INTRODUCTION	PRIVATE DINING
WEDDINGS	ROOM CAPACITIES
MEETINGS & CONFERENCES	ENQUIRY FORM

Please make all initial enquiries to info@balbirnie.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY 3-4pm
It will normally take approximately one hour to have all photographs taken, either outside in the gardens or inside in the various lovely rooms. In passing, we mention that it works very well indeed if the bridal party pre-arrange a running order for group shots, and agree this in advance with the photographer. In addition, it is also very helpful if the Best Man and Ushers have this information and are on hand to assist the photographer with who is in which shot.
Photographers naturally have their own particular ways of working but all acknowledge that Balbirnie provides a wonderful setting for this important element of the proceedings.
 

THE RECEIVING LINE 4-4.45pm
It is generally accepted that the principal wedding group, which includes the Bride and Groom, Bride’s parents or representatives, Groom’s parents or representatives, Best Man and Bridesmaids, will formally greet all guests in an official handshaking ceremony.  Guests in turn offer compliments. Quite apart from anything else, this lovely part of the proceedings provides the opportunity for everyone on the top table to physically meet every single guest.

CAKE CUTTING 4.45pm
Immediately after this, guests proceed to the cake cutting ceremony during which an appropriate toast drink should be offered. The master of ceremonies will usually announce the cutting of the cake.

THE WEDDING MEAL 5-7pm
The master of ceremonies will announce the meal and once all the guests have located their seats they will be asked to ‘be upstanding to receive the bride and groom.’ Usually the bride and groom are piped to the top table. Grace can be said either by the minister, or by a guest.

TOASTS AND SPEECHES
At the end of the meal, following the service of sparkling wine or champagne, speeches should commence. The master of ceremonies usually announces the first speech, and it is nowadays entirely appropriate for the individual speaking next and those thereafter to take their turn unannounced.

1. First to speak is traditionally THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE, who at the end of his speech will propose a toast to “THE BRIDE AND GROOM”.

2. Second to speak is THE BRIDEGROOM who after replying to the first toast will then speak and at the end of his speech will propose a toast to “THE BRIDESMAIDS”.

3. Thirdly, the BEST MAN will reply on behalf of the bridesmaids and will then make his speech.  After he has finished speaking he can then read any selected cards and telegrams.

In this day and age, although it is rare, the bride may also wish to say a few words!!

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