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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-02-23, Page 21THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1994. PAGE 21. Ushers must be early birds for ceremony AT THE CEREMONY Ushers arrive one hour before the service with full instructions for seating arrangements. Usher offers his right arm to each lady guest. Bridegroom and best man arrive together. Answers on wedding etiquette If you are in a quandary about wedding etiquette you are not alone. Following is a list of the commonest problems and their answers: *** Question: What is the order of toasts? Answer: First, a family friend or the clergyman proposes the toast to the bride, to which the groom replies. The groom finishes with a toast to the bridesmaids. The best man replies to the toast to the bridesmaids. Following this, the father of the bride may wish to say a few words. If toasts to the mothers are desired, they should be proposed by family friends and replied to by the fathers. However, since the groom usually thanks both mothers in his little speech, it isn't necessary.*** Question: How do you respond to an invitation? Answer: The reply is written in the third person, in the same form as the wedding invitation, and including all information contained in it as shown below. If you must refuse, begins this way, then follow with the rest as shown in the example below: Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards regret that they are unable to accept the kind invitation of... If only one of the couple can attend, either send two separate replies or word it this way: Mrs. John Edwards accepts with pleasure and Mr. John Edwards regrets that he is unable to accept the kind invitation of... *** Question: Are reply cards, or RSVP proper when sent with the wedding; invitation? Answer: Strictly speaking, no. But the rules have relaxed so that it is acceptable now in many circles.*** Question: Can members of the family entertain the bride at Bride's mother arrives with the maid of honor. Bridesmaids arrive. Bride and her father arrive just before the service begins. Ushers escort close relatives to seats just behind the parents of the bride and groom. The head usher escorts the showers? Answer: Definitely not. Any party or gathering is acceptable, as long as no gifts or donations are required. *** Question: Are invitations sent to the groom's family and attendants? Answer: Not necessarily, but it's nice to send one as a keepsake. Include a note of explanation. *** Question: May abbreviations be used on invitations? Answer: No. All words, including street and avenue must be spelled out. Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards accept with pleasure the kind invitation or Mr. and Mrs. Charles Alexander Smith invite you to the marriage of their daughter Joan Ann to Mr. Peter David Kingsley on Saturday, June the ninth at four o'clock St. Andrews' United Church and afterwards at 3 College Street *** Question: What is the order of the receiving line? Answer: First comes the bride's mother, then the groom's father, groom's mother, bride's father, bride and groom. Don't forget to introduce each guest to the person next to you in line. The maid of honour and bridesmaids may stand beside the groom, but if the guests number over 150, or if the day is very hot, it's not a good idea since so much time will be taken up. The best man and ushers circulate among the guests and see that introduction are made and guests have refreshments. *** Question: May guests wear black at a wedding? Answer: Certainly. Only the immediate family must not wear black dress or accessories. In case of a recent bereavement in the family, gray or orchid is worn. groom's parents to the front row at the right. The head usher escorts the bride's mother to the front row at the left. The Wedding March begins. THE PROCESSIONAL Different traditions have their own different ceremonies and styles. The following is offered as a *** Question: What are the duties of a best man? Answer: He accompanies the groom to the church, looks after the ring, license and honorarium for sexton, organist, and clergyman, and responds to the toast to the bridesmaids and looks after baggage of bride and groom. *** Question: After the engagement is announced, does bride's or groom's family make the first contact? Answer: The groom's family calls on the bride's first. *** Question: Is an invitation sent to the clergyman and his wife? Answer: No, a separate note is written to the wife, since an invitation requires a gift. *** Question: Can wedding gifts be taken to the trousseau tea? Answer: No. They should be delivered beforehand so they can be displayed. *** Question: When are white dinner jackets worn by the bridal party? Answer: Never. They are to be worn by wedding guests at summer weddings being held after 6 p.m. *** $ 7 £ L; tf:. . ’ • ■■ ■ Beautiful Beginnings Special Memories Captured on film to last a lifetime ,i general guideline. First come the ushers, then the bridesmaids, often walking two by two. The maid of honor follows alone, followed by the flower girl. The bride enters last, on her father's right arm. The groom and his best man await the bride at the right. FORMATION AT THE ALTAR When the wedding procession reaches the front of the aisle, the ushers move to the right behind the best man. The bridesmaids stand at the left, where the flower girl joins them. The maid of honor stands just to the left of the bride, the best man to the right of the groom. The bride and groom stand in the centre facing the clergyman. The bride's father stands immediately behind the bride. SPEECHES AND TOASTS The formal order of speeches and toasts given at a wedding is as follows: • To the Bride: by the clergyman or friend of the Bride's family, not a relative. • Response: by the Groom. • To the Bridesmaids: by the Groom. • Response: by the Best Man or head usher. • To the parents of the Bride: by the Best Man or Master of Ceremonies. • Response: by the father of the Groom. All or some of these toasts may be proposed. It should be remembered that nowadays, even at a formal wedding, rules of etiquette have relaxed, so you shouldn't feel compelled to prepare and give a speech, unless you really want to. By the same reasoning, anyone, male or female, who has a few words to say should not be refused. Here are a few traps to avoid: • Long-winded speeches. • Forced humor; don't be a comedian if it's not your natural style. • Cliches. • Monopolizing the time. • If you keep your praise and congratulations simple and honest, and let your true feelings show, you're bound to give a speech that will be well-received........... .................... Simply 'Elegant Simply Classy The only way to celebrate Exclusive formal wear styles with superior fit in a full range of sizes. Pick up your catalogue at WEBSTER’S Clothing & Footwear Blyth 523-9709 / - Book your honeymoon departure out of Toronto at selected all inclusive resorts and we will cover the cost of your overnight stay prior to departure. GIFT FOR COUPLES BOOKING HONEYMOON *7^... Roxanne* David We still have some openings for 1994 Head Office: Mount Forest Branches: Mitchell & Owen Sound Jcttes Tours and Travel Ltd 163 Main Street W., Listowel Mac Campbell Photography Ontario, Canada N4W 1A2 291-4100 Fax 291-4141 ■ "Where Wedding Memories Begin" Royal Bank Block, Goderich 524-7532