Planning the Wedding
It
is advisable to start planning your wedding at least six months in advance. Once the ceremony has been arranged, the next
step is to book the reception, which we will be delighted to arrange on your behalf, whilst assisting with the choice of menu,
wines and schedule the event. The wedding cake must also be ordered at this time. The guest list should be complied and the
best man, bridesmaids and ushers chosen. The wedding dress, bridesmaids and ushers’ clothes should also be organised
well in advance. Closer to the day the music should be agreed and the Order of Service sheets printed.
Invitation Etiquette
Invitations
are usually sent out a minimum of twelve weeks before the ceremony from whomever is acting as host; usually the Bride’s
parents. A record should be kept of the replies in order to allocate seating at the ceremony and to inform the caterers as
early as possible of the final number of guests attending the reception. A list of wedding presents should also be complied
at this time.
On the Day
The
ushers should arrive well in advance of the ceremony to seat the guests, directing the Bride’s family to the left hand
side and the Groom’s family to the right. One usher should be allocated to escort the Bride’s mother to the front
pew while bridesmaids await the arrival of the Bride at the entrance. The Groom and the best man are advised to arrive at
least 20 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
The Reception
The
Bride and Groom arrive at the reception first, followed closely by the bridesmaids, ushers, best man and parents. Guests are
welcomed on arrival by the Bride’s parents, the Groom’s parents, the Bride and Groom and sometimes the bridesmaids,
ushers and best man.
The
following plan is for a traditional wedding top table:-
Bridesmaid
Best
Man
Chief
Bridesmaid
Bridegroom’s
Father
Bride’s
Mother
Bridegroom
Bride
Bride’s
Father
Bridegroom’s
Mother
Usher
Bridesmaid
Usher
Wedding Speeches
The
speeches are an important part of the wedding, but are often best when brief and sincere.
1st The Bride’s father will propose a toast to the ‘Health and Happiness’
of the Bride and Groom.
2nd The Bridegroom will respond to the Toast and then propose a Toast to the Bridesmaids.
3rd The Best Man responds on behalf of the bridesmaids and after speaking about the Grooms
bachelor days may read telegrams and some cards of the guests who are unable to attend, finally closing with a Toast to ‘The
Bride and Groom’.
Remember
the above is only a guideline. It is your day so feel free to arrange it in any format that you feel comfortable with.