Dear Bride to be

Firstly, let me take this opportunity to congratulate you both on your fourth coming wedding. Secondly thank you for your visit to the Munstone House website and considering it as a possible venue for yourreception (and the ceremony if required.)

Our aim is to make your special day a memorable one. And from the moment you enter the hotel, our staff are fully trained to look after all your needs. The facilities we offer at Munstone House are quite unique and we have truly beautiful grounds which lend themselves to romantic and original wedding photographs.

I would be only too pleased to show you around our hotel at a time convenient to yourself to discuss your requirements for your most special day.

I hope you enjoy browsing our new website and should you have any furhter enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us on Hereford (01432) 267122 or simply email us at yvonne@munstonehouse.com

Yours sincerly

Yvonne Hodges
Proprietor

Planning your Special Day

Your wedding is a very special day for everyone because of all the wonderful and memorable things that happen. Planning your wedding is an exciting time for both to share. Choosing the ring, gazing at beautiful dresses, preparing your new home, all these take time. Eight or nine months before your day should give you plenty of time to enjoy all the preparations of getting married.

We at Munstone House have prepared a few helpful hints to ensure that your day flows as smoothly as the brides gown.

First Steps

They will have a first hand knowledge of the best way to allocate the money. On your special day you will no doubt want the finest of everything so plan carefully the style of reception and honeymoon.

When you have decided, pay a visit to your vicar, registrar or minister and make arrangements for your marriage ceremony. They will be of great help to you both and will explain everything you need to know about walking up the isle and saying "I do". If you wish, a rehersal can be arranged to set you mind at ease and to assure you that it will all be perfect on your wedding day. Take this opportunity to apply for a marriage license if necessary.

Book Your Reception

When you have the date, arrange and book your reception. We will be more than happy to offer you any professional advice on catering matters, styles of seating arrangements and anything else you may be unsure of. You have probably discussed between yourselves who to invite so make a checklist. It is easy to forget somebody when you have so many people who want to be there on your special day. Think about your relatives and friends on both sides and write them down for your respective mothers to compile a guest list.

Bridesmaids and Best Man

It is now a good time to think of bridesmaids or attendants and the brides grooms aide - the best man. When your decision is made you can start shopping with them. This is especially exciting for the bride and bridesmaids going from shop to shop almost spellbound by the vast selection of beautiful gowns, dresses and fabrics available.

The bridegroom, best man and ushers can discuss their choice of attire. Top hat and talis can be hired inexpensively for the day or they could opt for the luxury choice of especially tailored suits.

Responsibilities

The following checklists hould prove to be 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 for 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 trnsport 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 bouquet during the ceremony
Serve portions of cake at the reception

Top Table Seating Plan

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

PICTURE

The Perfect Reception

At the reception the usual lineup 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 unwieldy.

Most receptions begin with an appetizer of sherry or champagne served before the meal. Include non-alcoholic alternatives for children and those who are driving or who do not drink.

Toasts and Speeches

These would normally take place at the end of the meal and would accompany the cutting and distribution 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.