Last week we at Bridal Spectacular shared some of the most common questions couples ask while planning their weddings — but that was just the tip of the iceberg! This week, we’ll complete the top wedding planning questions by answering some of top inquiries couples have for the day of the wedding. Enjoy!

How should the wedding party travel to the reception?

This depends on your wedding style, and of course budget, but there are many different ways you can transport your wedding party. If you’re going casual and just want them to drive, let everyone know beforehand so they can arrange a carpool. Otherwise if your budget allows for it, you can rent a stretch limo, a luxury SUV or Hummer, or go a little vintage by chartering a budget-friendly school bus. Whatever you choose, be sure that you and your groom don’t ride together. So, maybe the girls can head the wedding venue first and the guys can follow afterward.

Photo by Dave Lite Photography.
Photo by Dave Lite Photography.

 

What side should the bride and groom stand on during the ceremony?

Generally if you are facing the altar, the bride stands on the left side and the groom on the right. For Jewish ceremonies, brides traditionally stand to the right of their grooms to honor their religious beliefs. The guests of the bride and groom can follow suit or you can have open seating and ask your guests to choose a seat, not a side.

Outdoor wedding at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. Photo by Exceed Photography.
Outdoor wedding at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. Photo by Exceed Photography.

 

What’s the proper order for the processional & recessional?

This will depend on each individual wedding, as some couples will choose to have their families walk down the aisle as well as the wedding party, while others will just ask the wedding party to walk. However if these members are present, the order of a traditional processional would be something similar to this:

Processional Order:

  1. Groom’s paternal grandparents
  2. Groom’s maternal grandparents
  3. Bride’s paternal grandparents
  4. Bride’s maternal grandparents
  5. Groom’s parents
  6. Mother of the Bride, often escorted by a son or another male relative
  7. The officiant followed by the Groom
  8. The wedding party in pairs
  9. Any children attendants, such as a flower girl or ring bearer
  10. The Bride and her Father

Recessional Order:

Then, the recession order is essentially the reverse of the processional:

  1. The Bride and Groom
  2. Children attendants
  3. Honor attendants (Best Man and Maid/Matron of Honor)
  4. The rest of the bridal party in pairs
  5. The Bride’s Parents
  6. The Groom’s Parents
Photo by KMH Photography.
Photo by KMH Photography.

 

What’s the best way to greet guests?

There are a few different ways to greet your guests after the ceremony. Couples can choose the more traditional route and have the guests form a receiving line and greet each person that way. Or, you can greet your guests during the reception by going from table to table during the first course (just try your best to eat too!). Another great way to acknowledge your guests is to make a short speech thanking them for coming and recognizing your vendors, parents and anyone else who helped make your wedding possible!

What order should I do the reception traditions?

Your wedding coordinator will help you plan the reception schedule and it will vary based on each couple’s wishes and needs. However, the general order of the reception is:

  1. Wedding party grand entrance followed by the bride and groom
  2. The first dance between the bride and groom
  3. Dinner while the bride and groom greets each table
  4. Toasting
  5. Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances
  6. Cake cutting
  7. The bouquet and garter toss
Bride and Groom's first dance. Photo by Stephen Salazar Photography.
Bride and Groom’s first dance. Photo by Stephen Salazar Photography.

 

What exactly does the bride and groom do during the cake cutting?

The cake cutting ceremony is one of the first official things a bride and groom do together as husband and wife! It’s typically one of the last things done before the bouquet and garter toss and your DJ should make an announcement to alert your guests. For the first cut, the groom’s hands are placed over the bride’s hands as they both cut into the bottom layer of the cake. Then, your caterer will likely take over cutting the remainder of the cake and serve it to your guests.

How much should I tip my wedding vendors?

This is at each couple’s discretion, but depending on the service and relationship, a small gift or a cash tip is a great way to thank your vendors (wedding coordinator, florist, DJ, caterer, photographer, officiant, etc.) However, you should certainly distribute tips to non-contracted staff, such as musicians, servers, bartenders and drivers. Also, you will generally provide meals for your vendors so be sure to keep that in mind when giving your caterer the final head count.

Wedding at TPC Summerlin.
Wedding at TPC Summerlin.

 

Now that you are armed with the answers to some of the most asked questions couples have while planning their wedding, your big day should go off without a hitch! As always, for more wedding tips and ideas, please visit http://www.bridalspectacular.com or follow us on Facebook, twitter and Pinterest.