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Q.  What is the order of the Receiving Line?--Columbia, SC

A.   Groom's Parents, Bride's Parents, Flower Girl, Ring Bearer, Bridesmaids escorted by a Groomsmen, the Maid of Honor escorted by the Best Man, and the the Bride and Groom.

Q.  What is the event order of the reception?--Myrtle Beach, SC

A.  Receptions normally last about 4 hours.  The first hour consists of the "Cocktail Hour" where the guests are served drinks and hors d'oeuvres while waiting for the Bridal Party to arrive.  The second hour is when there is the announcement of the wedding party.  The Bride and groom's first dance, a champagne toast, and then dinner is served.  The Third Hour is the cake cutting and dancing.  Finally, the Fourth Hour has the Bouquet Toss, the Garter toss, the last dance of the Bride and Groom and then the GRAND EXIT...and off you go!

Q.  Is the groom suppose to dance with someone else beside the bride and his mother at the reception?--Dillon, SC

A.  Yes, besides the bride, he needs to dance with his mother, mother-in-law and the Maid (or Matron) of Honor or Both.

Q.  Doesn't the Best Man give the first toast?--Batesburg, SC

A.  Yes, the Best Man proposed the first toast to the Bride and Groom!

Q.  I was wondering if it would be proper to limit the time that alcohol is served?  Our reception starts at 6 pm.  I wanted to offer it from 6pm to 9pm.  We were planning on serving beer, tea and soda the whole time until the end.  Our receptions is until 11pm. --Charleston, SC

A.   That is fine.  You are not obligated to serve alcohol at all.  The only things that are "required" for a wedding reception are the cake and champagne for the toast.  Another option is to only have alcohol during the Cocktail Hour.  If you do decide to limit the alcohol, make sure the servers mention that it is only served during a specific time frame so your guest won't be surprised.

Q.  Are we suppose to open our wedding gifts at the reception?  I have heard yes and no? --Laurens, SC

A.  It is really not customary to open wedding gifts at the reception.  It will take time away from your guests, eating, dancing and enjoying your reception.  You need to have a table set up for the gifts.  Have someone look after the gifts and make sure the cards/tags are properly connected to the gift.  You need to also designate a person to transport your gifts to your home so you can open gifts with your husband when you get home from your honeymoon.

Q.  Do we have to cut the wedding cake first?--Lexington, SC

A.  Yes (and why would you not want to?)  You take your right hand on the knife, then the groom puts his right hand over yours and cut away.  A friend or service staff member should take over after that.

Q.  Who also sits at the Bridal Table with the bride and groom? --Irmo, SC

A.  This has changed many times over the years (like most things)..traditionally, it is the bride and groom.  The Maid of Honor sits beside the Bride and the Best Man sits beside the Groom.  The rest of the Groomsmen would then sit beside the Best Man, and the rest of the Bridesmaids would sit beside the Maid of Honor.  Some people just have the Bride, Groom and the Best Man/Spouse and Maid of Honor/Spouse and then have tables for the Bridesmaids/spouses and the Groomsmen/spouses.

Q.  When we sit down for our dinner at the Bridal Table...what side do I sit beside my new husband?--Greenwood, SC

A.   The bride sits on the groom's right.

Q.  We are thinking of using an Historical Site for our Reception.  What do I need to ask them?--Charleston, SC

A.  Well, first off--most small historical sites do not offer food and beverages so you will most likely have to hire a caterer.  You will also have to rent numerous things like tables, chairs, linens.  You need to call or go by the site and talk to their manager.  They probably have more rules that you need to know about before deciding.

Q.  How many hours does a reception last?--Monks Corner, SC

A.  Most receptions last about 4 - 5 hours.  Most facilities allow you 4 hours and charge additionally if you go over.  Make sure you ask the facility about extra time and fees.

Q.  My parents are divorced and my mother just remarried less than a year ago...the dislike each other (my parents) very much...what can I do at my reception to keep them apart?  I am so stressed about this!--Columbia, SC

A.  I am sorry you are going through this during such a special time in your life...but...let's get serious...First discuss it with them and tell them you NEED them to be on their best behavior, second--seat them as far away from each other as possible.  Hopefully, your receptions facility is large so they will not be too close to each other.  I hope it works out!  Good LUCK!

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