Wedding Etiquette

The Receiving Line

Time should be allowed between the Welcome Drinks Reception and the Wedding Breakfast, as this is the most courteous way of ensuring that you greet all your guests.

In most instances, the bride’s parents will be the Host and Hostess having issued the invitations, and therefore should be the fi rst couple in the line to receive the guests. The line then continues with the groom’s parents, the Groom, Bride, Chief Bridesmaid and Best Man. Circumstances may prevail that mean this order is not appropriate, and therefore it is at the discretion of the Bride and Groom which order the line should stand in and where. In all cases it is essential that talking in the Receiving Line is kept to a minimum, as one guest will be at the front of the queue and another at the back waiting!

The Top Table

The Top Table seating arrangements should normally read, from left to right looking at the top table:

Chief Bridesmaid - Groom’s Father -  Bride’s Mother -  Groom -  Bride -  Bride’s Father -Grooms Mother - Bestman.

Grace

The Master of Ceremonies or Toastmaster will announce the arrival of the Bride and Groom and escort them to their places at The Top Table. If the Bride and Groom have decided that Grace will be said, The Master of Ceremonies/Toastmaster will then ask for silence whilst Grace is said.

Speeches & Toasts

It is always a privilege and honour for the fi rst toast to be proposed to the Bride & Groom by the Bride’s Father or a close family friend. This toast is greatly anticipated by all guests and is very special.

The Bridegroom responds to the toast to himself and his new wife and on most occasions responds on behalf of his wife. However, some ladies like to respond themselves – others certainly do not! It is then the Bridegroom’s duty to propose the second toast to the Bridesmaids.

The Best Man, on behalf of the Bridesmaids, responds to this toast. It is then his honour to read out selected cards, special messages and to say a few words about the Groom!

Cutting the Cake

The ceremony of Cutting the Cake usually takes place at the end of the Wedding Breakfast, prior to coffee being served, and in some cases may take place prior to the toasts in order to allow time for cake to be cut and circulated with coffee.

Always remember, whatever the Wedding Etiquette, your Wedding is your special day, and you can plan the day in whatever way you choose.