Macdonald Compleat Angler wedding planner and etiquette guide

12 Months

- Arrange the wedding with the clergyman/registrar
- Book the reception at the hotel!
- Discuss the menus with your wedding co-ordinator
- Discuss the options for evening entertainment
- If you are proposing to hold the ceremony at the hotel discuss this with the wedding co-ordinator and registrar.
- Compile the guest list with both families
- Choose bridesmaids, best man, ushers and page boys.
- Shop for dresses and accessories
- Decide on men's outfits and arrange hire (if necessary)
- Book honeymoon ~Macdonald Hotels and Resorts include Spain & Aviemore
- Organise going away outfit

4-5 Months

- Book the photographer and video company
- Book the cars for the day and liase with friends/family on transport
- Order the wedding cake
- Organise trousseau outfit
- Make a wedding gift list
- Visit the clergyman again to confirm details (banns, music, flowers, confetti, fees, bell ringings etc.)
- Confirm food, drinks and reception details with your Macdonald Wedding co-ordinator
- Order the stationery (invitations, service sheets, etc.)
- Choose the wedding rings
- Organise the floral arrangements for the church, reception, brides and bridesmaids bouquet and mother's flowers

3 Months

- Buy gifts for the bridesmaids, best man and page boys
- Finalise the honeymoon and wedding night details

2 Months

- Post the invitations
- Record the acceptances and refusals
- Update the Berystede's wedding co-ordinator on attendance numbers
- Send out the wedding gifts list
- Reply to presents received

1 Month

- Finalise details with the hotel in writing including attendance numbers and preferred seating plan
- Organise dress and fittings
- Visit the hairdresser
- Practice the wedding make up
- Prepare newspaper announcement if required

1 Week

- Have a rehearsal of the wedding and time the journey to the church/registry office
- Finalise honeymoon arrangements including luggage to reception, foreign currency, etc.
- Make final checks on the cake, flowers, photographer, video, transport, etc.
- Enjoy your hen/stag nights - at least a couple of days before the wedding.

The Receiving Line

If you decide to have a receiving line to greet your guests, the order should be as follows:
1. Bride's mother
2. Bride's father
3. Bridegroom's mother
4. Bridegroom's father
5. Bride and groom
6. Chief bridesmaid
7. Best man - optional
8. Other bridesmaids - optional

Top Table Seating Plan

The Top Table should traditionally be set out as follows (from left to right):
1. Chief bridesmaid
2. Groom's father
3. Bride's mother
4. Groom
5. Bride
6. Bride's father
7. Groom's mother
8. Best man

Cutting the Cake

The toast master or best man should announce the "cutting of the cake" and the bride and groom should then cut the first slice of the cake. During speeches the cake is sliced for the wedding guests.

Speeches and Toasts

At the end of the meal the speeches will commence. These will be carried out in the following order, usually under the direction of the toast master.
1. The father of the bride is the first to make a speech, which should be kept to a minimum, ending in a toast to the health and happiness of the bride and groom.
2. The groom then follows on the speeches by responding to his father-in-law's toast. He should thank the guests for attending and say a few well-chosen words, followed by a toast dedicated to the bridesmaids. This is a good opportunity to offer gifts to those who have helped with the organisation of the wedding day.
3. The best man continues the speeches by thanking the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids. He should also read any telegrams and messages that have been received. The best man will then follow on to speak about his relationship with the groom and will congratulate him on his choice of bride. It is not the duty of the Best Man to make a toast.