| Here's a sample of what you'll need to include on | | | | - Telegrams, if any. |
| your running sheet or event plan for your | | | | You should list the speeches / toasts that you |
| wedding reception or wedding dinner. | | | | would like to incorporate into your program IN |
| Pre-Dinner drinks | | | | ORDER. Add any speeches that fire not including |
| A lunch or dinner function always starts with | | | | the list above, or delete any. It is important that |
| pre-dinner drinks and hor d'oeuvres. This will start | | | | you are comfortable with the program which can |
| at the time you have elected for your reception | | | | be as traditional or as informal you like. |
| to start. For example 6.00pm. The Bridal party will | | | | Formalities |
| usually be served their drinks and hor d'oeuvres in | | | | After the telegrams, the MC will invite you to cut |
| a private room. Pre-dinner drinks are for a | | | | your wedding cake, and invite you onto the dance |
| duration of approximately 30 - 45 minutes, after | | | | floor for your Bridal dance, if you are having one. |
| which your guests are seated in the main dining | | | | This will open the first bracket of dancing. Dessert |
| room. The MC will advise the Bridal party when it's | | | | will be served after this bracket. |
| time to be presented and will then announce your | | | | Farewell |
| party into the reception. | | | | To close the evening a circle can be organised |
| You should list the order in which you would like | | | | approximately 15 minutes before the end of the |
| the bridal party to be introduced. Bridesmaids and | | | | function. The Bride can throw the bouquet and |
| groomsmen usually are introduced pair by pair, | | | | the Groom can throw the garter (if you choose |
| with the bride and groom introduced last. You | | | | to have these ) from the centre of the circle and |
| should write down precisely how you would like | | | | then make their way around the circle to farewell |
| yourselves (bride and groom) to be introduced.. | | | | the guests. |
| eg; Anne & John; Anne & John Smith; | | | | How will you be leaving? Taxi? Hire car! Friends |
| Mr and Mrs Smith; Anne Jones and John Smith.) | | | | own car? Make sure you organise all details |
| Welcome | | | | regarding this. |
| After the bridal party is seated is the best time | | | | Alternatives: |
| for a welcome speech and / or Grace. If you | | | | -Cutting the cake just after the Bridal party enter |
| want either or both, who will do this? The MC or | | | | at the start of the night. |
| a family member. | | | | -Bridal dance after entree followed by a dance |
| Entree is then served. After entree, the Bride and | | | | bracket |
| Groom will usually have time to circulate among | | | | -Speeches in between entree and main course |
| their guests. The MC will let you know when main | | | | -Speeches during main course. |
| course is about to be served. After main course | | | | (These are usually to save time for dancing) |
| is cleared and the champagne is poured, the | | | | Remember, directly after the speeches it is wise |
| speeches will commence. | | | | to organise a dance bracket as this is a logical |
| Speeches | | | | transformation from the formalities to the |
| A typical speech program usually includes the | | | | festivities, with the bride and groom leading the |
| following: | | | | first dance. Even if you have already had your |
| - Initial toast to the Bride & Groom, made by | | | | bridal dance, you can use a dedication to the bride |
| a family member or friend; | | | | and groom. It's your day. Your guests want your |
| - Response by Groom / Bride, including a toast to | | | | personal] contact and attention. If you and your |
| the Bridal Party; | | | | bride party are on the dance floor, chances are |
| - Speech by Best Man, or other Bridal Party | | | | about 90% of your guests will be too. |
| members; | | | | |