Here is a list of various wedding events and proper etiquette to be applied:
Bridal Shower: This should be the responsibility of a close friend and not a family member. The bride makes up the guest list (unless the shower is a surprise), and the person hosting the shower determines the number of guests. However if the wedding is going to be a small one, all people invited to the shower should be invited to the wedding as well. Traditionally, only friends of the bride are allowed to attend, however showers for the couple – with both men and women attending – is also acceptable. Only the wedding parties should be invited to more than one shower. The rule of thumb is that no more than two showers per bride should be given – although if the bride moves in various circles, it’s practical to have more than that. At the shower, someone should keep track of the gifts and who gave what. The bride should then write thank-you notes for the gifts she receives.
Bachelor Dinner: This takes place one to three days before the wedding and may be a Dutch treat. The groom and ushers may exchange gifts at the affair, and although it was once customary to break glasses after the toast, this is no longer appropriate.
Bride’s Tea or Luncheon: This also takes place one to three days before the wedding.
Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner: The rehearsal of the ceremony often takes place the day before, after which the wedding party, their spouses, and close friends and family have dinner together. The best man toasts the bride, then the bride toasts the groom, the groom, the mother of the bride, the father of the bride, the parents of the groom, and on until all members of the bridal couple’s families have been toasted.
Wedding Ceremony: The order of the processional varies according to religion. Guests stand for the processional and remain standing until told to sit. The ceremony itself is dictated by religious custom or civil law, with variations often allowed. The wedding party should meet with the person who will perform the ceremony to determine its form and content.
