Our Most Frequently Asked Wedding Questions: Part 3
March 13, 2023
Q: Are divorced parents of the bride seated together?
No, the mother is seated in the front row with her new husband, if remarried; the father in the third left-hand pew.
Q: Where do the groom's parents sit if they are divorced?
The mother in the front right-hand pew, the father in the third pew.
Q: Does the groom always kiss the bride following the ceremony at the altar?
This is ruled by the church ceremony. The clergyman will advise the couple.
Q: Who handles the clergy's fee?
The groom pays the fee, but the best man presents it to the clergy either before or after the ceremony in a plain white envelope.
Q: Is the clergyman invited to the wedding reception?
Yes, along with his wife, if married. He is seated at the parents' table.
Q: Do ushers and best man stand in the receiving line?
No.
Q: Should the bride and groom smoke or hold drinks and food in the receiving line? No.
Q: Should the groom dance with others?
Yes, with his mother, mother-in-law and the maids of honor.
Q: What is "boxed" wedding cake?
Individual pieces of cake in small white boxes for guests to take home. This is done at very elaborate weddings.
Q: Can a home wedding be as formal as a church wedding?
Yes, but usually there are not as many attendants.
Q: How is a recessional conducted at a home wedding?
The couple simply turns around after the ceremony to receive the best wishes of the guests.
Q: How are wedding gifts displayed if a home reception is not planned?
A tea or cocktail party may be held for close friends several days prior to the wedding.
Q: Who cuts the first piece of cake?
The bride with the groom's right hand over hers. They then break the slice and eat it together. A friend or a waiter then slices the rest of the cake.
Q: How is the reception dance begun?
The bride and groom should be honored with the first dance. However, if guests have already started when the couple enters the dance floor, the dancing stops and the couple dance once around the floor alone.
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