Wedding Etiquette
The Receiving Line
If you decide to have a receiving line to greet your guests, the order should be as follows:
1. Bride's mother
2. Bride's father
3. Bridegroom's mother
4. Bridegroom's father
5. Bride and groom
6. Chief bridesmaid
7. Best man - optional
8. Other bridesmaids - optional
Top Table Seating Plan
The Top Table should traditionally be set out as follows (from left to right):
1. Chief bridesmaid
2. Groom's father
3. Bride's mother
4. Groom
5. Bride
6. Bride's father
7. Groom's mother
8. Best man
Cutting the Cake
The toast master or best man should announce the "cutting of the cake" and the bride and groom should then cut the first slice of the cake. During speeches the cake is sliced for the wedding guests.
Speeches and Toasts
At the end of the meal the speeches will commence. These will be carried out in the following order, usually under the direction of the toast master.
1. The father of the bride is the first to make a speech, which should be kept to a minimum, ending in a toast to the health and happiness of the bride and groom.
2. The groom then follows on the speeches by responding to his father-in-law's toast. He should thank the guests for attending and say a few well-chosen words, followed by a toast dedicated to the bridesmaids. This is a good opportunity to offer gifts to those who have helped with the organisation of the wedding day.
3. The best man continues the speeches by thanking the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids. He should also read any telegrams and messages that have been received. The best man will then follow on to speak about his relationship with the groom and will congratulate him on his choice of bride. It is not the duty of the Best Man to make a toast.