To help you prepare for your special day, we have provided this wedding guide. We have provided a countdown diary to help you plan for your day, a list of responsibilities and a guide to wedding etiquette, including toasts and speeches.


countdown diary

We hope this Countdown Diary will help you with all the planning necessary to make your Wedding
a relaxed and happy occasion.

12 MONTHS
Visit Minister and set the date.
Book The Mansion House Hotel and pay deposit.
Compile guest list.
Choose Bridesmaids, Best Man & Ushers.
Organise all the wedding clothes.
Book your honeymoon.
Book photographer / video company.

5 MONTHS
Book wedding cars.
Finalise the wedding guest list.
Have fittings for your dress & those for bridesmaids.
Shop for going away clothes, lingerie etc.

3 MONTHS
Order your wedding cake.
Buy wedding rings.
Order wedding stationery for ceremony and reception.
Confirm all service details with your Minister.
Buy the presents for your attendants.
Organise all wedding flowers.
Confirm reception details.

2 MONTHS
Post wedding invitations.
Make a list of acceptance and refusals as they come in. Send thank you letters for presents as they arrive.

1 MONTH
Give final number of guests to us in writing.
Buy cake boxes for those unable to attend.
Arrange a seating plan for reception.
Go to the hairdresser with your head wear and -
Book final hairdresser appointment.
Practice any new make-up.
Check all wedding clothes are near completion.
Prepare a newspaper announcement of your wedding.

1 WEEK
Have a rehearsal of wedding ceremony.
Make final checks with us re. catering.
Also check re. cake, transport, flowers and photography.
Check all wedding clothes.
Arrange to have going away clothes brought to us.
Have hen night and stag night.
Relax, you've made it, now enjoy yourself!


responsibilities

The following check list should be of use in the planning of your wedding. Tick when you are satisfied the various people are aware of their responsibilities and that the necessary arrangements have being made. Highlight any special you think need special attention.

BRIDE'S MOTHER
Arrange printing of invitations.
Send invitations.
Order Wedding Cake.
Order Wines.
Hire Photographer.
Arrange Florist for Church & Reception.
Order Cake Boxes.
Arrange display of presents.
Hire Cars.
Contact Local Newspaper for Announcement.
Arrange Entertainment for the Evening.
Hire Video Company.

BRIDE
Choose Bridesmaids.
Select dresses for Bridesmaids and Yourself.
Book Hair Appointment.
List Wedding Presents preferred.

BRIDE'S FATHER
Double check transport arrangements.
Order Morning Dress.
Respond to Toast to "The Parents".

BRIDEGROOM
Arrange Ceremony Choose Best Man.
Hire Morning Dress.
Order Flowers for Bride, Bridesmaids and Mothers Obtain Registrar's Certificate if needed.
Arrange Travel for Honeymoon.
Arrange for Cars, to and from Church.
Prepare response to "The Bride and Groom Toast".
Propose a toast to "The Bridesmaids".
Choose gifts for the Bridesmaids.

BEST MAN
Look after the Ring.
Detail Ushers.
Ensure parking spaces for bridal cars at The Mansion House Hotel are kept clear.
Organise Cars from the Church.
Reply to "The Bridesmaids" toast.
Propose toast to "The Parents".
Return Bridegroom's '[your Morning Dress.

BRIDESMAIDS
Choose clothes with the bride.
Help the Bride to dress.
Chief Bridesmaid – take charge of Bride’s Bouquet during the ceremony.
Serve portions of cake at the reception.


wedding etiquette

RECEIVING THE GUESTS
Reception should consist of:
Bride’s Mother;
Bride’s Father;
Bridegroom’s Mother;
Bridegroom’s Father;
Bride; and
Bridegroom

TOP TABLE SEATING:
The top table should include the following:
Best Man;
Chief Bridesmaid / Usher;
Groom's Father;
Bride's Mother;
Bridegroom;
Bride;
Bride’s Father;
Bridegroom’s Mother and
Bridesmaids

TOASTS & SPEECHES
Before a meal commences the Best Man may call upon a nominated guest to say grace.
Toasts and speeches would normally take place at the end of the meal and would be after the cutting and distribution of the wedding cake and the serving of champagne. The following is the usual order of proceedings:
- Toast to "The Bride and Bridegroom" - This is normally proposed by the bride's father, or a close relative or friend of the family;
- Toast to "The Bridesmaids" - This is always proposed by the bridegroom following his response to the first toast;
- The best man would then respond to the bridegroom's speech on behalf of the bridesmaids;
- The best man would also read the telegrams to the guests.