wedding day etiquette

THE PROGRAMS

If you choose to do ceremony programs, much of the content will be guided by your officiant or religious minister. Many of these people have specific templates that they can share with you and your stationer as a baseline for what should be included in the program. Often times, programs include the processional and recessional, and everything in between. Readings and songs are listed, but lyrics and verses are omitted. If your ceremony involves guests participating, it is important to include the lyrics or verses that you expect your guests to speak or sing.

Many couples like to list their wedding party as well in the program. If doing so, please include names of parents, name of the officiant, and wedding party including maid/matron of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, ring bearer(s) and flower girl(s).

THE ESCORT DISPLAY

Many couples choose to display their seating assignments during the cocktail hour so guests can browse where they are seated before dinner begins. We love boards, installations, or simple cards placed perfectly on a well-designed table. Escort cards or displays serve the purpose of telling guests which table they are assigned for dinner. Sometimes, entrée is indicated on the card as well, and if that is the case, guests should be instructed to place the cards on the table so that the server(s) are able to view. Escort displays and cards work best when they are done by couple and alphabetically arranged by last name.

Place CARDS

These should not be confused with escort cards. The place card serves the purpose of indicating which specific seat belongs to the specific guest. The place card also may serve as an entrée indicator. Place cards can be traditional tented cards placed at the top of the plate, modernized by a tag or tie, or printed directly on the menu. First names are great for these cards, but be mindful that if you have two guests with the same first name seated at the same table, you will need to include the last name or the first initial of the last name.

MENUS

It’s fun to get creative with your wedding menu! These days, many couples love to get creative with their culinary offerings at their wedding, and we always encourage this creativity to be implemented into the design as well. Each menu should include all of the courses and all of the ingredients. Things like bread offerings are not necessary to include in the menu. If you have decided to include a wine pairing with your wedding menu, we encourage you to include the wines in the menu as well. Including the dessert course is optional; some couples like to leave the dessert as a surprise! It is common for guests to consume dessert, such as wedding cake, away from their seated table, so it is not necessary to list the dessert if that is the case. If you have vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free guests, etc. attending the wedding, they will know to let the servers know of their dietary preferences, but it is always encouraged for you to let your caterer know well in advance so that they are prepared and are ready to serve these guests with the same standard of service that they do for all other guests.