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.