cont.

The Arrival of the Guests
As it is usual for the bride and groom to welcome their guests upon their arrival at the reception, it follows that there should be a place where early arrivals can wait. If you have the services of a Master of Ceremonies then you may wish for your guests to be announced.

Choice of Meal
Food and drink should be attractively presented and well served - this applies to a formal sit-down or finger buffet. A buffet offers the advantage that your guests can mingle and talk with more people than their immediate neighbours, and find a selection of foods. However, a formal sit-down meal does serve to make the occasion special. After the meal is concluded the time has arrived for the cutting of the cake, undertaken by both bride and groom, and time should be allowed for photographs to be taken.

Seating Arrangements
left to right as you face the table: the Chief Bridesmaid, the Groom's Father, the Bride's Mother, the Groom, his Bride, the Bride's Father, the Groom's Mother, and the Best Man. The bridesmaids, ushers and close relatives are usually seated near to the Top Table. A seating plan prominently displayed and name cards on the tables will prevent everybody milling round to get the 'best' seats. The plan need a fair amount of consideration and, even then, you will probably find that one or two places have been quietly altered by your guests!

The Departure of the Happy Couple
Before the departure of the bride and her new husband they should ensure that they thank those who have contributed most to the success of the day. It is traditional for the bride to throw her bouquet over her shoulder to the guests. Whoever catches it will be the next to be wed!

The Honeymoon
If you are going abroad for your honeymoon, don't forget your tickets and passports!! If the bride's passport is in her maiden name she should have her tickets and travellers cheques issued in that name and take her marriage certificate with her to avoid any confusion.