Wedding Etiquette is important as it provides a structure that will make it easier for the smooth running of the event. However, these days it is not expected that you follow the “rules” step-by-step and many modern weddings are planned in a way that lends creativity and fun. Having said that, it is essential that there is
agreement as to the way the event is to take place, and to brief the marriage officer/minister on the way the ceremony will take place.

Q: Is it essential to have a practice run before the wedding?
The practice run is most important, as it will serve to still the nerves and bring greater confidence and cohesion on the day. It will also bring about agreement and any little differences between the participants will be ironed out.

Q: Is it rude to reserve seats at the front for close family and friends?
Not at all, this is an accepted practice. The usher should be aware of the people who have reserved seats, and guide them in a dignified manner to them. It is best to make name-tags and place them on a prominent place on the
seats, and not to rope off the area, as some do.

Q: Is it important to have an usher?
It is important and the usher is there to answer questions should some of the family and guests be confused as to which seats to take.

Q: Which side of the aisle do family and guests of the bride and groom sit on?
Left for the bride’s family and friends. Right side for the grooms family or friends
Right side for the groom and his best man. The minister or the wedding official should be seated on the side opposite the groom and his best man before the
commencement of the ceremony. NB: For Jewish weddings, switch sides.

Q: What is the correct order for the entrance of the processional?
The groom and his best man are already at the front row, right hand side.
The groomsmen walk down the aisle first, followed by the bridesmaids, the maid of honour, the flower girl and the ring bearer. Groomsmen and bridesmaids can walk together.

Q: When the bride enters, which side of her is her father (or other escort)?
Traditionally, the father/escort is to the right of the bride. If the bride’s train is very long it may be advisable for the father/escort to be on the left side of the bride so that he doesn’t have to step over the train to get to his seat.

Q: What does the bride do with her veil (if she has one) during the ceremony?
The maid of honour will assist the bride adjust the veil before she enters; the father will gently open the veil and give the bride a kiss when he reaches the end of the aisle. The maid of honour will fix the veil before the ceremony so that it looks tidy.

Q: What does the bride do with her bouquet when she reaches the front?
After the father has kissed the daughter and the maid of honour has adjusted the veil, the bouquet must be handed to the maid of honour. When the bride and groom have finished signing the register, the maid of honour will hand it back to the bride. Make sure that the heads of the flowers face outwards for the photographs.

Q: What does the bride do with the engagement ring before the ceremony?
Before the ceremony the engagement ring must be placed on the right hand. After the groom puts on the wedding band, the bride my slip on the engagement ring on next to the wedding ring.

Q: After the ceremony, what is the order of the recessional?
Bride and groom must exit first, flower girl and ring bearer next, then the maid of honour and finally the best man.

Q: What happens when the bride or the groom forget what to do?
The official or the minster are there to guide you every step of the way, and remember, no wedding is perfect and mistakes are part of the charm of the day.