Wedding Etiquette Trivia Answers

As promised, here are the answers to the recent posting of Wedding Etiquette Trivia!

QUESTION: On which lapel should the groom and groomsmen wear their boutonnieres?

ANSWER: A

Traditionally, the boutonniere should be worn by the groom and his attendants on their left lapels. The groom and groomsmen's boutonnieres should be simple and small, and they should never appear to be wearing corsages. Usually, the groom's boutonniere features the same type of flower used in his bride's bouquet, while the groomsmen typically wear a boutonniere that complements that of the groom.

QUESTION: Traditionally, who holds the knife when cutting the wedding cake?

ANSWER: C

When it comes to cutting the cake, the bride traditionally puts her right hand on the handle of the cake knife, and the groom puts his hand over hers.

QUESTION: How long should you allow for the printing of formal invitations?

ANSWER: C

The rule of thumb is to allow at least six to eight weeks for formal invitations and their related enclosures to print.

QUESTION: What is the ideal lag time between the ceremony and reception?

ANSWER: B

 The ideal lag time between the ceremony and reception is 30 minutes -- after all, you want to avoid keeping guests waiting too long with no place to go. Typically, lag time is dependent on how far the two venues are from each other, the time availability of both spaces, and whether or not the formal photographs of the wedding party will be taken after the ceremony (and how long that will take).

QUESTION: When should you have your registries completed by?

ANSWER: C

When it comes to gifts, you should register as soon as you can, within reason. You should have your registries completed by the time that invitations are sent.

QUESTION: What is the appropriate way to give the bride and groom their gifts?

ANSWER: D

After the wedding, gifts should be sent to the couple's address. If they have not made their home address known, the gifts should be sent to the bride's parents' home, alternatively. Before the wedding, gifts should be sent to their address (if the couple is already living together) or to the bride's home.

QUESTION: Who stands and who sits during the wedding toasts?

ANSWER: A

Everyone should rise for the toasts to the newlyweds except the bride and groom, who remain seated. If a toast is directed towards the bride, the groom rises; if it is directed to their parents, both the bride and groom rise.

QUESTION: When should you mail out your invitations?

ANSWER: C

You should mail your invitations out six to eight weeks before the wedding date.

QUESTION: How long do you have to write and send thank-you notes?

ANSWER: B

All thank-you notes should be written and sent within three months of the wedding -- at most.

These are a few small etiquette tips for the newly engaged! If you happen to have any wedding questions, write to katherine@eventspaisley.com and we'll answer asap!

xoxo 

Katherine