civilized experience that will remind you to keep your elbows off the table and have you sitting a little straighter in your comfy, cushioned chair.

There is a certain etiquette to tea time, as Debra politely educates her guests. Traditionally, during afternoon tea, the snacks are served on a stacked, three-tiered server, but tucking in is not a free-for-all. “You’re always going to have cucumber sandwiches [on the bottom layer], a selection of pastries [in the middle], then scones and jam and cream [on the top]. You’ll want to eat from the bottom layer up,” she advises.

Furthermore, when it comes to drinking tea, it’s considered proper etiquette to pinch the handle of the cup; never loop a finger through, and only raise your little finger if it’s necessary to help balance the cup in your hand. Once you’ve mastered these few tips for proper afternoon tea etiquette, you’re sure to relax, take your time, and soak up the charm and atmosphere that this British tradition will bring to your wedding reception!

If you’ve never been to an afternoon tea, I highly recommend checking around in your area for a traditional English tea room, like Debra’s. In fact, you might want to call around or look online today to see if any of them are hosting Royal Wedding events! As Erin discovered when she was chatting with Debra, Dickens is hosting a ‘Royal Wedding Watching Party‘ on Friday morning featuring a breakfast buffet, tea, and wedding cake that’s being flown in from England! The dress will be ‘wedding attire’ and the festivities begin at 5:00am. Although tickets for the event are nearly sold out, have no fear– my assistant and field reporter, Erin, will be there to bring you the scoop and photos on Friday’s wedding blog. So, check back!

We wish to sincerely thank Debra Arrigall-Watkins of Dickens Coffee and Tea Room (www.facebook.com/DickensLakeMary) for sharing her expertise with us when it comes to booking your own afternoon tea wedding reception!

Do you have any Royal Wedding watching plans to share? Would you consider having an afternoon tea in lieu of a full reception for your wedding? If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here on the wedding blog or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook (search: Susan Southerland Secret) or follow me on Twitter (@Susansoutherlan).

Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan