FAQs

These are just a few of my FAQs and tips to help you on your wedding day. I am very happy to discuss in more detail any queries that you may have and provide more thorough advice on what should be included in each speech etc.

Q: What happens during a registrar interview? A: On a wedding day, before a civil ceremony can take place, the registrars will need to meet with the couple (individually). The ‘interview’ will take approx. 10 minutes each. It is an opportunity to meet the registrars who will be conducting the ceremony, ask any questions and calm any pre-ceremony nerves. You will be asked to check the spelling of your names and addresses etc. to ensure that the information is accurate ready for your marriage.

Q: How many songs do we need for the ceremony? A: For a typical civil ceremony, I recommend you select 4 songs; 1 for the entrance, 2 for signing the papers and 1 for the exit. You may also want to have approx. 20 minutes of background music for when guests are taking their seats.

Q: Do we need to reserve seats for the ceremony? A: I’d recommend reserving seats on the front rows for your VIP’s. Everyone’s VIP list is different, but as an example you may wish to include; parents/step-parents, best man, maid of honour, bridesmaids, groomsmen, grandparents, siblings. Some couples also reserve seats for witnesses and those giving readings. It is up to you how many seats you reserve.

Q: Should the Bride or the Bridesmaids walk down the aisle first? A: This is entirely your choice, but I would say that 90% of the time, Bride’s opt to enter last. The bridesmaids help to build the anticipation ready for the main event – The Bride’s entrance! If you liked the idea of your bridesmaids entering behind you in order to ‘fluff’ your dress, consider asking your toastmaster instead – I am very happy to help you with your dress. Once you are ‘fluffed’ and safely walking down the aisle, I will leap out of the way so I’m not in any of your photos.

Q: How long do you recommend for our drinks reception? A: Between 1hour 45minutes and 2 hours is the perfect length to give you time for canapes, drinks, photographs and chatting with your guests.

Q: How many formal group photos do you recommend? A: Up to 12 is plenty, any more than this and you may feel that group photos take up all of your ‘mingling’ time. You may want to have a ‘definitely’ list and a ‘if there’s time’ list, then the photographer knows which shots are the most important.

Q: How much confetti do we need? A: As much as you can buy! Fill one or two baskets with confetti so that guests can easily scoop up a couple of handfuls. The tiny (shredded) confetti doesn’t always show up in photos – large petals work best! Your florist may be able to supply these for you so it’s worth getting in touch with them. Remember to check with your venue about their rules on confetti before purchasing.

Q: What is a receiving line? A: A receiving line is when you position yourselves by the entrance to the wedding breakfast and guests will greet you as they pass to make their way to take their seats for dinner. You can have a receiving line as just the two of you, or you can incorporate parents too. The idea is to be able to thank each guest individually for attending the wedding and it gives them an opportunity to congratulate you on your very special day. Depending on guest numbers, a receiving line takes approx. 30 minutes so this will need to be factored into your timings.

Q: When do you recommend we do speeches? A: I personally recommend speeches at the end of the meal. This way, your guests are well fed and are likely to have had a couple of glasses of wine. I tend to find speeches are well received when guests are full and happy! Guests are likely to be hungry if you have speeches before the meal. The only time that speeches before the meal is recommended, is if those doing a speech are particularly nervous and are not going to be able to eat! I do not recommend splitting speeches between courses as this often creates issues for the catering team. It also then means that if you are having 1 toast drink for the speeches, guests will have to resist drinking all of their drink during the first speech!

Q: How long should a speech be? A: Ideally, no more than 10 minutes. If you’ve got 3-4 speeches, then 10 minutes each really is the maximum that I would recommend. Any longer than this, guests are likely to get fidgety!

Q: When do we cut the wedding cake? A: If you are having extra evening guests attend and you’d like them to witness your cake cutting, then I recommend cutting your cake in the evening just before your first dance. If you aren’t concerned about evening guests then I’d recommend cutting your cake during the meal. Straight after the last speech often works well as we will have everybody’s attention and do not run the risk of any guests missing it. I’d recommend the cake being served with your evening buffet as a sweet option.

Q: Do we have to have a first dance? A: Of course not! Only have a first dance if YOU want to. An alternative to a traditional first dance is that I announce. “The happy couple have decided not to have a traditional first dance on their own, but they have chosen a song that is special to them and they’d like everyone on the dance floor to enjoy this with them.” You could also start your first dance alone, but then we can invite guests onto the dance floor to join you after 1 minute (for example).