In response to a number of couples who seem unsure of what to expect on the big day I have compiled this article to help. I should point out that the advice applies very much in a “traditional” way, even though some sort of wedding etiquette is still usually adhered too things these days are much more relaxed.

The bride is always on the right hand side of the person giving her away. The driver of the wedding car should open the door for the bride after the person giving her away is already out of the car. The groom should be waiting at the altar/registrars desk toward the right hand side. The person giving the bride away steps away leaving the bride standing next to the groom. The actual ceremony varies dependent upon the church or licensed venue, the minister or registrar will give you advice about this aspect before the ceremony. Photography is generally not allowed during the actual signing of the register, it is in fact illegal to photograph the real register. After the actual signing the minister or registrar will place a blank register on the table signing photographs can then be arranged. It is usual for the official photographer to arrange the couple and if he or she are considerate (like me!) they will step aside to allow photography by guests once they are done. After the signing the couple walk from the room or down the aisle with the groom on the right hand side of the bride, the only exception to this is if the groom is wearing a ceremonial sword in which case the side can be reversed if required. The reason for this is that in the past the grooms sword would be easily accessible to protect his bride. Outside the marriage venue I usually give ten or fifteen minutes “chill out” time before beginning the photography, other photographers may not do this. Length of time for photographs varies enormously dependent upon the photographer and the number of special photograph requests again I always give guests a chance to take their own photographs of groups I have arranged. I have said outside the marriage venue but that is only one scenario, you may go to a different location or continue inside the venue in the event of bad weather, don't worry if it rains or snows hopefully your photographer will have come across the situation before and know the best course of action. When all is done you will leave for the reception so remember the bride always gets in the car first. Upon arrival at the reception venue informal drinks are often served before going for the wedding breakfast, nothing is set in stone here complete informality and relaxation is the order of this part of the day. Going in for the meal can happen in a couple of ways either informal where all the guests go into the room as they wish or formally with a traditional greeting line up. The bride and groom head the welcoming line up the best man, bridesmaids and both sets of parents complete “the welcoming committee”. In either case once all the guests are in and seated the restaurant manager/head waiter/toastmaster will announce the entrance of the bride and groom “Ladies and gentlemen would you all please stand and welcome Mr & Mrs …...?. Cake cutting and speeches can occur in any order either before after or during the meal there is no traditional precedent, follow the advice of the caterers. Evening celebrations usually begin around 7.30pm, the disco or band will play some middle of the road music then, usually between 8.30 and 9.30 announce the first dance and invite the bride and groom to the dance floor. Even if you are absolute rubbish at dancing don't worry all you need to do is shuffle around the dance floor with everyone taking photographs and video. Often towards the end of the first dance the DJ will invite other guests to join you, the first are usually the bride and grooms parents. From that point on just enjoy yourselves and go with the flow