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Protocol & Etiquette:
You will want to
think about the main features, for more details download my
Guide to Etiquette and Protocol
(PDF file)
The Speeches:
we have probably all been to a Wedding where a speaker didn't gauge how
different the families were and said something that either upset or offended one
side. To help you avoid this embarrassing situation plus looks that could kill
from the bride's father, we have provided some useful hints about "traditional
etiquette" in our Protocol and Etiquette Guide, which is available without
obligation. Download the file and take a look at the Speeches page for some
guidelines on what is usual.
Dress and Formality:
apart from
the choice of the Bride’s dress (a closely guarded secret) have you
thought about avoiding embarrassment by discreetly making sure that the two
families confer on how they intend presenting themselves on the day.
The Purpose of the Reception:
as many
guests may have travelled a long way to be with you, this is the
opportunity to introduce members of the two families to each other. Unless the
families of the Bride and Groom actually live locally, it is probable that they
do not recognise each other, so some introduction is helpful. This welcome is
best achieved by arranging a 'receiving line'.
Naturally, the Bride and Groom together with their parents should arrive at the
reception venue before the other guests, so that they are available to meet them
as they arrive.
The Receiving Line:
a toastmaster (or
Best Man) will arrange the receiving line. He will introduce each guest, by
name, to their hosts.
The Celebration Meal:
once all the guests
have been formally 'received' the toastmaster will ask them to take their seats
for the meal. And there needs to be a seating plan and name signs at each table
place.
Favours:
will you have
these?
Gifts and Floral Tributes:
will you be
thanking your Bridesmaids and Ushers by way of gifts? It is usual to present
flowers to the Bride and Bridegroom’s mothers.
Cutting the Cake:
with the dessert
completed the toastmaster will announce the cutting of the cake, and invite
guests forward to take photos, if practical.
Tossing the Bouquet:
will the Bride be
tossing her bouquet into the air during the First Dance, for another bride-to-be
to catch?
The Toastmaster:
if you decide to
have one, the toastmaster opens the proceedings and keeps them flowing smoothly.
Engaging a toastmaster
takes the worry from the bridal party because he controls the proceedings before
and during the reception. He performs many functions: dressed in his distinctive
scarlet coat, he brings dignity to the occasion by controlling events,
announcing guests, calling toasts and ensuring that all the plans for the day
are carried out correctly and efficiently. He is qualified to deal with any
unforeseen problems along the way. The bridal party can therefore relax and
enjoy the day to the full.
Finally……..many
of the traditional components of the wedding celebration assume that it is a
religious ceremony, that the Bride’s father is paying for the reception, and
that the Bride will be financially dependent on the Groom. Nowadays these
assumptions are often invalid!
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