Planning and Tips

At Seckford Hall, we have years of experience and offer the perfect setting and atmosphere for wedding celebrations. From your initial enquiry to your wedding day our friendly and capable staff will organise every detail so you can relax and enjoy your special day.

Come and see us - contact Tthe Events Team on 01394 385678 to arrange an appointment.

Wedding Etiquette

The information below is based on standard wedding etiquette, and is a guide only. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any specific requirements you may have.

The Perfect Reception

At the reception the usual line up waiting to greet the guests is as follows, the brides parents followed by the bridegrooms parents, then the bride and the bridegroom, then lastly the bridesmaids and the best man. This lineup ensures that both families have the opportunity to speak to all of the guests. But, conversation should be kept to a polite minimum as the queue can become unwieldly. Most receptions begin with a reception drink served before the meal. Include non-alcoholic alternatives for children and those who are driving or do not drink.

Toasts and Speeches

These would normally take place at the end of the meal and would accompany the cutting of the wedding cake.
The following is the usual order of proceedings:
1. The bride and bridegroom cut the cake
2. Toast "The Bride and Bridegroom". This is normally proposed by the brides father or a close relative or friend of the family
3. Toast to "The Bridesmaids". This is usually proposed by the bridegroom following his response to the first toast
4. The best man would then respond to the bridegrooms speech on behalf of the bridesmaids. He would also read the telegrams and a selection of cards to the guests.

Download our guide to wedding etiquette

Roles and Responsibilities

The following checklists should prove useful when planning your wedding:

Brides Mother
Arrange printing of invitations
Send out invitations
Order the wedding cake
Order wines
Hire the wedding photographer
Book the florist for the church and reception
Order the cake boxes
Arrange the display of presents
Hire the wedding cars
Contact the local newspaper for announcement
Arrange entertainment in the evening
Hire video company to film the event

The Bridegroom
Arrange the ceremony
Choose the best man
Hire morning dress
Order flowers for the bride, bridesmaids and mothers
Obtain registrars certificate if needed
Arrange the travel for the honeymoon
Arrange the cars to and from the church
Prepare response to the bridegrooms toast
Prepare toast to the parents
Choose bridesmaids gifts

The Bride
Choose her bridesmaids
Select dress for bridesmaids and yourself
Book hair appointment
Make a list of preferred wedding gifts

The Best Man
Look after the rings
Organise the cars from the church
Reply to the bridesmaids toast
Propose toast to the parents
Return the bridegrooms and your morning dress

The Brides Father
Double check the transport arrangements
Order morning dress
Respond to toast to the parents

The Bridesmaids
Choose dresses with the bride
Help the bride to dress
Chief bridesmaid takes charge of brides boquet during the ceremony
Serve portions of cake at the reception

Seckford Hall is an attractive Wedding Venue in Suffolk. Contact us now to request more information or arrange to come and visit us.