Wedding Etiquette All brides Should Know

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Wearing white
The traditional white wedding dress indicates purity, (not virginity as many assume) and correct etiquette dictates that you should only choose a white gown if you have not been married before.

Who pays for the wedding?
Traditionally, the cost of the wedding was split between the bride’s parents and the groom himself. The bride’s parents pay for the bridal gown, the photography, the bridesmaid dresses and the entire reception (including the cake!). It is left to the groom to pay the fees for the church, the honeymoon , buttonholes and his bride’s flowers.

Who makes the speeches?
The bride’s father, groom and best man are responsible for making speeches and there is a set format to follow regarding the order of the speeches, and who needs to be thanked as part of each speech, too.

Walking down the aisle
It is traditional for the bride’s father to walk her down the aisle . If he is unable to, a close family friend, brother or uncle is considered appropriate. The bride always walks on the left side of her escort so that his right hand is free to draw his sword to protect her. As she walks towards the alter, she will be on her family’s side of the church for support, and as she returns on her new hubby’s arm, she will be on his side of the church, symbolically being introduced into his family.

Reception seating
Correct etiquette dictates a long top table, with the bride and groom in the centre, the bride’s parents on each side of the couple, and the groom’s parents next to them. The most important guests – which should include the oldest family members – are seated closest to the top table.

Bar etiquette
While providing reception drinks and wine throughout the wedding breakfast is the norm, a free bar for the evening reception is a nice touch, but is no longer expected etiquette if your budget is limited.