Holne Park House

Even modern marriages are surrounded by traditions and etiquette, and it's a good idea to know what may be expected. If you want to be different or you decide to break with tradition you should let the guests know so they do not feel unsure and uncomfortable.

Welcome Guests

The receiving line is courteous and practical, and is an excellent opportunity for your parents to meet all of the guests and for people to congratulate the Bride and Groom. The toastmaster (or best man) should arrange the receiving line and introduce each guest by name. The reception line should consist of:

• The Bride's Mother
• The Bride's Father
• The Groom's Mother
• The Grooms Father
• The Groom
• The Bride
• The Chief Bridesmaid
• The Best Man

Once all the guests have been formally 'received' the toastmaster will ask them to take their seats for the meal and request everybody to stand to receive the Bride and Bridegroom. He then leads the Bride and Bridegroom to their places at the top table, and if required, he will say grace and then ask everybody to sit.

The Top Table

The top table should comprise of the wedding party only and should face your guests with the bride and groom together in the centre. To the bride's left are her father, the groom's mother and the best man. To the bridegroom's right are the bride's mother, bridegroom's father and chief bridesmaid.

Cutting the Cake

It is usual for the bride and groom to cut the cake together at the end of the meal, before coffee is served. The toastmaster will announce the cutting of the cake, and invite guests forward to take photos.

Champagne

After the coffee, champagne or other drink is served. At this point the toastmaster begins by introducing the speakers: -

Speeches and Toasts

Speeches are an essential part of a wedding day, and the most popular speeches tend to be the shortest, i.e. no more than five minutes per person. The speeches are held in the following order:

The Father of the Bride

• Welcome all the guests to the wedding
• Say a few words about your daughter
• Tell them about your new son in law
• Toast the Bride and Groom

The Bridegroom

• Thank the Bride's father for proposing the toast
• Thank him for the wedding feast (if appropriate)
• Thank him for his daughter
• Thank the guests for coming and for their gifts
• Thank his parents and his 'new' wife for marrying you
• Thank the Bridesmaids who have helped your wife through the day

The Best Man

The Best Man speaks on behalf of the Bridesmaids and:-

• Thanks the Groom for his toast
• Toasts the Parents
• Best Man's speech 
• Telegrams, cards and emails

The Bride

There are no 'traditional' components to a Bride's speech.

Presents

The Bride and Groom usually give presents to say thank you to: -

• Best Man
• Bridesmaids
• Parents

Once the formal speeches are completed and the wedding cake is cut, the Toastmaster will ask all guests to stand and applaud whilst he escorts the Bride and Groom from the reception room.