Monday 27 October 2014

ETIQUETTE AT A WEDDING

Gone are the days  -  thank heavens – when you have to worry about etiquette at a wedding so much.

The general understanding is that it is YOUR day and you need to do things YOUR way. 

Families are no longer so traditional so its not always a father giving away the bride and can quite often be the mum or another family member.  

Pets are also now occasionally an integral part of the ceremony for some couples also (although always check with the venue as to whether they will allow this PRIOR to booking).   We did a ceremony recently with donkeys involved in the ring exchange (yes it does happen!).

Table planning is probably where the biggest headache can take place – Aunty Sylvia hasn’t spoken to Aunty Margaret for 10 years so where do we sit them?   Simple, you sit them where best suits you – it is not their wedding it is yours and if family or friends are coming to continue a feud then simply do not invite them and explain why.

You no longer need to ask for presents, a nice card in with the invitation stating that YOUR PRESENCE IS THE ONLY PRESENT WE REQUIRE ON THE DAY  is often a lovely way of letting people know your thought process and that they don’t need to look for expensive presents.

Same with seating at the actual ceremony.  We have used signs a lot this year stating PLEASE PICK A SEAT AND NOT A SIDE which gives the guest a smile when they arrive and also lets them know that this is a day when two families are joining together so its not blues to the left and reds to the right anymore.  The brides family will always sit to the LEFT at the front for a ceremony because whoever gives the bride away will be on the brides left hand side walking down the aisle so this makes seating them much easier – a little reserved sign on the front left hand chair on the aisle is all that is needed for here and on the right hand side the aisle seat on the front row is always reserved for the best man/woman as they will be up and down during the ceremony to present the rings.

Alot of couples now like a more informal top table which can be round so they are not so on show during the day which is especially good for nervous couples or guys and means that you are actually able to speak to and see all the guests on your top table – we often recommend this as a more intimate way to seat the top table guests.


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