Weddings have a long history of traditions and customs and whilst today’s bride may have a more modern outlook it is still important to be aware of the correct wedding etiquette.
The Best Man
This is one of the most important roles of the wedding party. Whilst the first thing on the mind of a nominated Best Man is the dreaded speech. So much pressure on the final speech and so important to get the right balance of humour and decency (considering the wide age range of the other guests). But before planning the speech, TBM is expected to supervise the ushers, get the groom to the wedding, pay for any ceremony fees and look after the wedding rings.
At the reception TBM is required to greet the guests, collect messages from absent guests and organise the cutting of the cake.
After the speech he can relax and get drunk! (It works much better if he’s not drunk for the speech!)
The Blushing Bride
The Bride is responsible for announcing the wedding date, the wedding stationery and flowers and at the reception she will greet her guests along with her new husband.The Father of the Bride
The FOTB is responsible for getting the bride to the wedding venue, walking her down the aisle and giving her away. The FOTB has to break the ice with the first speech in which he usually says something sweet about the daughter he giving away.Cost £: Traditionally pays for the wedding stationery, the bride’s dress (sometimes the maids too) flowers for the venue, photography, reception, transport and the wedding cake.
The Groom
Following the FOTB, the Groom will usually say a few words, these days the bride often joins in – in the name of equality! During this speech it is usual to thank the parents, guests and ends with a toast to the bridesmaids.
Cost £: The rings, church and licence fees, flowers for the bride and her maids, flowers (often corsages) for the mums and buttonholes for all the attendants, gifts for the bridesmaids and best man and of course, The Honeymoon!
Chief Bridesmaid
The equivalent of the Best Man, the Chief Bridesmaid generally helps the Bride make decisions about the dresses. She is also responsible for organising the Hen party, holding the bride’s flowers during the ceremony and looking after the other Bridesmaids.Ushers
It is the role of the Ushers to guide the guests to their seats at the ceremony and hand out information such as Order of Service. It is really helpful to have Ushers from both families so they will know whether the guests are from the Bride’s family or the Grooms.
Now You Are Married
The Bride and Groom traditionally leave the venue first followed by the chief bridesmaid and best man, the bride's mother and bridegroom's father, the bridegroom's mother and bride's father, the bridesmaids and other attendants.The Party! (Oops sorry, Reception)
If the wedding is being held at approved premises, simply lead the way to the bar where it is customary to provide the first drink free.A Receiving Line is more formal but for larger weddings ensures that the bridal party greets all the guests personally. The normal line is formed as follows:
Bride's Mother
Bride's Father
Groom's Mother
Groom's Father
Bride
Groom
Chief Bridesmaid
Best Man
For smaller weddings or less formal, guests will be greeted by the bride and groom.
Ahh The Seating Plan
If opting for a top table it is traditional for the bride and groom sit together in the centre with the bride is sitting on her husband’s left - To the bride's left would be her own father, then the groom's mother and the best man. To the groom's right would be the bride's mother, bridegroom's father and chief bridesmaid.
For smaller more informal weddings, why not try sitting in the middle of the room on a round table, this ensures that you are surrounded by all your guests. Whatever your style of ceremony a table plan is a must as not only does it help you to plan carefully to avoid seating feuding families together but it will guide your guests to their seats with ease.