Walking down the aisle
The Bridal party should take their time entering, allowing the music to play a little before starting the walk down the aisle. If it is a short aisle try taking one step at a time in sync with your father (left, together, right, together etc.). This will avoid walking out of step and help you savour the moment by making it last longer. At ceremonies held in the same venue as the wedding breakfast your toastmaster can announce you into the ceremony – “Ladies and Gentlemen would you please stand. Accompanied by her Father and attended by her bridesmaids – your Bride”. Cue music and away you go!
Which side
Remember that the Bridegroom is the Bride's 'right hand man'. In other words, for the ceremony, photos and seating on the top table, the Bridegroom is on the right hand side of his Bride. When walking down the aisle, Dad is on his daughter’s left side. Best remembered by saying ‘the Bride has left her Father for her right hand man’
Cutting the cake
When cutting your wedding cake the easiest way is for the Bridegroom to hold the knife in his right hand and the Bride to place her left hand on top with her rings visible. This avoids the Bridegroom pressing down on the Bride’s rings which can be painful for both. They can also place their arms around each other. When you have cut the cake hold the pose and look at the cake, each other and the many cameras that will no doubt be focused upon you as they will have been the whole day!
Receiving Line
You will also need to allow time for the receiving line when you greet everyone as they enter for the meal. The receiving line can comprise of just the Bride & Bridegroom or can include parents, bridesmaids and best man. A hundred guests can take between 30/40 minutes to pass through depending on how long you chat to each one. Once again your toastmaster can advise on all these timings and he is crucial in keeping things on time. Don’t forget you have a meal being prepared and you don’t want it to be overcooked.
Photographs
Allow plenty of time for your photographs, as you want to mingle with your guests and not be rushing from photo’s to meal. Consult with your photographer but try not to have too many group shots as this can take up more time than you think. A good toastmaster will
assist the photographer in gathering groups of guests for the photographs. Most photographers will take the Bride & Bridegroom off on their own for half an hour so I suggest a minimum of 2 hours from the end of your ceremony (or arrival at the venue in the case of church wedding) to the start of your meal. Perhaps a singer, musician or magician can help to keep guests entertained during this time before the meal.
Menu choices
If your guests have a choice menu, it may be helpful to have their choice printed on the reverse of their place name card. If they turn the card over once they are seated it will also assist the waiting staff in serving the correct choice.
Guest book
Guest book
If you have a guest book or photo frame to be signed don't forget to provide a nice pen! Your toastmaster can remind guests to sign it.
Toastmaster Bob Lloyd
01603 465819