The Church Ceremony

During the Ceremony it is traditional for the Bride's Family and gueste to sit on the left of the aisle whilst the Groom's family sits on the right, the immediate family being at the front, closest to the Bride and Groom. The Ushers show the guests to their seats.

The Civil Ceremony

The White Mare Country House Hotel has two approved venues for Civil Ceremonies.
The White Mare Restaurant with seating for 20 - 60. The Ceremony can be held in the same room as the reception.
The White Mare Lounge has seating for 10 - 25. The Ceremony and the Reception can be held in the same room.

The Reception at the White Mare

Day Reception - minimum 20 guests, Maximum 60 Hot Meal, 80 Buffet Night Function - minimum 80 guests

Tables: we have tables for 80+ guests - Top Table (Max 12) Tables in Rows up to 20 per table

Table Cloths: gold & white, or blue; other colours available on request

Napkins: blue/white, gold or other colours on request

Flowers: Spray Carnations in vases on the tables in your choice of colours

The Speeches

The Best Man usually takes on the role of Toast Master and calls on the first speaker after the meal is over.

The Bride's Father proposes the first toast.
The speech is usually semi-serious and should be concluded by toasting the health and happiness of the Bride and Groom.
Generally the speech includes references to:
The happiness they have experienced bringing up their daughter
Some incidents in her life
A welcome to the Groom's Parents
Some advice to the couple
The Toast

The Groom replies to the Toast and Toasts the Bridesmaids, his speech may include:
His Parents efforts in his upbringing
Thanks to the Bride's Parents for the Reception and Presents
His intention to ensure the Bride's happiness
Thanks to the Best Man and Ushers
Thanks to the Staff and Management for their efforts
Some remark about how lovely the Bridesmaids look (at this point he may give them gifts)
Toast to his New Bride

The Best Man replies to the Toast. His speech should be light hearted and full of humour. He should conclude his speech by thanking the Groom for the Bridesmaids gifts.

After the speeches the Best Man reads cards and telegrams (this should be kept as short as possible as most of the cards are very repetitious).

The Best Man informs the Guests where to view the wedding gifts, where and what time the Evening Function is held.