Pre-Wedding Meeting for Peace of Mind: A Schedule and To-Do List for Parents on the Wedding Day ♡

2022.07.04 published

殿堂記事

On the Wedding Day, Parents Have a Lot to Do Too!

On the wedding day, the parents of the bride and groom have quite a few tasks to attend to.

While the couple probably had thorough discussions with their planner and has a rough schedule in mind for the day,

the truth is that the parents often only receive direction from the staff on the day of the wedding and may not be aware of what they need to do beforehand.

Parents might look up what they should do on the wedding day themselves, but it’s best for the couple to directly communicate details like, “This is the flow of the day,” or “Please hand out the thank-you gifts at the reception.”

Let's introduce the schedule and tasks for the parents on the wedding day.

Tasks for the Parents on the Wedding Day - Schedule ① Arriving at the Venue

On the wedding day, parents should arrive at the wedding venue about 2 hours before the ceremony begins. If they will be getting dressed at the venue, there will likely be a specified time from the venue, so they should arrive accordingly.

Particularly, the mother of the bride often accompanies the bride to help with preparations, so it is common for her to arrive at the venue around the same time as the bride (2-3 hours before the ceremony)◎

It’s also common to meet the other set of parents during the dressing time, so it’s reassuring to greet them and confirm the schedule ahead of time＊

Tasks for the Parents on the Wedding Day - Schedule ② Greeting Relatives and Distributing Thank-You Gifts

After dressing is completed, relatives from both families start to gather. It’s time for the parents to greet their relatives＊

If the relatives from the other family are in a separate room, there's no need to make a special trip to greet them. They can be greeted again during the family introduction segment.

When the reception staff arrives, if there are thank-you gifts to hand out on behalf of the couple, they should do so ahead of time (this may also occur after the ceremony).

For transportation allowances for the honored guests, parents may either hand them directly or request the reception staff to do so. It is a good idea to discuss in advance how this should be handled, and if they will ask the reception staff to do it, the parents should give the transportation allowance to the staff before the reception begins.

If they intend to give a gratuity to the staff, it’s wise to prepare it and hand it over at an appropriate time.

@nmch_wd

Tasks for the Parents on the Wedding Day - Schedule ③ Family Introduction

Family introductions usually start around the same time as the reception begins＊

This introduction may be led by the fathers of both families or by the couple. If asking the fathers to lead, make sure to communicate this in advance.

If there are many relatives, it might be helpful to prepare a cue card, just in case.

➡ For detailed articles about family introductions, click here＊

Tasks for the Parents on the Wedding Day - Schedule ④ Ceremony Rehearsal and Ceremony

It seems that the parents of the bride often participate in the rehearsal for the ceremony.

The father practices walking down the aisle while the mother often practices the veil down.

Since rehearsals may not always be a part of the itinerary, it is advisable to check with the wedding venue in advance whether the parents will participate in the rehearsal◎

After the rehearsal, it’s common to proceed directly to the ceremony, so they should wait together with the bride.

➡ Watch a tutorial on walking down the aisle＊

@momo.wd.1106

Tasks for the Parents on the Wedding Day - Schedule ⑤ Early Reception

After the ceremony, they will move to the reception venue together with the guests. (There may also be introductions of relatives at this time.)

Once inside the reception, parents should give the transportation allowances to the honored guests as they take their seats, checking the seating arrangement first.

When the reception begins, during the speeches or the toast, the parents should stand and bow in accordance with the couple.

@mickey_minnie.wedding

Tasks for the Parents on the Wedding Day - Schedule ⑥ Late Reception

When the couple takes their break, the parents typically greet and serve drinks to the honored guests. However, since the pandemic, simply greeting them has become the norm, without serving drinks.

They should visit the tables in order from the honored guest table to the friend tables, starting from the closest to the main table.

As the reception nears its end, there will be the bride's letter reading, presentation of memorial gifts, and the closing remarks, leading to the conclusion.

Parents should stand near the exit door and, after the final proceedings, exit together with the couple, so if they have any belongings, they should pass them to siblings or relatives ahead of time.

@hire_wedding

Tasks for the Parents on the Wedding Day - Schedule ⑦ Farewell

Once the reception concluding, they will see off the guests together with the couple.

Afterward, it’s common for the couple to make appearances at after-parties or gatherings with friends, so they may need help gathering the couple's belongings if necessary.

If there’s a photo shoot inside the venue, it’s recommended for parents to come and watch. Be sure to communicate this in advance.

We Received the Actual Schedule!＊

Recently, I was shown the schedule document for parents from a family that had a wedding. (The venue prepared it.)

Printing this out and highlighting the parents' roles will surely make them happy.

Share the Day’s Schedule and Responsibilities with Your Parents!

We have introduced the wedding day schedule and tasks for the bride and groom’s parents＊

It’s a very important day for their beloved son or daughter. Parents are likely feeling nervous and have many concerns.

Let’s clarify the schedule for the parents and share any requests in advance to alleviate their worries.

➡ For more articles related to parents, click here＊

@momo.wd.1106