However, it was not the setting that made the wedding different, it was the format. The wedding service took place in The Boathouse starting at 4:30pm followed by a drinks reception and canapes for around 30 minutes. The guests were then invited to take their seats for dinner but before the starter was served the compere for the evening introduced the Chief Bridesmaid who spoke affectionately about the Bride. He then introduced the Bride and Groom for the first dance - this was followed by the whole wedding party being invited to join them on the dance floor.
Following the Starter, the compere introduced the Groom’s father who made a heartfelt speech welcoming their new son-in-law to the family then, another dance.
Guests were then invited to take their seats before the Groom made a beautiful speech closely followed by the Main Course. Dancing (including a very long conga) resumed immediately after the Main Course until guests were invited to take their seats for the Best Man’s humorous but respectful speech. Then, some more dancing.
The Groom made his speech and toasted the Bridesmaids before the Sweet was served and after a brief period of more dancing the Bride and Groom cut the cake. The wedding meal lasted almost the entire length of the reception but it was a very pleasant experience; guests were not rushed through a meal and they didn’t have to sit for an extended period during the speeches.
This format also allowed the Bride, Groom and both sets of parents to mingle and talk to everyone throughout the whole wedding - all in all, it was a very relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Have you ever been to a wedding with a non-traditional format? Let us know!