| Don't know about you, but everytime we go to a | | | | by their bridesmaids, bestman and parents to the top |
| wedding reception, it is done differently. Sometimes the | | | | table. Usually to a round of whoops and applause from |
| speeches are done before the meal, rather than after, | | | | the guests. It may be appropriate at this stage for a |
| and more commonly these days, not at all! How long is | | | | blessing to be made before seating. |
| the receiving and welcome drink supposed to be, or | | | | 02:30 - The Wedding Meal |
| how long does the meal take. Obviously, a well known | | | | Usually everyone is starving by now - but it is etiquette |
| wedding venue knows exactly how long all this takes | | | | to serve the bridal party first. If it is a buffet then you |
| and will guide you gently through the day, without you | | | | usually approach the buffet table by table after the |
| having to worry about a thing! | | | | bridal party. Background music or a pianist is a lovely |
| But just to allay your fears, here is a timeline of what | | | | compliment to the festive mood. |
| happens and when - which you can adapt to your | | | | 04:00 - The Speeches & Cake Cutting |
| own personality and style. | | | | Now is the time for speeches - they can be fairly |
| 00:00 - Cocktail Hour - Time for Pictures | | | | speedy or long narrations of past exploits. It is usual at |
| Well you've done it! You are now husband and wife | | | | this point to present both Mother's with gifts or |
| and you leave the place of marriage followed by your | | | | bouquets of flowers and to present the bridesmaids |
| bridesmaids and close relatives, with the photographer | | | | and bestman gifts and cut the cake. There is usually a |
| snapping the happy event. You may have some | | | | lull of approximately one hour after this to allow your |
| photographs taken at the Church or Registry office | | | | evening entertainment to set-up, and for the caterers |
| and then head off to your reception. This is where the | | | | to clear the tables for dancing. |
| fun starts with cocktails being handed to your guests | | | | 05:00 - First Dance |
| as they arrive - you may have a string quartet playing | | | | End of Wedding Reception |
| - and you mingle for a while amongst your guests. | | | | Time for you to leave now. Tradition says that you |
| This is where you photographer gets busy and takes | | | | remove your garter and toss it, or throw the bridal |
| you and selected guests away for your photo shoots. | | | | bouquet. If you want to keep yours, then get a smaller |
| Meanwhile your guests are being kept happy by | | | | bouquet just for that !! The evening usually ends with a |
| cocktails and canapes. Depending on where you got | | | | lovely slow number for you and your guests to |
| married allow 2 hours for this. | | | | smooch around to and then it is time to go. |
| 02:00 -Receiving Line | | | | You will remember the day forever, and the happiness |
| The guests line up and the bride and groom formally | | | | you felt throughout the whole day. For more tips on |
| receive their guests into the Wedding Breakfast room. | | | | Wedding planning. |
| The Bride and Groom then walk through last attended | | | | |