Everyone in the wedding industry, whether you are a wedding planner, photographer, DJ or chef, gets asked certain questions that to us seem so simple. It’s so OBVIOUS which side of the church your guests are supposed to sit and what happens to the bouquet during the ceremony. For people not involved in the wedding industry, when it comes to planning their big day, everything that just happens magically at other weddings, now needs to be planned out. So without further adieu, here are some of the most commonly asked questions that I as a wedding planner get asked.
All photos from this post were supplied by Derryn Schmidt Photography
Q: What do I do with my engagement ring?
A: Wear it on your right hand ring finger and move it across after the ceremony. 
Q: What side of the church does everyone sit?
A: The bride’s family usually sits on the left, and the groom’s side will be on the right. While this rule matters less for the guests these days, when getting your great-aunt Edna in, sitting, and comfortable, it is important to have the seating plan in place.
Q: Does my dad need to be on the left or right of me when I walk down the aisle?
A: Your dad will stand on your right as he will hand you over to your groom who will be standing, with his groomsmen, on the right of the chapel
Q: Who lifts my veil?
A: This will depend on your religion/culture. At Jewish weddings, the groom needs to see the bride’s face before she is veiled. At a Christian weddings your Dad will lift your veil so the he can present his gorgeous daughter to his soon to be son-in-law. If, in all the excitement of the moment, Dad forgets, then the groom should just lift it for her.
Q: For the guys, which side of the jacket does the boutonnière (the flowery thing) get pinned?
A: On the left hand side.
Q: What happens to the bouquet?
A: During the ceremony, either as the bride gets to the front of the aisle or just before she turns towards her groom for the vows, the bride gives her bouquet to the maid of honour, or bridesmaid, to hold. Some people like to hold onto their bouquet as long as possible, others get rid of it as quickly as possible so that they have two free hands to hold onto their groom. There is no hard and fast rule with this one.
Q: What happens if I get emotional?
Slow down. Breathe. Look up. Don’t wipe your eyes and risk smudging your make up – rather dab dab with a tissue. And absorb the moment. A wedding is a monumental life event and can be very emotional. Try not to get shy about showing your emotion. Go with it.
Q: Do my new hubby and I leave the chapel before or after our guests?
A: This is completely up to you. I always suggest the guests leave first so that they can grab some confetti and you can make a dramatic entrance into the crowd: this is great for photos!
If you want to leave first and have that big exit, and ALSO have the confetti moment then walk out the church and circle back around the building into the sacristy (that room where the priest gets ready). Hang out there until your guests have left the church and then walk out again for your big confetti photo op.
Q: What happens after the ‘congrats’?
A: If you want a group photo, this is when your photographer will do it. If not, your guests will go to have drinks and canapés while you and your immediate family stays for family shots. Tip: Get your DJ or your minister to announce the ‘next step’ so your guests aren’t left confused.
Q: When do we cut our cake?
A: I suggest your either do this after the ceremony at the cocktail hour or before dessert –this all depends when you want to serve your cake to your guests.
Q: How long should I allocate for the portrait session and what if it rains?
A: To leave your guests for an hour while you have your photos taken would be reasonable. If you and your photographer need longer than this because you are traveling to a specific location, that’s your call, but you can expect a few grumbles. (They might not be directed at you, but at your photographer…because it will be assumed that they ‘kept’ you away from your guests). If it rains…do not panic. Your photographer will know how to handle the situation and probably consult you with a plan of action. Maybe some umbrellas will suffice in keeping you dry, or a change in location to somewhere sheltered. In worst case scenarios, you might need to get dressed up on another day for a re-shoot. But that would be a last resort.
Q: Do I have to wear my garter the whole day?
A: No not at all – how UNCOMFORTABLE?! I suggest placing it in your clutch bag with your touchup kit or giving it to your bridesmaid and or wedding coordinator to keep safe and put it on after dessert before the garter and bouquet toss. Can you imagine is slowly sliding down your leg as your walk down the aisle??
Q: When do we throw the garter and bouquet?
A: I personally suggest doing this before your first dance as it gets everyone up and ready to party. It’s also great to do this while your granny and grandpa, and great-aunt Edna are still there to be part of the fun. At this early stage, your photographer will also still be there to capture the moment. Once all the formalities are done, you can party the night away with no interruptions.
Q: When do I dance with my dad?
A: You can either dance with him first and he hands you over to your handsome hubby for your first dance or you can save it for the second dance so your hubby can dance with his mom.
Q: When do the bride and groom leave the reception?
A: This is also something that is completely up to you. Some couples decide on a time, and get the guests to see them off by making a tunnel to run through, or with pretty sparklers, while other couples are the last ones standing as the lights come on.
Nowadays, following traditions for the sake of traditions is a thing of the past. Couples decide what is important to them and make up their own rules and traditions. Whatever the case may be, think through the options, and decide what you want from the day.
Connect with Alexis:
Website
Facebook
Instagram: @surreal_eventing
The post Guest Post | It’s all relevant appeared first on Hooray Weddings.